Rev. David Holwick ZB
First Baptist Church
Ledgewood, New Jersey
August 25, 1991
Colossians 2:6-7
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I. Who are the "real" disciples of Jesus?
A. Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
1) German Christians believed they were saved by grace.
a) They also believed in Adolf Hitler.
2) Bonhoeffer - "cheap grace" or "costly discipleship."
a) Only true discipleship leads to true salvation.
b) Bonhoeffer then took part in Hitler's assassination plot.
B. Church members who are discouraged by low level of spirituality
around them.
1) Few are "sold-out" to Jesus.
2) Not really saved?
II. "Lordship Salvation" debate among evangelicals.
A. John MacArthur and "Lordship Salvation."
1) "Easy-believism" has led to "cheap grace."
People get saved and go nowhere with it.
Most have a shallow and ineffectual faith.
2) "Many who occupy evangelical church pews across America
sincerely believe they are saved but are utterly barren
of any verifying fruit in their lives.
These are people who may someday stand before Christ
stunned to learn they are not included in the kingdom."
3) Lordship salvation - a person must trust Jesus Christ as
the Lord of his life, submitting to His sovereign
authority in all areas.
B. Charles Ryrie.
1) "A person can have Christ as Savior without having him as
Lord."
a) Statement has been misinterpreted. It means genuine
believers don't always walk in the light.
b) Having Jesus as Savior is absolute and once-for-all.
Acknowledging Jesus as Lord takes a lifetime of growth.
2) Only acknowledgment of sin and acceptance of Christ's death
on the cross is necessary for salvation. Acts 16:31
a) The power and death of Jesus save us, not our own efforts.
b) We accept this fact, and God saves us.
III. Three approaches to salvation.
A. God's free gift (grace) plus total commitment.
1) Gung-ho approach. Only committed disciples go to heaven.
2) Some teachings of Jesus point to it.
a) Phony Christians will say they have faith, but lack the
good deeds to back it up. Matt 7:21-23
b) Parable of wicked servant. Matt 24:45-51
3) Common among strict Christian groups.
a) Salvation can be lost and regained.
4) Problems:
a) If total commitment is required, who can be saved?
b) Easily leads to fanaticism and discouragement.
B. God's free gift (grace) plus at least a change in our life.
1) God and believer work together.
2) Many average people accept it.
3) Problems:
a) How much change is required?
b) The Bible says our efforts can never satisfy God.
Phil 3:9, Eph 2:8-9
C. God's free gift (grace) alone.
1) God gives us salvation without effort on our part.
a) We cannot make a contribution.
b) We can only accept it.
2) Change in our lives follows salvation. Eph 2:10
a) Often called sanctification. Phil 2:12
1> We give more and more of ourselves over to Jesus.
2> Rate and quality of change differs between people.
3> Some Christians, for a time, will seem to have
fallen away completely.
b) Our experience in Christ is not always as complete as our
position in Christ.
3) Problem:
a) What about those who claim to be saved, but have no fruit?
b) If they are truly saved, God will discipline them.
IV. How is Jesus our Lord?
A. We must confess Jesus as our Lord to be saved. Col 2:6
1) To become a Christian we must recognize he is stronger
than us, and has the right to control us.
2) Absolute commitment is beyond our ability, but it is a goal
to strive for.
B. We are obligated to give more and more of our lives in obedience
to Jesus.
1) Reformation battle cry is, "Faith alone justifies, but not
the faith that is alone."
2) God may permit Christians to live in sin, but he doesn't
accept it and it cannot be a permanent status.
V. Is Jesus your Lord?
A. Is there an area of your life you must turn over to him?
********************* Study Notes ******************
"Old Debate Finds New Life," CT, March 17, 1989, pp 38-40.
"How Faith Works", CT, September 22, 1989, pp 21-25.
Copyright © 2024 by Rev. David Holwick
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