My question (most likely a stupid question, but my question nonetheless): So if the end result is the same (assurance of salvation and where we will spend eternity), what difference does the "order of salvation" make? (Why do I have the sneaking hunch I'm gonna be sorry I asked that??!!) :)
You ask a legitimate question. The answer is important because it helps us truly understand the grace and love of God and our truly desperate need. 1 Cor 2:14 shows us the extent of the radical depravity we had as natural men,
But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
Note the inability to understand. This leads us to ask, "how can a man in such a state understand God's message concerning his radical depravity and have a change of mind ( = repentance) to think about his condition the same way God does. The answer is he needs a heart transplant (see Ezek 36:26) The Bible calls this regeneration. This regeneration permits us to confess "Jesus is Lord." Does this make sense?
I always thought regeneration, repentance and conversion all happened at the same glorious time!! But I was saved when I was 8 years old...most likely didn't understand things like "natural man", "radical depravity", and heart transplants!! I just knew I was a sinner who needed a Savior, Jesus was that Savior, and I confessed that "He is Lord"!
Pretty simple, when you get right down to it! However, now that I know what REALLY happened to me way back then, it's even MORE miraculous!!