Saturday, November 18, 2006

The Debate Continues...















The Lordship salvation discussion continues here. There are multiple failures in the non-Lordship argument; indeed, it is difficult to read the New Testament with any consistency and come away with a conclusion other than submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ as a condition of salvation. In Philippians 1: 6, Paul says, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus (NASB)." The faith that believes Christ died for our sins, rose to give us resurrection life, and imputed His righteousness to our account, also believes that God continues to work in us to accomplish His purpose. The sheep which trusts the Shepherd to rescue it also follows the Shepherd.

2 Comments:

Blogger Antonio said...

If submission to Christ is a condition for eternal life, then salvation is no longer free but the result of the faithful enacting of a contract between the sinner and God.

Man's part:
submit to the lordship of Christ

God's part:
save if man's part is enacted

"Let him who desires take the water of life freely" (Rev 22:17). In other words, no contractual provisos. Eternal life is absolutely free!

6:20 PM  
Blogger herewegoagain said...

Greetings, Antonio;

Your argument suggests that we redefine "free" to mean "without stipulations." This obviously cannot be the meaning of "free" with regard to salvation, otherwise you end up with the doctrine of Universalism, which even the adherents of your view reject. Your camp would agree that there are doctrinal requirements which must be accepted at the point of salvation.

The real question is, what does saving faith encompass? The New Testament makes it clear that repentance and submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ are essential characteristics of the faith that saves.

Hope you have a happy Thanksgiving.

9:33 AM  

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