Lordship Salvation

Many theologians err in their soteriological expression, either in part or in whole and many do not. Here it appears, in part, that Matthew Henry is no exception (with the understanding we are only immediately privy to this quote and no other qualifying comments). However, his case is not surprising seeing the predominant theological/denominational influence in his life was Presbyterianism and this peccant strain of justification has commonly found its way in the Presbyterian church. Of course this does not negate any true or accurate teachings Henry may have provided in the rest of his works.

But this is no less common (though much more grievous seeing the kind of injury it inflicts to potential believers and its consequences) than other theological errors on other topics that befall us all and of course even the most notable theologians down through the ages.

Todd --

One must be very careful to throw around such a serious word as "heretic". As for me, I have not read one commentary cover to cover and agreed with the author 100% (Actually, I don't think I've ever read a commentary cover to cover, although I'd like to.)

When I graduated Bible College (and I came from one that is know for seperating itself into a corner), I had the mindset that I shouldn't read anyone who taught anything that I didn't agree with. As you can imagine I didn't do much reading at the time (only what was required for class work). Then I became an Associate under a man who forced me out of my comfortable box. Initially I though this man was liberal, because he had books on his bookshelf that I would never endorse. However, over time I realized that my college wasn't right about all things, my professors weren't right about all things, and that no commentator is right about all things (and even more importantly...I'm not right about all the things I think I'm right about).

Lordship salvaiton is a confusing topic because many people have their own understanding of what that means. If one means that I person must actively make the Lord the Lord of their life, then that is a works based salvation. If one means that a person must a complete theological understand of the Lordship of Christ before salvation is granted to them, I ask did they completely understand the Lordship of Christ at the time of their salvation, or has there knowledge of that theological concept grown over time? Also, how can a child grasp the complete theological understanding of the Lordship of Christ, and isn't that in direct opposition of what Christ Himself said in Luke 18:17, "Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein." Also, we see in scripture that Timothy was saved at a young age: 2 Timothy 3:15, "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

My understading of how the Lordship of Christ plays in the salvation process is this...

• A person must realize that he will not acheive forgiveness on his own terms/going his own way/in any way dependant upon his own merits (or however else a person may wish to word it)

• That person must realize that Christ provided the only way.

• That person must choose to go the way that Christ provided (this inherently speaks of a willingness to follow Christ)

I believe that without that submissive spirit, and spiritual understanding, a person is not saved. In Acts, Christians were called people of "The Way". They had changed directions, and were now going Christ's Way. Maybe a little elementary, or simplistic, but I think God is pleased in making Salvation simple to understand.