What is “Lordship Salvation”?

Quick Answer: What is “Lordship Salvation”? Is it biblical? Lordship Salvation teaches that individuals are saved when they surrender and submit fully to Christ’s Lordship. This is contrasted with so-called “easy believism” or the concept that salvation is offered freely and needs only to be received (Romans 6:23). Jesus did tell us what He offers is “easy” and “light” and brings “rest” (Matthew 11:28-30). In addition, He told us that whoever believes in Him (even those who believe on His name) has eternal life (John 3:16; John 1:12). Salvation is indeed a gift of God so that no one can brag they surrendered or sacrificed enough to earn it (Ephesians 2:8-9). In short, Lordship Salvation is a crippling doctrine that causes morbid introspection and hinders assurance of salvation.

Diving Deeper: Lordship Salvation teaches that true faith in Christ is a faith that is accompanied by total, or near total, surrender to Christ’s Lordship. On the surface, this may seem honorable. However, the doctrine is problematic in that it can lead to a “paralysis of analysis.” After all, exactly how much do we need to surrender in order to be “truly” saved? What if we surrender and then fall into a sin struggle three weeks later? Does this mean our faith wasn’t real enough to save, or that our motives were not pure enough?

Lordship Salvation sows doubt in the minds of true believers, because it is rooted in one’s own dedication, commitment, or degree of surrender. The seeds of doubt sown look much like this: “Did you truly surrender? Did you repent enough? Did you actually make Christ the Lord of your life? Maybe you made Him Savior but not Lord!”

The reality is that when anyone calls upon the name of the Lord to be saved, they are indeed saved (Romans 10:13). In fact, the idea that we could “make” Jesus Savior but not “make” Him Lord is preposterous. Any person who calls upon the Lord for salvation is assuming that Jesus Christ is Lord and therefore has the authority and power to save! The Lordship Salvation doctrine is dangerous in that it comes close to being works-based salvation. And for some, it is exactly that.

Those who consider themselves “Lordship Salvationists” argue that the opposing view is “easy believism.” In other words, belief without “full surrender” is too easy. But this criticism directly contradicts Jesus’ own words. Jesus told us that what He offers is “easy” and “light” and brings “rest” (Matthew 11:28-30). In addition, He told us that whoever believes in Him (even those who believe on His name) has eternal life (John 3:16; John 1:12). Salvation is a free gift so no one can boast they surrendered enough or stopped sinning enough to earn it or prove it (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Let’s Make It a Conversation!
1. What have you heard about “Lordship Salvation”? What do you think of it?
2. React to this false teaching: “Maybe you made Jesus your Savior but not your Lord.”
3. Why do you think God made salvation so easy that anyone can call upon His name to be saved?
4. React to this true statement: Believers who choose sin aren’t getting away with anything because sin makes them miserable.