Lordship salvation vs. "easy believism"

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

breno785au

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2013
6,002
767
113
39
Australia
That's a good way to put it :) Perhaps they think we do not see through their phony act of virtuosity.
I did this to my best friend many years ago when he was going through a tough time. He lashed out at me and I got angry wondering why he did.
Sometimes it's like rubbing salt on a wound, in hindsight now I shouldn't have said anything and just prayed for him!
I see my motive now in that instance.
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
61,103
30,231
113
I did this to my best friend many years ago when he was going through a tough time. He lashed out at me and I got angry wondering why he did.
Sometimes it's like rubbing salt on a wound, in hindsight now I shouldn't have said anything and just prayed for him!
I see my motive now in that instance.
That sounds like quite a different scenario...

In this and similar scenarios, the poster is no friend when they repeatedly twist beyond recognition what another has said, overlaying instead their vain misguided imagination to completely misrepresent what another has said, refuses to admit to any error, denies the possibility of being wrong, and then lashes out when the truth is presented to them by saying among other things, I will pray for you. Phony to the max :geek:
 

breno785au

Senior Member
Jul 23, 2013
6,002
767
113
39
Australia
That sounds like quite a different scenario...

In this and similar scenarios, the poster is no friend when they repeatedly twist beyond recognition what another has said, overlaying instead their vain misguided imagination to completely misrepresent what another has said, refuses to admit to any error, denies the possibility of being wrong, and then lashes out when the truth is presented to them by saying among other things, I will pray for you. Phony to the max :geek:
I understand, different scenario but same motive. (I didn't actually fully explain my story just very brief rundown hehe)
 

soggykitten

Well-known member
Jul 3, 2020
2,322
1,369
113
And you yell at others and say they have attitude. Your just like many before you. Your proud of your works salvation and your pride shows in everything you say
I don't yell at people. And what is also important in matters of truth, I've never lied about someone elses beliefs.
You on the other hand insist I believe in works salvation, which at this point is a deliberate falsehood on your point and one you repeat regardless of how many times I correct your falsehood.
Repeatedly doing what you're doing is pride. You're proud to put your name to a bold faced slander and false witness against this Christian.

When I stand up against you, one committed to false witness, that isn't pride! That's determination not to be slandered by someone committed to the task and who has no shame in being public about it.
Christians don't make a habit of sinning..... Bearing false witness repeatedly against a Christian is habitual sin.

And now I really am done trying to reach you.
People think saying I'll pray for someone that works at being offensive is tantamount to the rude finger. One, whose mask slipped and showed me who they really are, claimed I'm false in my virtuosity for saying I'll pray for that which behaves as if they want me to see them as my enemy. Christ told us to pray for our enemies. That isn't false virtuosity.

And saying I'll pray for someone publicly is not just sincere but it is also so as to invite others who may be the target of that offenders posts to do the same.
 

Jackson123

Senior Member
Feb 6, 2014
11,769
1,371
113
Last night, in YouTube, I listened to gotquetions.org, on the subject of lordship salvation. The speaker said that only lordship salvation saves. Anything less than that, is "easy believism" - and isn't able to save anyone. I also listened to John MacArthur in Youtube - preaching on the subject. He said Jesus and the apostles preached the need for repentance and the need to accept Jesus as Lord, in order for anyone to get saved. He mentioned a lot of Bible verses giving proof of this. He said many think they're saved, by praying the "sinner's prayer of repentance" - but make no effort to change their lives for the better. He said the word "repentance" means, "changing one's way of thinking - plans to do things differently." Both of these speakers said that belief isn't enough to save anyone. Only if coupled with repentance, does it save anyone. And many verses mentioned - showed repentace as preceding baptism and salvation - that's how the verses were worded! The verses mentioned repentance, before mentioningn all the other.
I've observed, that many evidently - true Christians believe that repentance isn't a necessary part to receiving salvation. I believe some of these Christians are true Christians. Since they appear to be walking in obedience to Christ in their daily lives. But their theology - their way of explaining it to others is incorrect. And so has the potential for misleading other people into "easy believism." With the result of their dying without Christ, often.
I talked to the husband of the home we clean house at yesterday about this, and he said that he has also noticed that many true Christians don't understand the subject the same as we do - who do see the need for repentance. He agreed it is hard for them to change their views on the subject, as they've learned incorrectly on it from habit and through people who taught that way. He said we must be loving towards them, though we can't agree on this subject - which is true, according to the Bible. But we dhould pray that they come to understand correctly on the subject.

So Lordship salvation is save by grace through faith and faith mean obey. Am I correct?
Easy believism is salvation by grace, no matter what you do you are save. Am I correct?

I think some people believe salvation by grace forget through faith.

To me grace come through faith, so if we don't have faith, we don't have grace.
And faith mean strive to obey.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
I don't yell at people. And what is also important in matters of truth, I've never lied about someone elses beliefs.
You on the other hand insist I believe in works salvation, which at this point is a deliberate falsehood on your point and one you repeat regardless of how many times I correct your falsehood.
Repeatedly doing what you're doing is pride. You're proud to put your name to a bold faced slander and false witness against this Christian.

When I stand up against you, one committed to false witness, that isn't pride! That's determination not to be slandered by someone committed to the task and who has no shame in being public about it.
Christians don't make a habit of sinning..... Bearing false witness repeatedly against a Christian is habitual sin.

And now I really am done trying to reach you.
People think saying I'll pray for someone that works at being offensive is tantamount to the rude finger. One, whose mask slipped and showed me who they really are, claimed I'm false in my virtuosity for saying I'll pray for that which behaves as if they want me to see them as my enemy. Christ told us to pray for our enemies. That isn't false virtuosity.

And saying I'll pray for someone publicly is not just sincere but it is also so as to invite others who may be the target of that offenders posts to do the same.
1. You believe the Work of water baptism is pet if the salvation process

2 I have asked you numerous times to show where Jesus proclaimed you Nicodemus that the process of being born again included believe. But also water baptism. You only answer is to show where it was mentioned BEFORE the actual conversation in question. And think that is the only proof you need
3. You belittle and make snide remarks to anyone who does not agree with you
4 you refuse to practice what you preach
in conclusion
You teach a works based salvation. You denying it does Not make it So one must look at the facts

The facts are to you, when Paul says It is not By works of righteousness which we have done. You think he means every work but water baptism
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
The term isn't used in the Bible. But it refers to the fact that one must accept Jesus as both Lord (boss) and Savior, in order to receive the gift of salvation. And receiving Him as such, according to what I see in the Bible on the subject - is always preceded by true repentance.

Rom 10:9

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
KJV

Matt 10:37-38

37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.
KJV
It would seem to me that all of the scriptures must fit together in agreement, and we should not ignore any of them, but try to see the harmony of them. I am having trouble understanding how the unregenerate natural man, as described in 1 Cor 2:14, can truly repent of breaking a spiritual law that he cannot discern, and even thinks it to be foolishness. Can you explain this for me?
 

MyrtleTrees

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2014
805
322
63
So Lordship salvation is save by grace through faith and faith mean obey. Am I correct?
Easy believism is salvation by grace, no matter what you do you are save. Am I correct?

I think some people believe salvation by grace forget through faith.

To me grace come through faith, so if we don't have faith, we don't have grace.
And faith meaTlike you and I believe alike on this issue!
So Lordship salvation is save by grace through faith and faith mean obey. Am I correct?
Easy believism is salvation by grace, no matter what you do you are save. Am I correct?

I think some people believe salvation by grace forget through faith.

To me grace come through faith, so if we don't have faith, we don't have grace.
And faith mean strive to obey.

True - I think you and I agree alike on this! The faith that saves people, isn't strictly
So Lordship salvation is save by grace through faith and faith mean obey. Am I correct?
Easy believism is salvation by grace, no matter what you do you are save. Am I correct?

I think some people believe salvation by grace forget through faith.

To me grace come through faith, so if we don't have faith, we don't have grace.
And faith mean strive to obey.


True - it looks like you and I believe alike on this! True faith isn't just strictly - believing. The devils believe, James says - yet it doesn't save them. So the word, "faith" - in the Bible - I believe, consists of belief combined with reverent obedience in one's life towards God, and daily sincere repentance of all daily unintentional sins. I agree - grace is not available to those who haven't been willing to go to this level of commitment required for satisfying God's requirements of them.
 

MyrtleTrees

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2014
805
322
63
It would seem to me that all of the scriptures must fit together in agreement, and we should not ignore any of them, but try to see the harmony of them. I am having trouble understanding how the unregenerate natural man, as described in 1 Cor 2:14, can truly repent of breaking a spiritual law that he cannot discern, and even thinks it to be foolishness. Can you explain this for me?

1 Cor 2:14-16

14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.

16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
KJV

Well, here's how I would explain the passage: As you say, all of the scriptures need to be believed to be God's Word And there are no contradictions in the scriptures. So when they at times look as though they contradict one another - it has to mean that we just don't presently understand them or their correlation with others. Bible wording can be confusing at times. But it helps a lot to compare scriptures when studying Bible subjects. And of course, to pray for God's help in interpretation of the scriptures.

Clearly, the Bible shows that unbelievers are capable of coming to repentance and making the choice to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior, in response to the Spirit's proddings. So we know it can't mean they are entirely incapable of understanding the scriptures. It is reasonable, to see that they won't be as well able to understand them as compared to after they get saved. The big difference, I believe - is one's heart - one's will - what one chooses - God gives us all the ability to make choices in life. I believe the gospel becomes increasingly understandable according to how sincerely and urgently a person seeks after God.

Jer 29:13

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
KJV

Comment: Below, you see how those who reject God, by doing so - are kept blind to the gospel.

2 Thess 2:8-12

8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

12 That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
KJV

Below, you see how Jesus reveals Himself only to those that God approves of:
Matt 11:27

27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
KJV

Also, in order to be teachable enough to receive the gospel to the extent of getting saved - one needs to be willing to be that teachable. Below, that willingness to be taught of God, is described as "becoming like children."

Matt 18:3-4

3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
KJV
 

MyrtleTrees

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2014
805
322
63
James in James 2:18 is entering an objection to his argument ... it has nothing to do with ``easy believeism``

To quote that as truth is like quoting a statement that the devil made to Christ as truth.

As well, I am not even sure that the Bible addresses this modern day concept of easy believism:unsure:
True the modern term of "easy believism' isn't used in the Bible. But it's expressed in other ways. I know many verses on the subject.

1603457578325.png
 

MyrtleTrees

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2014
805
322
63
So, God grades on a curve?



All sins are intentional. And since Jesus paid for all of our sins, there is nothing left to repent of. The Bible says without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. Either all sin is indeed paid for, or Jesus would have to return and shed more blood for those sins still attributed to us. And He's not going to do that.



You can't fall away from Christ. If that were true, then Jesus lied when He said nothing in all creation can pluck us from His, and the Father's, hand. Are you a created being? Then not even you can do it.


Sorry, but you are mixing law with grace. Read the book of Galatians to see your error.
If all sins were intentional, then all people would go to heaven, regardless of how they lived. But I don't see this as the case.
I read the Bible a lot, and you must too, and that's good. But we aren't presently able to agree on this subject according to how we see them as explained in the scriptures.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
This is ridiculous. He purposely blurs the line between salvation and service.

Once saved, should we serve the Lord?

Of course.

The Bible calls that our "reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). But it is not required to remain saved or prove we are saved.

In Acts 16:30-31 the Philippian jailer asks Paul and Silas a direct question: "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

Here was a golden opportunity for Paul to tell the jailer "you must repent, be baptized, put your hand to the plow, surrender all, never look back, be zealous for good works", etc., etc.

But no. Paul said to simply "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved."

Now, did Paul tell the truth? If so, then that's all that must be done. If it's not true, Paul purposely deceived the jailer, and he was not saved.

So, if believing is all that is required to be saved, why in the world do people then say, "now you have to do works to stay/prove you're saved"? How many good works are required? Does God grade on a curve. When does one know they've done enough?

You can't know. Which is why so many Christians live in fear and uncertainty. Wondering if they are truly saved.

Why can't people accept that salvation is a gift from beginning to end? Why do they insist works must be involved? If good works prove one is saved, then Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Roman Catholics, even many atheists are saved because they leave most born again Christians in the dust when it comes to good works and charity.

Jesus answered the question of works quite clearly:

"Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

That's it, and that's all.
I have always wondered how the unregenerate natural man, as described in 1 Cor 2:14, can ever be saved eternally if he cannot discern (believe) the things of the Spirit. To me, Eph 2:1, helped me to understand how this is made possible. God quickens, the unregenerate natural man, to a spiritual life, when he is yet dead spiritually, and unable to believe in spiritual things. Verse 5 further reinforces this truth, quickening us together with Christ (We are in him, and he in us).

These scriptures have convinced me that believing in the things of the Spirit follows being regenerated, instead of being the cause of being regenerated.

2 Tim 2:13 says that if we believe not, yet he abideth faithful, he cannot deny himself (we being in him, and him being in us through the new spiritual birth) This makes the grace of God more sovereign. God gets all of the glory, and mankind gets none.

Does this seem to make sense, or not?
 

MyrtleTrees

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2014
805
322
63
Oh I see well the difference in interpretation is expected it's only when believers start senselessly arguing when there is a problem
Well, I'd say it a bit differently though similar. I believe there are both absolutely essential truths to believe, and also the kind that are not absolutely essential. The absolutely essential kind are the kind relating to the way of salvation. We can't expect all people to understand or explain it exactly the same, even if sincere, as we're human and not all wise like God is. But as long as one has truly accepted God as Master of their life and repented, and living according to the gospel in daily life, they are saved.

However, the scriptures tell us not to argue with anyone - regardless of whether it is about salvation or the less important doctrines of the Bible. We are to reason with others, but when it becomes clear that they aren't interested in hearing what one has to say and are only getting irritated by the discussion - it usually means one should stop conversing with them about it.

Matt 7:6

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
KJV

Comment: And below, is a passage showing it isn't good for Christians to be arguing:

1 Cor 1:10-13

10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
KJV
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
This is ridiculous. He purposely blurs the line between salvation and service.

Once saved, should we serve the Lord?

Of course.

The Bible calls that our "reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). But it is not required to remain saved or prove we are saved.

In Acts 16:30-31 the Philippian jailer asks Paul and Silas a direct question: "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

Here was a golden opportunity for Paul to tell the jailer "you must repent, be baptized, put your hand to the plow, surrender all, never look back, be zealous for good works", etc., etc.

But no. Paul said to simply "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved."

Now, did Paul tell the truth? If so, then that's all that must be done. If it's not true, Paul purposely deceived the jailer, and he was not saved.

So, if believing is all that is required to be saved, why in the world do people then say, "now you have to do works to stay/prove you're saved"? How many good works are required? Does God grade on a curve. When does one know they've done enough?

You can't know. Which is why so many Christians live in fear and uncertainty. Wondering if they are truly saved.

Why can't people accept that salvation is a gift from beginning to end? Why do they insist works must be involved? If good works prove one is saved, then Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Roman Catholics, even many atheists are saved because they leave most born again Christians in the dust when it comes to good works and charity.

Jesus answered the question of works quite clearly:

"Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:28-29)

That's it, and that's all.
Saved, according to Strong's concordance, means=delivered. There is a deliverance, that we receive here in time, when as regenerated new born babes in Christ, we gradually grow, and are taught, to come unto a knowledge of the righteousness of God (the gospel).

Isaiah 28:9-10, Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, and there a little.

John 6:28-29, Our believing is not our work, but is God's work given to us by regeneration.
 
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,974
113
JOHN 17:19.
And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.
20.
Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word;
21.
That they all may be One; as Thou, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be One in Us:
that the world may believe that Thou have sent Me.
22.
And the Glory which You gave Me I have given them; that they may be One, even as We are One:
23.
I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in One; and that the world may know
that You have sent Me, and have loved them, as Thou have loved Me.
 
Feb 28, 2016
11,311
2,974
113
1JOHN 3:23.
And this is His Commandment, That we should believe on The Name of His Son Jesus Christ,
and love one another, as He gave us Commandment.

HEB. 11:6.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for He that cometh to God must believe that He is,
and that he is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
Well, I'd say it a bit differently though similar. I believe there are both absolutely essential truths to believe, and also the kind that are not absolutely essential. The absolutely essential kind are the kind relating to the way of salvation. We can't expect all people to understand or explain it exactly the same, even if sincere, as we're human and not all wise like God is. But as long as one has truly accepted God as Master of their life and repented, and living according to the gospel in daily life, they are saved.

However, the scriptures tell us not to argue with anyone - regardless of whether it is about salvation or the less important doctrines of the Bible. We are to reason with others, but when it becomes clear that they aren't interested in hearing what one has to say and are only getting irritated by the discussion - it usually means one should stop conversing with them about it.

Matt 7:6

6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
KJV

Comment: And below, is a passage showing it isn't good for Christians to be arguing:

1 Cor 1:10-13

10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.

12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
KJV
We should be grounded by a knowledge of the gospel to defend the doctrine that Jesus taught that we henceforth be no more children (babes in Christ), tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
 

MyrtleTrees

Junior Member
Sep 5, 2014
805
322
63
so we offer God a drink of water that is partially contaminated with the filth of sin because we tried our best. And expect him to drink it?
Yes that's true, none of us are able to be 100% perfectly sinless. Only Jesus was capable of that, and in fact never ever sinned. But as Romans shows - we as humans, can't help but have to struggle against sin. The true Christian will prayerfully struggle against sin in daily life. But those who aren't sincere Christians, will willingly commit sins, without repentance. While those who are true Christians - have their sins forgiven by God, always, since they sincerely repent of their sins. Because of this - God counts them as "righteous."

2 Cor 5:21

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
KJV

Rom 4:7-8

7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
KJV

-
 
L

lenna

Guest
Grace alone can't save anyone, or else we'd all be saved. It has to be combined with one's will to accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of one's life, in order to save a person.

this ^^^^boggles the mind

here we see the error presented in real easy to understand manipulation of faith and works

Grace alone can't save anyone

Grace must be combined with the will

it is exactly grace alone that saves. unmerited favor

faith in that grace is acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice

however, for some reason, that is not good enough for some. nope. two things save you, nay three.

according to the op they are your will combined with grace and calling Jesus Lord and works

there is nothing in scripture to support this although all those things are in scripture, but they do not occur as a formula for salvation