Examining the Lordship vs. Free Grace Debate
An Overview of Christian Concepts of Salvation
Jan 27, 2009
What must one do to be saved?
Christians have long been divided in their answer to this question. One side advocates that accepting Christ’s sacrifice—regardless of one’s lifestyle or actions—is enough to gain admission into Heaven. Others argue that simply calling Jesus one’s Savior will not make a difference in the long run; rather, Christians must allow Jesus to reign over them by following His will and commandments. This debate may have a simple answer—based in Christ’s greatest Two Commandments.
Lordship Salvation
One of the strongest Bible verses advocating Lordship Salvation—the idea that one must defer to Christ’s will and command—occurs in the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus explains: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” (Matthew 7:21). The same book includes the “Sheep and the Goats” parable (Matthew 25:31-46), where Christ foresees a judgment based on how one treats others.
Few, if any proponents of Lordship Salvation purport that good deeds are a replacement for faith; instead, the argument goes that good deeds and a turning from sin are a sign of salvation. 1 John 3:4-10 provides a fitting summary of the argument. The author writes, “No one who abides in Him sins… No one who is born of God practices sin…anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.” These verses make the presence of sin in one’s life into an indicator of their salvation.
Free Grace Salvation
The other side of the argument encompasses those who believe that God’s salvation is unconditional; in other words, one who believes in Christ’s sacrifice without a change of lifestyle will still inherit the kingdom of God. This position is grounded in Bible passages such as John 3:16 (“whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life”), John 3:18 (“he who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already”) and Romans 8:1, which states: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Like the Bible passages advocating Lordship Salvation, these verses appear direct and unequivocal in their message.
Free Grace proponents have divisions of their own, however. Some believe that repentance is a necessary accompaniment to faith in Christ; others think that faith alone in Jesus is sufficient. There is also the matter of whether or not a believing Christian can ever lose their salvation, even if they regress into disbelief.
The Role of the Two Great Commandments in the Dispute
Perhaps the answer to the question of salvation lies in the Two Great Commandments Jesus expressed: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart your soul your mind, and with all your strength… you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:30-31). Those who truly love God will believe in Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God the Father, which God desires all of humanity to do, and produce the good works that grow from one's faith.
(Bible quotes from NASB translation)
Further Reading
Another article dealing with the requirement(s) for salvation is "Steps That may be Necessary for Forgiveness," which further explores the topic.
Both proponents and opponents of the "Lordship salvation" theory may wish to read "Giving Control to God," an article which explains the benefits of allowing God to lead one's life (whether or not it is a requirement for salvation).
It is important to serve God, but out of what motive? The article "Serving God out of Love, not Fear or Compulsion" explains why it is important to have a loving, not compulsory attitude towardsthe Christian mission.
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