I was reading an interesting little book by Rick Flanders, Back to Normal: Understanding Revival. Flanders self-identifies as a Fundamentalist Baptist. He seems to only use the KJV. But he writes clearly and persuasively, and I think he’s convinced me of his view of revival. Free Grace readers will especially appreciate his book because Flanders seems to know about the Lordship Salvation controversy and explicitly rejects it.

In fact, one of the problems he sees as hindering revival is how people confuse salvation and discipleship:

“Misguided attempts to improve on salvation-by-grace preaching usually confuse Bible teaching about discipleship with the teaching about salvation. Both doctrines are important, but they deal with different issues” (p. 34).

What is the difference between salvation and discipleship? Here’s Flanders’ excellent summary:

“The New Testament does make discipleship distinct from salvation, and the differences are many. Salvation is secured by simple faith in Christ (John 6:47); discipleship is achieved by commitment to obey Christ (Matthew 16:24). In salvation, one receives a gift (“eternal life,” Romans 6:23); in discipleship, one gives a gift (“your bodies,” Romans 12:1). The salvation decision must be made only once, since the results depend entirely on Christ (John 4:13-14); the discipleship decision must be repeated regularly because the results depend somewhat on us (Luke 9:23). Salvation cannot fail (John 10:28); discipleship is always in danger of failing (Luke 14:25-33). Salvation will bring eternal life (John 3:16); successful discipleship will bring eternal rewards (Matthew 16:27). They are related and vitally important, but salvation and discipleship are quite different. To mix and mingle the requirements of each is to pervert the gospel and to preach a message of good works for everlasting life! Although the proponent would never admit it, the Lordship-Salvation doctrine is but another form of self-salvation, and it is wrong” (p. 35).

Lordship Salvation is another form of self-salvation! I agree. If that's your struggle, stop trying to save yourself, and trust Jesus to do it!

I, for one, will keep on preaching the distinction between salvation and discipleship and praying for revival.

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Send your questions or comments to shawn@freegrace.in.

Read his latest book, Once Saved, Always Saved? A Free Grace Defense.