Free Grace Theology Vs. Lordship Salvation

[Byron A]

When I first read about Free Grace Theology, there was a warming in my spirit. Ever since then, I have read many refutations of Free Grace Theology, but none have been able to convince me.

So where do you stand?

Some articles for those who know nothing of the debate:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lordship_salvation_controversy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_grace

[nebula]

One day, Jesus is approached by a young man, a rich ruler.

This rich young ruler asks Jesus, "What must I do to be saved?"

Jesus says to him, "Do you believe in me, that I am the Son of God, that my death will bring you life?"

"Why yes I do!" the rich young ruler says.

"Well, that's all you need," Jesus replies.

"Oh," the man says, "I can remain a rich ruler and still be saved, so long as I have faith in You?"

"Of course!" Jesus responds.

"Hurray, I'm saved!" he exclaims, and returns to his dwelling, living as he lived and doing as he did - but with a new found faith.

[Byron A]

One day, Jesus is approached by a young man, a rich ruler.

This rich young ruler asks Jesus, "What must I do to be saved?"

Jesus says to him, "Do you believe in me, that I am the Son of God, that my death will bring you life?"

"Why yes I do!" the rich young ruler says.

"Well, that's all you need," Jesus replies.

"Oh," the man says, "I can remain a rich ruler and still be saved, so long as I have faith in You?"

"Of course!" Jesus responds.

"Hurray, I'm saved!" he exclaims, and returns to his dwelling, living as he lived and doing as he did - but with a new found faith.

The problem of the Rich young ruler was that he was looking at it all wrong. "What must I do to be saved?" Jesus response (listing a bunch of commandments) was to show that if you want to earn your salvation, you must perfectly obey all the commandments, which we know is impossible. The only possible way to be saved is by placing your faith in Jesus Christ.

There is nothing we can do in order to be saved. Grace is a free gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.

[~candice~]

Faith without works is dead.

[Matthitjah]

Faith without works is dead.

Amen sis!

Jas 2:17

Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone.

Jas 2:18

Yea, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

[~candice~]

Byron, do you see sanctification as optional? All truly saved Christians will go on to higher and higher degrees of sanctification.

GBU

[Matthitjah]

Abraham's works followed his Faith.

[enoob57]

When I first read about Free Grace Theology, there was a warming in my spirit. Ever since then, I have read many refutations of Free Grace Theology, but none have been able to convince me.

So where do you stand?

Some articles for those who know nothing of the debate:

http://en.wikipedia....ion_controversy

http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Free_grace

If Christ is in you ... you will not be able to hide Him as life continues for you will grow or you will be taken! We have been purchased with His Blood to be New Creation in Him. Love Steven

[nebula]

One day, Jesus is approached by a young man, a rich ruler.

This rich young ruler asks Jesus, "What must I do to be saved?"

Jesus says to him, "Do you believe in me, that I am the Son of God, that my death will bring you life?"

"Why yes I do!" the rich young ruler says.

"Well, that's all you need," Jesus replies.

"Oh," the man says, "I can remain a rich ruler and still be saved, so long as I have faith in You?"

"Of course!" Jesus responds.

"Hurray, I'm saved!" he exclaims, and returns to his dwelling, living as he lived and doing as he did - but with a new found faith.

The problem of the Rich young ruler was that he was looking at it all wrong. "What must I do to be saved?" Jesus response (listing a bunch of commandments) was to show that if you want to earn your salvation, you must perfectly obey all the commandments, which we know is impossible. The only possible way to be saved is by placing your faith in Jesus Christ.

There is nothing we can do in order to be saved. Grace is a free gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Wow, the message went clear over your head.

In the real account, what did Jesus tell the rich young he must do?

[Byron A]

Faith without works is dead.

Here are some notes that I found helpful in understanding this verse: http://www.faithalone.org/sermons/James2.htm

Basically, you have to look at it in context. Nowhere does it say that James has eternal salvation in mind when saying this. Faith without works is dead, not in the sense that the person is unsaved (someone who has died has not lost their salvation), but rather it is lifeless faith. It is useless to everyone in a practical sense, because it does not help anyone.

That is the gist of it. For details, go to the link above which will answer many objections to this interpretation that you may have.