Lordship Salvation

QUESTION: Lordship salvation - What's the discussion about?

ANSWER:

The theology of Lordship Salvation stresses that submitting to Jesus as "Lord of your life" goes hand-in-hand with trusting in Christ at salvation. A changed life should result. Those who profess to Lordship Salvation would doubt an individual who claims to be saved, but his or her life has not changed.

The Bible teaches that faith in Jesus Christ will result in a person's life being changed (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23; James 2:14-26). However, it is also important to consider the person's circumstances, because sometimes spiritual growth takes place fairly quickly, while other times, the growth takes longer to develop. The Bible is clear that a person is saved by faith alone, apart from works (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9). However, the Bible also speaks of a changed life (Ephesians 2:10).

So, how can we reconcile these concepts? Consider these points:

• Faith in Jesus Christ produces change in one's life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
  
  
• A child of God does not want to continue in a life of sin (Romans 6:2).
  
  
• Submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ is an issue of spiritual growth and maturity, not salvation (2 Peter 1:5-8).
  
  
• In order to have salvation, one does not have to submit to God in every area of life. Salvation consists of recognizing that he or she is a sinner, in need salvation, and trusting in Jesus for salvation (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).
  
  
• Christians are called to submit to Him (James 4:7).

So, what is the conclusion? Changing one's life and submitting to Christ's lordship come as the result of salvation, but are not a requirement for salvation.