We have arrived at the conclusion of this series by Dr. Rick Flanders. If you are new to this series you might begin with Part One, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.
One of the most hotly debated issues in the Lordship Salvation (LS) controversy revolves around the doctrines of salvation and discipleship. Most LS advocates see these as one and the same. LS advocates blur the lines of distinction, which creates an evangelistic message that conditions the reception of eternal life on a lost man’s upfront commitment to what should be the results of a genuine conversion in discipleship.
LET’S GET IT STRAIGHT
Confusion over the distinctions between salvation and discipleship is doing serious harm in many lives today. People who have a hard time being sure of their salvation usually are having trouble because of preaching they have heard. Some otherwise sound preachers mix up the requirements of discipleship with the requirement for salvation, and are in this way preaching false doctrine. The requirement for salvation is simple faith. The requirements for discipleship include self-denial, absolute surrender to Christ, and the forsaking of all. Preachers must preach discipleship, but not discipleship for salvation. Failure at discipleship does not prove that one is not saved. Salvation is about “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17). Discipleship is about “If any man serve me, let him follow me” (John 12:26). They go together, but they are not the same. To make them the same is to ruin the plan of salvation by inserting the requirement of works. Let us rightly divide the truth of God, and thereby enjoy all the blessings of the grace of God.
Dr. Rick Flanders has an itinerant preaching ministry for revival. He can be contacted at drrickflanders@gmail.com. Dr. Rick Flanders Revival Ministries
See- John MacArthur’s Discipleship Gospel and Summary of Lordship Salvation From a Single Page for related reading.
Hi Lou,
ReplyDeleteThis has been a challenging series. The realization that one could be a disciple without being a believer is still hard to settle in my mind. However, it is true that there will be many who called Him "Lord, Lord" who will be rejected.
I'm working my way through one preacher's "how to know you're really saved" message and I noted that heresy is added to truth with the word "but." The preacher says "Salvation is by grace through faith alone, BUT...."
That word "but" is functioning the same as the Devil's question "Hath God indeed said?" One might say that the preacher asks "Hath God indeed said that belief is enough?"
I dare not call unclean what the Lord has cleansed.
Kev