Lordship salvation

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John MacArthur John F. MacArthur Jr..JPG
John MacArthur
Arthur W. Pink (1886 - 15 July 1952) advocated Lordship salvation- ArthurPink.jpg
Arthur W. Pink (1886 – 15 July 1952) advocated Lordship salvation-

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. [2] [3] [4] 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 and submit to Jesus. [4] [5] [6] [7]

Contents

History

The Neonomian doctrines of Richard Baxter have often been compared to Lordship salvation, which caused a controversy with the Marrow Brethren in the 17th century. [8] [9]

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. [10] [11] [12]

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. [4] This view denies a distinction between discipleship and salvation, seeing the gospel as a call to discipleship and submission. [4] [16] 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. [17] : 93  Additionally teaching that assurance of salvation necessitates self-examination. [18] : 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. [4] 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. [2]

Some advocates of the doctrine such as John Piper additionally teach, that the fruit in the life of a Christian will be the determining factor for "final salvation". Teaching that although initial justification is by faith alone, good works generated by the Holy Spirit will be the basis of final salvation at the judgement of a Christian after death, [19] saying that Christians are saved by faith and the fruit they have generated. [20]

Criticism

Lordship salvation has gained opposition from some Reformed theologians such as R. Scott Clark, [21] [22] Free Grace theologians such as Charles Ryrie and Zane Hodges [23] [24] along with from those who belong to the so-called "Hyper-Grace" movement such as Andrew Farley. [25]

Critics of Lordship salvation generally argue that it makes assurance impossible, [26] often arguing that it is inconsistent with salvation by faith alone. [25] [27] Other critics, such as Ryrie and Hodges, further argue that Lordship salvation is a false gospel, which cannot save, and that the position repeats the Galatian error. [15]

Reformed critics of Lordship salvation such as R. Scott Clark, who is a Reformed seminary professor at Westminster Seminary California, have argued that the doctrine of Lordship salvation does not accurately reflect the Reformation understanding of justification, claiming that it repeats aspects of the medieval understanding of justification which the Reformers rejected. [21] [22] Although Scott Clark rejects Lordship salvation, he also rejected the Free Grace views held by Hodges, arguing that it is an antinomian reaction to the moralism that has developed in the church. [28]

See also

Related Research Articles

Justificatio sola fide, meaning justification by faith alone, is a soteriological doctrine in Christian theology commonly held to distinguish the Lutheran and Reformed traditions of Protestantism, among others, from the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Assyrian and Anabaptist churches. The doctrine asserts that it is on the basis of faith alone that believers are made right of sin ; and not on the basis of what Paul the Apostle calls "works of the law", which sola fide proponents interpret as including not only moral, legal or ceremonial requirements but any good works or "works of charity."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grace in Christianity</span> Concept in Christianity

In Western Christian theology, grace is created by God who gives it as help to one because God desires one to have it, not necessarily because of anything one has done to earn it. It is understood by Western Christians to be a spontaneous gift from God to people – "generous, free and totally unexpected and undeserved" – that takes the form of divine favor, love, clemency, and a share in the divine life of God. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, grace is the uncreated Energies of God. Among Eastern Christians generally, grace is considered to be the partaking of the Divine Nature described in 2 Peter 1:4 and grace is the working of God himself, not a created substance of any kind that can be treated like a commodity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Legalism (theology)</span> Pejorative for performative Christianity

In Christian theology, "legalism" is a pejorative term applied to the idea that "by doing good works or by obeying the law, a person earns and merits salvation." The term has been criticized by certain Christian traditions, such as Conservative Anabaptists who have said that being a disciple of Jesus means being obedient to New Testament commands, and the same is "crucial evidence that an individual has repented, believed, and yielded to Christ."

Antinomianism is any view which rejects laws or legalism and argues against moral, religious or social norms, or is at least considered to do so. The term has both religious and secular meanings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justification (theology)</span> Concept of Christian theology

In Christian theology, justification is the event or process by which sinners are made or declared to be righteous in the sight of God.

Charles Caldwell Ryrie was an American Bible scholar and Christian theologian. He served as professor of systematic theology and dean of doctoral studies at Dallas Theological Seminary and as president and professor at what is now Cairn University. After his retirement from Dallas Theological Seminary he also taught courses for Tyndale Theological Seminary. He is considered one of the most influential American theologians of the 20th century. He was the editor of The Ryrie Study Bible by Moody Publishers, containing more than 10,000 of Ryrie's explanatory notes. First published in 1978, it has sold more than 2 million copies. He was a notable proponent of classic dispensationalism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Irresistible grace</span> Calvinist theological doctrine

Irresistible grace is a doctrine in Christian theology particularly associated with Calvinism, which teaches that the saving grace of God is effectually applied to those whom he has determined to save and, in God's timing, overcomes their resistance to obeying the call of the gospel, bringing them to faith in Christ. It is to be distinguished from prevenient grace, particularly associated with Arminianism, which teaches that the offer of salvation through grace does not act irresistibly in a purely cause-effect, deterministic method, but rather in an influence-and-response fashion that can be both freely accepted and freely denied.

Hyper-Calvinism is a branch of Protestant theology that places strong emphasis on supralapsarianism, or salvation from eternity, where the atonement of Christ was and is difficult for the non-elect to understand, where man has little to do with his salvation, there being nothing man can do to resist being saved, wherein evangelism was given lower emphasis as compared to traditional Calvinism, and where assurance of salvation was felt within a person, identified by introspection.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John MacArthur (American pastor)</span> American Reformed Baptist pastor, televangelist, and author (born 1939)

John Fullerton MacArthur Jr. is an American pastor and author who hosts the national Christian radio and television program Grace to You. He has been the pastor of Grace Community Church, a non-denominational church in Sun Valley, California since February 9, 1969. He is currently the chancellor emeritus of The Master's University in Santa Clarita and The Master's Seminary.

Eternal security, also known as "once saved, always saved" is the belief providing Christian believers with absolute assurance of their final salvation. Its development, particularly within Protestantism, has given rise to diverse interpretations, especially in relation with the defining aspects of theological determinism, libertarian free will and the significance of personal perseverance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marrow Controversy</span> 1718–1720s Scottish theology dispute

The Marrow Controversy was a Scottish ecclesiastical dispute occasioned by the republication in 1718 of The Marrow of Modern Divinity. The work consists of religious dialogues which discuss the doctrine of the atonement and aim to guide the reader safely between Antinomianism and Neonomianism. The dispute involved two parties, being the Marrow Brethren and the General Assembly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Neonomianism</span> Christian view of Gospel as a new law

Neonomianism in Christian theology is the doctrine that the Gospel is a new law, the requirements of which humanity fulfills by faith and repentance, often including a distinction between initial and final justification, the latter being merited through good deeds. Neonomianism is most often associated with the theology of Richard Baxter (1615–1691) and James Hadow (1667–1747). The theology of Richard Baxter has caused much controversy among Reformed theologians, because his teachings have been seen as opposing justification by faith alone. Neonomianism was significant within the Marrow Controversy.

The lordship salvation controversy is a theological dispute regarding a soteriological question within Christianity on the relationship between faith and works. This debate has been notably present among some non-denominational and Evangelical churches in North America at least since the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zane C. Hodges</span> American biblical scholar (1932–2008)

Zane Clark Hodges was an American pastor, seminary professor, and Bible scholar.

Free grace theology is a Christian soteriological view which holds that the only condition of salvation is faith, excluding good works and perseverance, holding to eternal security. Free grace advocates believe that good works are not necessary to merit, to maintain or to prove salvation, but rather are part of discipleship and the basis for receiving eternal rewards. This soteriological view distinguishes between salvation and discipleship – the call to believe in Christ as Savior and to receive the gift of eternal life, and the call to follow Christ and become an obedient disciple, respectively. Free grace theologians emphasize the absolute freeness of salvation and the possibility of full assurance that is not grounded upon personal performance. Thus, Free Grace theology allows for the salvation of an individual despite moral failings, although the disobedient Christian will face divine discipline. Norman Geisler has divided this view into a moderate form and a more radical form. The moderate form being associated with Charles Ryrie and the strong form with Zane Hodges.

In Christian theology, good works, or simply works, are a person's (exterior) actions and deeds that align with the moral teachings, emphasizing compassion, charity, kindness and adherence to biblical principles, in contrast to inner qualities such as grace or faith. Rooted in the belief that faith should manifest in positive actions, the concept underscores the importance of living out one's faith through generosity. Adherents emphasize the significance of engaging in altruism as a demonstration of their devotion to God. These actions, guided by the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible, are viewed as tangible expressions of love, obedience and righteousness within the framework of the Christian worldview. The concept of good works is intricately linked to the theological belief in salvation through faith rather than a means of earning salvation, as Christians seek to manifest their gratitude for God's grace by actively participating in acts of service to others. This theological perspective places significance on the transformative power of good works in fostering a life reflective of Christian values. Christians are often encouraged to love their neighbors, care for the unfortunate, and promote moral values in their communities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Repentance in Christianity</span> Attitude of sorrow in Christianity involving turning away from sin

Repentance, in Christianity, refers to being sorrowful for having committed sin and then turning away from sin toward a life of holiness.

Sola gratia, meaning by grace alone, is one of the five solae and consists in the belief that salvation comes by divine grace or "unmerited favor" only, not as something earned or deserved by the sinner. It is a Christian theological doctrine held by some Protestant Christian denominations, in particular the Lutheran and Reformed traditions of Protestantism, propounded to summarise the Protestant Reformers' basic soteriology during the Reformation. In addition, salvation by grace is taught by the Catholic Church: "By the grace of God, we are saved through our faith; this faith entails by its very nature, good works, always enabled by prior grace, without which this faith is dead."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marrow Brethren</span> Group inside Presbyterianism

The Marrow Brethren, also called Marrowmen, were a group inside Presbyterianism. The name is derived from the book "Marrow of Modern Divinity", which caused a controversy in the Scottish Church, called the Marrow Controversy. The leading figures of the Marrow Brethren included Thomas Boston, Robert Riccaltoun, James Hog, John Williamson, James Bathgate, and Ebenezer Erskine along with the author of the Marrow, Edward Fisher. The General Assembly condemned the Marrow for being antinomian.

Hyper-Grace also called the modern grace message is a soteriological doctrine in Christianity which emphasizes divine grace and holds to eternal security. The view has been mostly popularized among certain expressions of Charismatic Christianity. Hyper-Grace has been advocated by Christian teachers such as Joseph Prince, Paul Ellis and Andrew Farley among many others. The term "Hyper-Grace" has been given to the view by its critics, however the term has been embraced by some who teach it.

References

  1. 1 2 Nash, H. Ronald (1993). "The Controversy Over Lordship Salvation". Great divides: understanding the controversies that come between Christians. NavPress. ISBN   0-89109-696-5. OCLC   27035129.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Lordship Salvation". Ligonier Ministries. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  3. 1 2 Piper, John (1990-02-01). "Letter to a Friend Concerning the So-Called "Lordship Salvation"". Desiring God. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "An Introduction to Lordship Salvation". Grace to You. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  5. ↑ MacArthur, John F. (2006-01-08). Hard to Believe: The High Cost and Infinite Value of Following Jesus. Thomas Nelson. ISBN   978-1-4185-1360-3.
  6. ↑ MacArthur, John (2008). The Gospel According to Jesus: What is Authentic Faith?. Zondervan. ISBN   978-0-310-29136-7.
  7. ↑ "John MacArthur's Lordship Salvation". theaquilareport.com. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  8. ↑ Nyenhuis, Jacob E. (2007-06-06). A Goodly Heritage: Essays in Honor of the Reverend Dr. Elton J. Bruins at Eighty. Eerdmans Publishing Company. ISBN   978-0-8028-6002-6. John MacArthur Jr. ... receiving him as Lord ) and the " antinomian " advocates of free grace ( e.g. , dispensationalists at Dallas Seminary ) clearly echoes the issues argued by the Marrow Men and their " neonomian " opponents .
  9. ↑ Packer, Timothy Beougher And J. I. (16 December 1991). "'Go Fetch Baxter'". ChristianityToday.com. Retrieved 2022-11-09.
  10. ↑ Naselli, Andy. "Must Jesus Be Lord?". The Gospel Coalition. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  11. ↑ "The Lordship Controversy". Grace to You. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  12. ↑ Bing, Charles C. (July 2010). Lordship Salvation: A Biblical Evaluation and Response. Xulon Press. ISBN   978-1-60957-580-9.
  13. 1 2 Ministries, GraceLife. "A History of Free Grace". www.gracelife.org. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  14. ↑ Slick, Matt (2014-05-26). "What is Lordship salvation and is it biblical?". Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  15. 1 2 "The Controversy Over Lordship Salvation". C.S. Lewis Institute. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  16. ↑ "The Cost of Discipleship". Grace to You. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  17. ↑ MacArthur, John F. (2006-01-08). Hard to Believe: The High Cost and Infinite Value of Following Jesus. Thomas Nelson. ISBN   978-1-4185-1360-3.
  18. ↑ MacArthur, John F. (2006-01-08). Hard to Believe: The High Cost and Infinite Value of Following Jesus. Thomas Nelson. ISBN   978-1-4185-1360-3.
  19. ↑ Will We Be Finally ‘Saved’ by Faith Alone? , retrieved 2024-07-01
  20. ↑ Piper, John (2017-09-25). "Does God Really Save Us by Faith Alone?". Desiring God. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
  21. 1 2 "Lordship Salvation, The Federal Vision, And The Covenant Theology That The Reformation Rejected". The Heidelblog . 2023-01-09. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  22. 1 2 "My Pilgrimage From "Lordship" to Law/Gospel (part 1) - The Heidelblog". heidelblog.net/. 2022-06-02. Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  23. ↑ Ryrie, Charles C. (1997-07-01). So Great Salvation: What It Means to Believe in Jesus Christ. Moody Publishers. ISBN   978-1-57567-636-4.
  24. ↑ Hodges, Zane Clark (1989). Absolutely Free!: A Biblical Reply to Lordship Salvation. Zondervan. ISBN   978-0-310-51960-7.
  25. 1 2 Farley, Andrew (2023-10-17). 101 Bible Questions: And the Surprising Answers You May Not Hear in Church. Simon and Schuster. ISBN   978-1-68451-476-2.
  26. ↑ Wilkin, Bob (2023-07-17). "What Convinces People That Lordship Salvation Is True? – Grace Evangelical Society" . Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  27. ↑ Wilkin, Bob (2006-09-01). "Lordship Salvation for Dummies – Grace Evangelical Society" . Retrieved 2024-04-12.
  28. ↑ "You Might Be An Antinomian (Or Maybe Not) - The Heidelblog". heidelblog.net/. 2014-02-28. Retrieved 2024-07-01.
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