A definition of terms is helpful in any theological debate. In many of the debates on this board I witness two people arguing according to different definitions. They're not debating the same thing. Considering the present Lordship Salvation thread I think it's helpful to know what each side believes.
From the perspective of those who are adherents of Lordship Salvation, this soteriological view is divided into two distinct categories:
1. What transpires during the process of salvation, vis a vie the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
2. What dynamic does the Lordship of Christ play in the life of a believer?
What transpires during the process of salvation?
Both sides of the debate believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8, 9). Works of man play no part in salvation. When a sinner comes to faith two things happen. First, the sinner becomes a saint. The old man dies and is replaced by a new man (Rom. 6:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17). Secondly, the former sinner's allegiance and affections change. No longer is the new saint a child of wrath following the "prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2-3). The new saint is a son of God (Gal. 3:26), and a citizen of the kingdom of light (1 Peter 2:9).
During the process of salvation repentance takes place. This repentance is both negative and positive. Negatively it is a turning from self and sin. Positively it is a turning towards God (Acts 11:18). Lordship Salvation does not teach that a new believer must exhibit Christian maturity or good works before they can be considered a bona fide believer. There is no waiting period before a professed believer can start their journey of discipleship. Lordship Salvation does teach that Jesus Christ has the proper legal standing over His church, made possible by His purchasing the Church, through His blood, on the cross. Jesus Christ is Lord whether the new believer understands that or not.
What dynamic does the Lordship of Christ play in the life of a believer?
There is a Christian doctrine called progressive sanctification. Phil. 1:6 states, "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." Christians are a constant work in progress. From the moment a sinner is regenerated the Holy Spirit is working to confirm that person more and more to Christ. Rom. 8:29 states that the elect of God are being conformed to the image of His Son. Eph. 2:10 states that believers were created for good works. All of these things are positive markers of an obedient servant. If these things are lacking then the professed believer may be illegitimate. There is an old saying, "not every professor is a possessor."
Progressive sanctification does not teach that a believer is immune to periods of disobedience or stagnation. In fact, that is exactly how we grow. God often tests us. We invariably fail the test and are driven to confession and repentance. Hopefully we learn our lesson and progress in our sanctification. That is the Christian life. Christ-likeness is perfected in our failures through the Spirit's work in our life.
From the perspective of those who are adherents of Lordship Salvation, this soteriological view is divided into two distinct categories:
1. What transpires during the process of salvation, vis a vie the Lordship of Jesus Christ?
2. What dynamic does the Lordship of Christ play in the life of a believer?
What transpires during the process of salvation?
Both sides of the debate believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8, 9). Works of man play no part in salvation. When a sinner comes to faith two things happen. First, the sinner becomes a saint. The old man dies and is replaced by a new man (Rom. 6:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17). Secondly, the former sinner's allegiance and affections change. No longer is the new saint a child of wrath following the "prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2-3). The new saint is a son of God (Gal. 3:26), and a citizen of the kingdom of light (1 Peter 2:9).
During the process of salvation repentance takes place. This repentance is both negative and positive. Negatively it is a turning from self and sin. Positively it is a turning towards God (Acts 11:18). Lordship Salvation does not teach that a new believer must exhibit Christian maturity or good works before they can be considered a bona fide believer. There is no waiting period before a professed believer can start their journey of discipleship. Lordship Salvation does teach that Jesus Christ has the proper legal standing over His church, made possible by His purchasing the Church, through His blood, on the cross. Jesus Christ is Lord whether the new believer understands that or not.
What dynamic does the Lordship of Christ play in the life of a believer?
There is a Christian doctrine called progressive sanctification. Phil. 1:6 states, "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." Christians are a constant work in progress. From the moment a sinner is regenerated the Holy Spirit is working to confirm that person more and more to Christ. Rom. 8:29 states that the elect of God are being conformed to the image of His Son. Eph. 2:10 states that believers were created for good works. All of these things are positive markers of an obedient servant. If these things are lacking then the professed believer may be illegitimate. There is an old saying, "not every professor is a possessor."
Progressive sanctification does not teach that a believer is immune to periods of disobedience or stagnation. In fact, that is exactly how we grow. God often tests us. We invariably fail the test and are driven to confession and repentance. Hopefully we learn our lesson and progress in our sanctification. That is the Christian life. Christ-likeness is perfected in our failures through the Spirit's work in our life.
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