Lordship Salvation Debate
When asked what they believe to be the way to eternal life, Christians usually have no difficulty answering. Oh, its by faith in Jesus and not by good works. The very well known Jn 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” But how many of these same Christians also secretly have doubts when they read the Bible on their own. Is the way to salvation so simple? Why are there so many passages in the Bible that seem to teach that being good is equally important.
1 Corinthians 6:910 (NIV) Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
James 2:14 (NIV) What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NIV) For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
Romans 2:68,13 (NIV) God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” 7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are selfseeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger…13 For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
Philippians 2:12 (NIV) Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyednot only in my presence, but now much more in my absencecontinue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…
Matthew 7:21 (NIV) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
The purpose of this discussion is to try to answer these doubts and come to a harmonious understanding of the Bible.
- Discussion of Salvation-related Terms
- The Effects of Sin on Salvation
- The Characteristics of Saving Faith
- The Necessity of Obedience for Salvation
- Can we be sure of our salvation?