"Free Grace Theology" (FGT) stands (in some people's thinking) as the complete opposite of "Lordship Salvation." (LS)
That may not be accurate, especially as those who are reformed would perhaps express there view(s) on salvation.
Comparison (in simple terms) of the two views:
The reformed consider that God not only initiates, but in every aspect brings about the salvation of a person. That the person has no claim of initiating nor in any manner making a self willed decision of salvation. That God / Christ is not just the "author" but also the "finisher" of salvation.
In the simplest terms, "FGT" has similar thinking. There is a lack of agreement among theological groupings, but basically all hold that God is the initiator and the one that accomplishes all that is necessary for salvation. That not one item of work is accomplished by anyone to gain salvation. Salvation is a gift and not of works. (Certainly, there are those Arminian types who use the word "accept" and "reject" but at the basic level salvation is still presented as a gift)
So, there is at the very basic level agreement.
For this thread, let's start with two "sticking points."
One "sticking point" seems to be is the matter of "Lordship." That some "making Him Lord" must be part of the salvation or there is no salvation.
Here is the problem as I see it. Anytime one has to "make Him" anything that is initiating on some level works.
That one will by the new nature grow and mature as a believer is a distinguishable characteristic that even the world can bear witness - that the believer is changed. Such growth and evidence of growth is Scriptural. But that evidence does not bring salvation, nor is it a token of salvation. It is a token of the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the believer to separation away from the fleshly. Salvation is already given - it is a gift.
Another "sticking point" is the matter of repentance as it relates to salvation. Again, some view the repentance or lack of repentance as some key to unlock (my terms) salvation.
Here is the problem as I see it. Anytime one has to repent to be saved, one must do a work. Such thinking is NOT consistent with reformed views, but more in line with the Arminian.
When the Holy Spirit works and a believer is born, repentance pours forth from the new nature as natural as the cry, "Lord I believe!" Such "Godly sorrow" cannot be separated from the believer anymore than the salvation. It is part of the new nature and the impulse of the Holy Spirit bringing that believer aware of their need is hand in glove. It is not a work of flesh, but a work of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is already given - it is a gift.
Now there are other "sticking points" that this thread may travel, but what I have attempted by this OP is to show that FGT may fit the Reformed thinking far better than some may have understood it could fit.
Then again, it may not.
I look forward to how this thread develops.
That may not be accurate, especially as those who are reformed would perhaps express there view(s) on salvation.
Comparison (in simple terms) of the two views:
The reformed consider that God not only initiates, but in every aspect brings about the salvation of a person. That the person has no claim of initiating nor in any manner making a self willed decision of salvation. That God / Christ is not just the "author" but also the "finisher" of salvation.
In the simplest terms, "FGT" has similar thinking. There is a lack of agreement among theological groupings, but basically all hold that God is the initiator and the one that accomplishes all that is necessary for salvation. That not one item of work is accomplished by anyone to gain salvation. Salvation is a gift and not of works. (Certainly, there are those Arminian types who use the word "accept" and "reject" but at the basic level salvation is still presented as a gift)
So, there is at the very basic level agreement.
For this thread, let's start with two "sticking points."
One "sticking point" seems to be is the matter of "Lordship." That some "making Him Lord" must be part of the salvation or there is no salvation.
Here is the problem as I see it. Anytime one has to "make Him" anything that is initiating on some level works.
That one will by the new nature grow and mature as a believer is a distinguishable characteristic that even the world can bear witness - that the believer is changed. Such growth and evidence of growth is Scriptural. But that evidence does not bring salvation, nor is it a token of salvation. It is a token of the work of the Holy Spirit bringing the believer to separation away from the fleshly. Salvation is already given - it is a gift.
Another "sticking point" is the matter of repentance as it relates to salvation. Again, some view the repentance or lack of repentance as some key to unlock (my terms) salvation.
Here is the problem as I see it. Anytime one has to repent to be saved, one must do a work. Such thinking is NOT consistent with reformed views, but more in line with the Arminian.
When the Holy Spirit works and a believer is born, repentance pours forth from the new nature as natural as the cry, "Lord I believe!" Such "Godly sorrow" cannot be separated from the believer anymore than the salvation. It is part of the new nature and the impulse of the Holy Spirit bringing that believer aware of their need is hand in glove. It is not a work of flesh, but a work of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is already given - it is a gift.
Now there are other "sticking points" that this thread may travel, but what I have attempted by this OP is to show that FGT may fit the Reformed thinking far better than some may have understood it could fit.
Then again, it may not.
I look forward to how this thread develops.
