Lordship Salvation: An Evangelical Perspective

By Ken Lenz

The focus of this book is on what the Scriptures teach regarding salvation, particularly as passages relate to the theology of salvation (i.e., “soteriology”) of what has been called “lordship salvation.” This book is organized into ten chapters, which could be viewed as essays that build upon one another, with the first four essays being somewhat foundational in introducing concepts to be explored, such as: "saving faith," "repentance," and the word "gospel." Following the ten chapters, there are three appendix chapters, and then a Bonus Section is offered, with brief word studies from three passages related to this topic.
An associate publisher for a major Christian publishing company wrote: "I very much believe that you cover some critical ground here and I especially appreciate your winsome determination to help all parties in this conversation to have common language and starting points. You are careful, nuanced, and a solid writer. I believe this contribution and perspective is a helpful one."
Even if you have already considered the various positions and have determined where you (or your church) stand on the issues, may I suggest that this book is a must-read. You will not be disappointed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ken Lenz
• Release date: Apr 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005552039

Ken Lenz

Dr. Kenneth P. Lenz has served for over twenty-five years in church ministries and as a chaplain. He has also served on the religion faculty and Bible/theology faculty of several colleges. Courses Ken has taught include “Understandings of Religion,” “History of Christian Thought,” "Survey of the New Testament," and “New Testament Epistles,” among others. He has also taught “writing intensive” courses to help students in their writing skills. His earned Ph.D. included an emphasis in Eastern Orthodox Church history and liturgy, and he excels in the area of hermeneutics (biblical interpretation). Ken and his wife, Helen, have three grown children: Carrie, Evan, and Bryce.Books by this author include a trilogy published by Xlibris (offered in print and as e-books), which include:- Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism: As Taught in the Scriptures (398 pages)- Confession and Communion: As Taught in the Scriptures (108 pages)- God’s Son “Forsaken,” His Sacrifice “Finished!” (136 pages)E-books by this author published through Smashwords, include:- The Orthodox Church: An Evangelical Perspective- Water Baptism and Spirit Baptism: Expanded Edition- Branches of the Vine: A Fresh Look at John 15- The Bread of Life: A Consistent Sense of John 6- Christ, the "I Am" (in both English and Hindi)- Lordship Salvation: An Evangelical Perspective- Biblical SalvationFor more information, visit www.KenLenz.com

Book preview

Lordship Salvation:

An Evangelical Perspective

(for all sides to consider)

Kenneth P. Lenz

Author of Christ, the I Am

Agape Book Ministries

Racine, Wisconsin

Copyright 2014, 2019 by Kenneth P. Lenz, Ph.D.

e-Book ISBN: 978-1-005-55203-9

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or

by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner

( [e-mail] ).

Brief portions may be quoted within the context intended,

in accordance with standard, ethical writing practices,

as long as the author and this source are properly cited.

Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Name: Lenz, Ken; author.

Title: Lordship Salvation: an evangelical perspective / Ken Lenz.

Description: e-book edition. | Agape Book Ministries, 2019.

Identifier: ISBN – 978-1-005-55203-9 (e-book).

Subject: LCSH: Salvation.

BISAC: Religion / Christian Theology / Soteriology.

Smashwords License Statement

This book is distributed by Smashwords

and is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.

This book may not be resold or given away to other people.

If you would like to share this book with another person,

please purchase an additional copy for each reader.

If you're reading this book and did not purchase it,

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Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Scriptural quotations in this book are taken from the

English Standard Version.

Copyright 2001 by Crossway, in Wheaton, Illinois.

Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Italicized emphases are often added by this author.

The cover image is reproduced with permission.

This manuscript explores the biblical teaching of salvation,

and particularly the position that has been called lordship salvation,

from an Evangelical perspective.

Other books and e-books by this author are listed under

the brief author biography at the end of this e-book.

For more information, visit www.KenLenz.com

Table of Contents

(linked to the headings)

Outline (with Scripture references)

Introduction

1 – Perspectives

2 – Saving Faith

3 – Biblical Repentance

4 – The Word Gospel

5 – Biblical Interpretation

6 – Denying the Faith

7 – Regeneration

8 – Surrendered Obedience

9 – Sanctification

10 – Conclusion

Afterword – A Personal Word from the Author

Appendix A – The Use of the Word Gospel in Acts and the Epistles

Appendix B – Quotations from The Gospel According to Jesus

Appendix C – Excerpts from The Gospel Awakening, by Dwight L. Moody

Endnotes

Discussion Questions

Bonus Section of Word Studies in Three Passages:

Come to Me, All Who Labor - Matthew 11:28–30

Joy . . . Over One Sinner Who Repents - Luke 15:10

Whoever Believes in Him - John 12:42

Brief Author Biography (and other books by this author)

Sample Chapter & Table of Contents from the book Biblical Salvation

Outline

The focus of this manuscript (now offered as an e-book) is on what the Scriptures teach regarding salvation, particularly as passages relate to the theology of salvation (i.e., soteriology) of what has been called lordship salvation. The following outline lists the chapter titles used along with a representative question, and some key verses are listed that are quoted in support of certain points under those headings (generally in the order in which they appear). If nothing else, this listing demonstrates the biblical focus of this manuscript––with verses quoted from the highly regarded English Standard Version (ESV ). Furthermore, other verses are briefly quoted in the text, and many additional references are cited in support of the points being made and for comparison (noted with cf.).

Introduction

1 – Perspectives (Are semantics an issue?)

James 2:14, 26

Romans 4:4–5

James 2:18, 23

Ephesians 2:8–9, 10

2 – Saving Faith (How are we to characterize saving faith?)

John 1:11–13

Luke 24:46–47

John 16:8

John 4:13–14

Psalm 14:1, 3

Romans 10:17

Ephesians 2:8–9

Romans 3:23; 6:23; 5:8; 10:9; 5:1

Romans 8:1, 38–39

3 – Biblical Repentance (Exactly what are we to turn from?)

Matthew 3:1–3, 5–6

Mark 1:4

John 1:29

Ephesians 1:4

Jonah 3:4–5, 10

II Peter 3:7, 9

Romans 10:13

Ephesians 1:4

4 – The Word Gospel (How was the word gospel used?)

Matthew 4:23

Mark 1:14–15

Luke 9:1–2, 6

Luke 7:19, 22

John 1:11–12

Matthew 24:14

John 3:16

5 – Biblical Interpretation (How are we to interpret a verse?):

We Should Interpret Historically

Matthew 19:16–17, 21

Matthew 5:20, 48

Philippians 3:8–9

Matthew 5:13–16, 17

Galatians 1:7; 2:16; 5:4

I Corinthians 15:3–4

Luke 9:23–26

Titus 3:5

Matthew 16:23, 27

We Should Interpret Grammatically

John 9:35–38

Acts 16:31, 34

Romans 10:9–10

Acts 2:21; 4:12

We Should Interpret Contextually

John 4:14, 19–20, 42

John 7:37–39

Romans 10:9–14, 17

6 – Denying the Faith (Can a genuine believer deny the faith?)

I John 2:19, 22

Matthew 10:32–33

Titus 1:16

Matthew 7:21–23

Philippians 2:10–11

7 – Regeneration (How does a person receive spiritual life?)

II Corinthians 5:17

John 3:14–16, 18

John 11:25

John 3:36

John 20:31

8 – Surrendered Obedience (Is surrendered obedience required?)

Ephesians 5:18

Galatians 5:25

Romans 12:1–2

I Corinthians 1:2

I Corinthians 15:3–4

I Corinthians 6:18–20

Revelation 1:5–6, 20

Revelation 3:1–3, 19–20

9 – Sanctification (Is sanctification a state, an experience, or both?)

I Corinthians 6:11

Romans 5:1

Romans 8:30

10 – Conclusion (How is discipleship related to salvation?)

Luke 7:22

Matthew 3:2, 5–6

John 1:11, 12–13

James 2:19

I Corinthians 6:18–20

Matthew 16:16, 23

Romans 7:15–19, 23–24

II Corinthians 5:17

Colossians 3:2, 5

Romans 6:12–13

Romans 8:1–2

Romans 5:1–2

Romans 10:9–10, 13

Ephesians 2:8–9

II Timothy 2:12–13

Afterword – A Personal Word from the Author

Appendix A – The Use of the Word Gospel in Acts and the Epistles

Appendix B – Quotations from The Gospel According to Jesus

Appendix C – Excerpts from The Gospel Awakening, by Dwight L. Moody

Endnotes

Bonus Section of Word Studies in Three Passages:

Come to Me, All Who Labor - Matthew 11:28–30

Joy . . . Over One Sinner Who Repents - Luke 15:10

Whoever Believes in Him - John 12:42

Brief Author Biography (and sequel books)

Sample Chapter & Table of Contents for the book Biblical Salvation

Introduction

For centuries Evangelicals have tenaciously upheld the five "solas" of the Protestant Reformation, including sola Scriptura––that Scripture alone is the source of authority for our understanding of doctrines. This e-book will honor that fundamental belief as we attempt to allow the Scriptures itself to interpret scripture verses, based on their historical and literary contexts. The other "solas include the foundational belief that salvation is offered by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone," to the glory of God alone. We cannot take any personal glory for receiving salvation because it is by no means based on what we have done, but solely based on what Christ has done on our behalf: purchasing our redemption through His atoning sacrifice. The Roman Catholic Counter-Reformation took exception to those beliefs, and reaffirmed the Catholic doctrine that Sacred Tradition is the ultimate source of authority and that salvation requires both faith and works (including baptism and other sacraments).

With that reminder of fundamental beliefs we hold in regard to the source of authority and the means of salvation, we must acknowledge that in recent years, there has been a theological debate within Evangelical Christianity. Many Evangelicals have questioned the teaching that it is not enough to simply believe in Christ as one’s Savior from sin’s penalty, but that He must also be acknowledged as the Lord of one’s life, demonstrated through an obedient lifestyle. This teaching and theological position has been called lordship salvation (a term that was coined by those who opposed that position). Those who hold this position often speak and write in opposition to what they call easy believism. In this e-book, we will explore these positions in their varying degrees.

Of course, it is of paramount importance that we properly understand (1) what is required in order for a person to be saved, and (2) what is essential in a biblical presentation of the gospel. Such concerns have an eternal significance and testify to the importance of the topic of this e-book. Perhaps, however, you have already considered the various positions and have determined where you (or your church) stand on the issues. If so, may I suggest that you at least look at the Outline (above) to note the biblical nature of this e-book and the range of subtopics considered. There may be extreme viewpoints on both sides of the debate, and I invite you to be the judge of whether or not this e-book treats them biblically and fairly.

This e-book is organized into ten chapters, which could be viewed as essays that build upon one another. Chapters 1 through 4 are somewhat introductory, as they characterize certain crucial terms, such as saving faith, repentance, and the gospel. Chapter 5 then explores the Scripture verses used in support of lordship salvation, and Chapters 6 through 10 cover particular topics that are most pertinent to the matter in question. While each chapter might be viewed as a brief essay in itself, each is designed to lead into the next chapter, with Chapter 10 providing the conclusion. Thus, it is best to consider the ten chapters as a stepwise progression in developing this treatise as a whole.

This writing is the result of the author’s research on the subject of lordship salvation, including a consideration of one book in particular, authored by Dr. John MacArthur and entitled The Gospel According to Jesus (here abbreviated as TGAJ, and cited in the endnotes). That book still stands as a definitive work in presenting the case for this position. My objective in writing was, as always, to arrive at the A B C’s of interpretation: being accurate, biblical, and consistent. Following the ten chapters, there are three appendix chapters, and then a Bonus Section is offered to e-book readers, with brief word studies from three passages related to this topic, for those who might be interested. The first is a word study in Matthew 11:28–30 (Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden . . .); the second is a word study based on Luke 15:10 (I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents); and the third, a word study in John 12:42 (Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him . . .).

For those who would like to read this e-book in conjunction with a group of readers, a "Discussion Guide" is provided after the Endnotes, including questions this e-book has sought to answer. This e-book is dedicated to Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood (Rev. 1:5). May God guide us all in the understanding and application of His Word.

In His grace, Ken Lenz

1 – PERSPECTIVES

Over the past several decades there has developed a disagreement among Evangelical Christians as to what constitutes the gospel of Jesus Christ. We understand the gospel to be the good news of salvation through faith in Christ, made possible through His atoning sacrifice on the cross and His subsequent resurrection from the dead. However, it seems that the word gospel is used both in terms of the good news of salvation (i.e., regarding what a person must do to receive eternal life) and in terms of the effects of salvation (i.e., concerned with how a person lives their life as a result of being saved). I believe some of the disagreement today is based not so much on different theological positions, but rather, on different perspectives in the way the term gospel is being applied. In this e-book, I will use the term in the basic sense of the good news in how a person receives spiritual life.

The same is true for the concept of salvation. Most Evangelicals think of it in terms of regeneration at a point in time when a person comes to faith in Christ; however, others will think of salvation in terms of the process of how a person lives their life as a result of coming to faith in Christ. These differing perspectives on basic terminology seem to fuel a debate when, to some degree, there is agreement on the issues, but they are simply being approached from a different point of view. For example, one Evangelical might say that salvation is based on faith alone, but another might say that good works and obedience are necessary parts of salvation. Actually, both concepts would be embraced by most Evangelicals: salvation in terms of the spiritual regeneration that the Holy Spirit brings to the soul of a believer occurs at a point in time, and is based solely on that person’s faith in Christ; however, the validity of that faith is demonstrated over time through good works and obedience.

The relationship of faith to good works is an issue that has been debated since the time of the writing of the New Testament. James wrote of this issue from the perspective of works that follow faith in demonstrating the true reality of a profession of faith. The Apostle Paul, when writing of salvation, often wrote of the futility of works that precede faith as a vain effort to merit salvation. James was referring to the Christian lifestyle. Paul was referring to the salvation of sinners. The works that James had in mind were rooted in, and growing out of, a living faith. Faith is like the root system that gives life to a tree; works are like the fruit of that tree, demonstrating the health of the root system. True faith converts the sinner; testifying works confirm the saint (i.e., the one who is already saved).

Many people (including large branches within Christendom) think that both faith and good works (including sacraments) are necessary in order for a person to be saved––receiving spiritual life. James 2:14–26 is often quoted in this regard. James introduced this passage with the following questions: "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?" (2:14, ESV ). In other words, can a so-called faith that is a mere profession, but demonstrated to be a false profession of faith, save that individual’s soul? James is addressing how one demonstrates whether or not he has genuine faith. The second time that the word faith appears in the verse just quoted, there is an article (comprised of only one letter in the Greek) immediately before the word faith. Some earlier English translations unfortunately overlooked that article and translated the verse simply as, Can faith save him?––as if faith alone was not enough. The ESV translation above is accurate as it asks, "Can that [kind of] faith save him? Another translation renders that question: Can such faith save him?" (NIV ). James also included that same small article before the word faith in verses 17, 20, and 26, which could be best understood as illustrating: such a false profession of faith. For example, in the concluding verse, James wrote, For as the body without the spirit is dead, so [such a false profession of] faith without works is dead also (2:26).

It is most helpful to compare James 2:14–26 with Romans 3:21–5:2. Paul clarified: "Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness (Rom. 4:4–5; cf. 3:28). While Paul’s Epistle speaks of a true and living faith that brings salvation, James 2:14–20 is speaking of a false profession of faith––which is no faith at all. Please note that this passage in James does indeed relate to spiritual salvation and life, and not merely to physical wellbeing (as some today teach). James 2:21–26 uses the works of both Abraham and of Rahab as illustrations of the outgrowth of sincere faith in that they both were justified (cf. 1:21). Salvation is indeed the context, as the passage states: Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness" (2:23).

Saving faith is invisible, known only to God; works are visible, and are a testimony to others. That is why James wrote, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18). Incidentally, in James 2:24 the word justified" is in the Greek present tense, which indicates a present and continuous action. In Romans 4:2 (which appears to be in direct contradiction to James 2:24), Paul used a different tense. Paul placed the word justified in the Greek aorist tense (and indicative mood), which indicates a past, completed action. The truth is that by faith (i.e., a real faith, and not merely a profession of faith) a person is justified at that point in time (i.e., declared to be righteous, yet with continuous results), and the present condition

Reviews for Lordship Salvation

[agape.book.ministries · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Must-Read for Evangelicals
This book explores a very subtle debate within Evangelicalism in an extremely biblical fashion--for all to consider. Highly recommended.