George Meisinger on Belief as Persuasion
As I write and re-write my chapters for our upcoming systematic theology, Doctrine for Disciples, I am beginning to cross-reference other theology books. In doing that I came across an excellent chapter on salvation by George Meisinger, called “Salvation by Faith Alone” in The Fundamentals for the Twenty-First Century, edited by Mal Couch. Meisinger makes […]
Is Sanctification by Faith Alone, Apart from Works?
I recently read an article about sanctification by someone who identifies as holding to the Free Grace position. He suggested that both justification and sanctification are by faith, apart from works. Is that true? While justification is definitely by faith, apart from works, is sanctification also by faith, apart from works? To suggest that sanctification […]
Joseph Prince on the Difference Between Knowing and Loving
I think Joseph Prince is at least Free Grace friendly. I wrote an article about him many years ago, but I plan on updating it after reading some of his newer books, such as Grace Revolution: Experience the Power to Live Above Defeat. I think he has come closer to a Free Grace soteriology, but […]
Can We Apply Old Testament Promises to Us Today?
Lyndal asks a great question, one I wish more believers would ask: Greetings from Perth, Western Australia. Are we able to take comfort in Old Testament Scriptures as promises also for us, such as “For the Lord my God, will hold my right hand, saying to me, ‘Fear not, I will help you’” (Isaiah 41:13) […]
Sixty Seconds with a Lordshipper
Q: What would you say to someone who believes in the necessity of Lordship Salvation if you only had one minute to get your point across? A: If he has a Christian background, I can assume he believes that Jesus is the Savior (in some sense) and that He died on the cross for our […]
Is Asking Jesus for Everlasting Life the Same as Believing in Him for That Life?
VL from Germany raises a super question: My name is Vincent; I am 20 years old and I write you from Germany. My question is: Is it Biblical to ask Jesus for eternal life and believing that I received his life? In Matt 7:7-8 Jesus said: “Ask, and it shall be given you […] for […]
Are There Any Free Grace Denominations?
People often ask whether there are any Free Grace denominations. They want to belong to a local church that preaches grace and need to know where to look. The short answer is there are no Free Grace denominations. The more complicated answer is that some denominations are more accepting than others. If you can find […]
Are People Who Believe in Lordship Salvation Born Again?
Simon asks a great question: Just wanted to know what our approach should be towards Lordship Salvationists. I feel they should be considered as brothers in Christ. It is sad to see Lordship Salvationists attacking Free Grace proponents, and vice versa. How do we reconcile both the views without attacking the other? Simon essentially has […]
Did Jesus Claim to Be God?
Why should you believe that Jesus can give you eternal life? Who has that kind of power and authority? In his essay, “What Are We to Make of Jesus Christ?,” C. S. Lewis noted some of the curious things Jesus said that made people wonder about His real identity. For example, Lewis paraphrases what Jesus […]
Kenya or Bust (The Second Time)
Last February, my daughter Kathryn and I were scheduled to go to Kenya to conduct a conference on the Gospel of John for pastors and their wives. We made it to the airport counter, with tickets and COVID tests in hand, but were denied boarding because of a new requirement on the COVID test we […]