Page 30 - Biblical Counseling I Textbook

will of God you may receive what is promised.”

Many Reformed theologians are appalled by the assertions of Free Grace theologians, accusing them of “easy
believism” or even antinomianism. Antinomianism is the heretical belief that a Christian is under no law
whatsoever, whether biblical or moral, and thus may do whatever he pleases. The fact of the matter is that Free
Grace Theology can make it easier to arrive at antinomianism. However, Free Grace teaching is not antinomian
per se. Free Grace theologians consider their position more biblical than Lordship Salvation, which they consider
to be a works-based theology. According to Free Grace theologians, Lordship Salvation holds that saving faith
includes inherently the “act” of accomplishing radical internal change leading to good works.

This leads to the Free Grace emphasis on assurance of salvation, again based on the basic promises in John’s
Gospel, that belief is all that is necessary for salvation. To the Free Grace theologian, this is a simple, cut-and-
dried issue—if you believe, you are saved. For the Lordship Salvation camp, assurance of salvation comes
through the observation of change in the professing believer, i.e., that he is accomplishing good works. Each
camp views the other as possibly leading to heresy.

Although Free Grace Theology and Lordship Salvation are terms that have developed only recently, they
represent concerns that have been around since the beginning of the church. At the end of the day, there is no
question about the basic salvation of those who hold either view. Both views are within the limits of orthodoxy.
Still, this does not mean it’s an insignificant discussion. One’s beliefs in this matter can change his view of
himself, God, and assurance of salvation a great deal (https://www.gotquestions.org/free-grace.html).

Biblically Progressive (the correct view)
Biblically progressive sanctification is a three-stage process – past, present, and future. The first stage occurs at
the beginning of our Christian lives. It is an initial moral change, a break from the power and love of sin. It is the
point at which believers can count themselves “dead to sin but alive to God” (Romans 6:11). Once sanctification
has begun, we are no longer under sin’s dominion (Romans 6:14). There is a reorientation of desires, and we
develop a love of righteousness. Paul calls it “slavery to righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18).

The second stage of sanctification requires a lifetime to complete. As we grow in grace, we are gradually – but
steadily – changing to be more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:18). This occurs in a process of daily spiritual renewal
(Colossians 3:10). The apostle Paul himself was being sanctified even as he ministered to others. Paul claimed
that he had not reached perfection, but that he “pressed on” to attain everything Christ desired for him
(Philippians 3:12). In other words, the believer will fail, but then go to Christ and confess his sin, turn from that
sin, and progressively become more like Christ through these periods of failure, confession, and renewal.

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