Not by Might

Q. Aren’t you simply teaching Lordship Salvation?

– James

A. Good question, James. Thank you. If you define Lordship Salvation in the traditional sense, then no. Absolutely not. Lordship Salvation, as the term has been used in my lifetime, means that one must prove himself or herself to earn salvation. In other words, Lordship Salvation teaches that salvation is accomplished by our works. This is in clear conflict with the Bible. This is following the Law to work our way into heaven. If even just one man or woman could do this, then Christ’s sacrifice was unnecessary. We could all just worship William or Sally or whoever accomplished such a feat. 

Salvation is obtained only by grace through faith, lest anyone should boast. 

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

– Ephesians 2:8-9

God didn’t rescue us from sin and death with only the promise of eternal life. Our deliverance begins at salvation and continues to work in us our entire lives. This work of the Holy Spirit is known as sanctification and it brings us to victory over sin. Our divergence at salvation also leads us into a living relationship with our Savior that compels us to do good works. Look at the next verse in Ephesians. 

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

– Ephesians 2:10

Christ calls us to follow him. He calls us to repentance. He calls us to share in His victory over SIN and death. He compels us through His love and his example (and His commands) to be holy. 

One cannot obtain salvation through good works, but one who truly develops a relationship with God will make Him Lord and do the good works that He shows us to do.