Episode Overview

In this episode of Doctrine Matters, pastor and theologian Kevin DeYoung explores the foundational Christian doctrine of union with Christ within the wider context of salvation (soteriology) and the "order of salvation" (ordo salutis). DeYoung unpacks where union with Christ fits in classical and contemporary discussions, why it matters, and how it relates to other key doctrines. He also dives into the concept of general calling—what it means and why it's central to the mission of the church.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Framing the Order of Salvation

• Defining the Ordo Salutis: DeYoung explains that the "ordo salutis" refers to the logical (not necessarily temporal) sequence of salvation’s various aspects, such as predestination, calling, justification, and glorification, citing Ephesians 1 and Romans 8.
  • Quote:

    "We're talking about this golden chain. ... They're not all temporal. That's what we mean."
    — Kevin DeYoung [03:40]

• Purpose of the Ordo: It's not meant to be rigid or purely sequential but helps clarify logical relationships in how salvation works.

2. Union with Christ: Central, Not Just Sequential

• Union as the Heart of Salvation: Rather than being one step among many, union with Christ is the foundation—all blessings flow from being “in Christ”.
  • Quote:

    “Union with Christ is not a single specific blessing... but rather, it's a phrase to describe all the blessings.”
    — Kevin DeYoung [07:10]

• Theological Debate: There’s debate over where union with Christ “fits.” Some want it to replace the ordo salutis; others fear it could overshadow justification. DeYoung argues for both/and—not either/or.
• Historic Approaches:
  • Westminster Confession of Faith: Lists order of salvation without explicitly mentioning union with Christ.
  • Westminster Larger Catechism: Begins with union with Christ.
  • John Murray: Places union with Christ late in the process, yet calls it central.
    • Quote:

      “It underlies every step in the application of redemption. Union with Christ is really the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation.”
      — John Murray (quoted by Kevin DeYoung) [09:38]

3. Scriptural Foundations for Union with Christ

• Rich New Testament Witness:
  • 200+ Paul Uses: Phrases like “in Christ,” "in Him," and "with Christ" occur over 200 times in Paul’s letters and over two dozen in John's.
  • Metaphors:
    • Marriage: Church as bride, Christ as groom.
    • Body: Christ as head, believers as members.
    • Plant: Believers grafted into Christ for life and growth.
  • Examples:
    • Election, redemption, calling, justification, sanctification, glorification—all are “in Christ.”

4. General Calling: The Gospel’s Universal Invitation

• Definition: The “general call” is the open, external invitation for all people to repent, believe, and receive salvation.
  • Quote:

    “The gospel is meant to be an aroma of life wafting out into the world, a fragrance of death to some and life to others. Same gospel perfume, different noses.”
    — Kevin DeYoung [15:05]

• Distinction: General calling (external and universal) vs. effectual calling (internal and specific)—the latter is explored in further episodes.
  • Quote:

    “There are many who will be called and few that are chosen. ... Jesus taught there would be a general external call that would often not correspond with a special internal effectual call.”
    — Kevin DeYoung [15:50]

• Sincerity of the Gospel Call: The call is genuine (“a bona fide gospel call”), even if not all respond. He rejects the notion—sometimes found among hyper-Calvinists—that the church shouldn’t make earnest gospel appeals to all.

5. Confessional and Practical Implications

• Reformed Confessions: Cites the Canons of Dort insisting the gospel call be made “without differentiation or discrimination” to all peoples.
  • Quote:

    “The invitation is still sincere. That famous line from Spurgeon: ... because the elect don't have yellow stripes down their back. ... God will make the effectual call, a bona fide gospel appeal and promise.”
    — Kevin DeYoung [18:45]

• Biblical & Missional Emphasis: The promise of Christ ("I am the bread of life ... whoever comes to me") should be proclaimed boldly, trusting God’s faithfulness in salvation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Logical Not Temporal Sequence:

  “We would give the wrong impression if we thought there was a tidy temporal sequence to all of this... we’re thinking of logically how to conceive of various aspects of our salvation, not necessarily that this happened. And then an hour later on your watch, this happened.”
  — Kevin DeYoung [03:20]

• On Union with Christ as All-Embracing:

  “Union with Christ is not a single specific blessing we receive in our salvation. Rather, it’s a phrase to describe all the blessings…”
  — Kevin DeYoung [07:10]

• On Universal Gospel Call:

  “This is not a bait and switch... the promise if you would repent and believe and come to Christ, your sins would be forgiven, even if God has not purposed… to effectually give to all people the gift of faith.”
  — Kevin DeYoung [16:52]

• On Preaching to All:

  “If you're a Calvinist, why do you preach the way you do? ... because the elect don't have yellow stripes down their back.”
  — Charles Spurgeon (via DeYoung) [19:47]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:15] — Introduction to Soteriology and Ordo Salutis
• [03:10] — Explaining Logical vs. Temporal Order
• [07:10] — What Is Union with Christ?
• [09:38] — John Murray on the Centrality of Union
• [12:05] — Biblical Metaphors and "In Christ" Language
• [15:05] — General Calling: Universal Gospel Offer
• [18:45] — Canons of Dort, Spurgeon, and Gospel Sincerity
• [21:00] — Wrap-up and Preview of Effectual Calling

Conclusion

Kevin DeYoung makes the case that union with Christ is the heart of Christian salvation, tying together every blessing and stage—from election to final glory. While its placement in the order of salvation has been debated, its centrality in Scripture is undeniable. DeYoung warns against minimizing the necessity or genuineness of the church’s outward call to all people: “The promise is still true, the invitation is still sincere.” The episode closes with encouragement to preach, teach, and believe the openness of the gospel offer, trusting God’s sovereign purpose in who responds.