Lordship salvation

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John MacArthur

Lordship salvation is a doctrine taught by many Evangelical theologians, being associated with popular figures such as John MacArthur, John Piper and R. C. Sproul.[1][2][3] Lordship salvation teaches that although we are saved by faith alone, saving faith must be accompanied by submission to the Lordship of Christ, which leads to an obedient life as fruit. This doctrine is in stark contrast with Free Grace theology, which sees faith as distinct from a personal decision to turn from one's sins.[3][4][5][6]

History

See also: Lordship salvation controversy

The doctrines of Lordship salvation have been debated within Evangelical Christianity since at least the early 20th century, when Lewis Sperry Chafer debated B. B. Warfield the topic. It later developed into the Lordship salvation controversy in the late 1980s and the 1990s, centering around the question on if making Jesus as the "Lord of your life" was necessary for salvation.[7][8][9]

Modern advocates of Lordship salvation include individuals such as:

Teachings

John MacArthur describes Lordship salvation as the view that a decision to turn from sin and submit to Jesus must be conjoined with saving faith, leading to a lifetime of fruit, although a person can temporarily fall from obedience.[3] This view denies a distinction between discipleship and salvation, seeing the gospel as a call to discipleship and submission.[3][12] Thus, it teaches that salvation should be viewed as costly, not only because of the cost Jesus paid for the salvation of the elect, but also for the cost which the individual will have to pay for it.[13]: 93  Additionally teaching that assurance of salvation necessitates self-examination.[14]: 96–97 

Advocates of Lordship salvation oppose the doctrine of Free Grace theology, criticizing them for viewing repentance as a mere synonym for faith and for denying personal commitment as a part of saving faith.[3] Lordship salvation advocates such as John Gerstner view Free Grace theology as "Antinomian", arguing that it does not square with the biblical doctrines of grace.[1]

Criticism

Lordship salvation has gained opposition from some Reformed theologians such as R. Scott Clark,[15][16] Free Grace theologians such as Charles Ryrie and Zane Hodges[17][18] along with from those who belong to the so-called "Hyper-Grace" movement such as Andrew Farley.[19]

Critics of Lordship salvation generally argue that it makes assurance impossible,[20] often arguing that it is inconsistent with salvation by faith alone.[19][21]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Lordship Salvation". Ligonier Ministries. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  2. ^ a b Piper, John (1990-02-01). "Letter to a Friend Concerning the So-Called "Lordship Salvation"". Desiring God. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "An Introduction to Lordship Salvation". Grace to You. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  4. ISBN 978-1-4185-1360-3
    .
  5. ISBN 978-0-310-29136-7
    .
  6. ^ "John MacArthur's Lordship Salvation". theaquilareport.com. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  7. ^ Naselli, Andy. "Must Jesus Be Lord?". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  8. ^ "The Lordship Controversy". Grace to You. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  9. ISBN 978-1-60957-580-9
    .
  10. ^ a b Ministries, GraceLife. "A History of Free Grace". www.gracelife.org. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  11. OCLC 27035129
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  12. ^ "The Cost of Discipleship". Grace to You. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  13. ISBN 978-1-4185-1360-3
    .
  14. ISBN 978-1-4185-1360-3
    .
  15. ^ "Lordship Salvation, The Federal Vision, And The Covenant Theology That The Reformation Rejected - The Heidelblog". heidelblog.net/. 2023-01-09. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  16. ^ "My Pilgrimage From "Lordship" to Law/Gospel (part 1) - The Heidelblog". heidelblog.net/. 2022-06-02. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  17. ISBN 978-1-57567-636-4
    .
  18. ISBN 978-0-310-51960-7
    .
  19. ^
    ISBN 978-1-68451-476-2
    .
  20. ^ Wilkin, Bob (2023-07-17). "What Convinces People That Lordship Salvation Is True? – Grace Evangelical Society". Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  21. ^ Wilkin, Bob (2006-09-01). "Lordship Salvation for Dummies – Grace Evangelical Society". Retrieved 2024-04-12.
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