> In our journey as Christians, one of the most profound and challenging teachings of Jesus is His call to true discipleship. This is not a call to superficial belief but an invitation to embrace Him as both Savior and Lord. The concept of “Lordship salvation” hinges on this dual acknowledgment—that accepting Jesus means recognizing His authority over every aspect of our lives. Jesus Himself taught clearly about the cost of following Him, and His words challenge us to examine the depth of our commitment.
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Understanding Lordship Salvation
Lordship salvation asserts that genuine faith in Jesus Christ involves not only trust in Him as Savior but also submission to Him as Lord. This doctrine emphasizes that salvation is more than intellectual assent or a mere emotional experience; it is a transformative process that begins with repentance, involves ongoing obedience, and results in a life increasingly conformed to Christ’s likeness.
The New Testament consistently presents Jesus as both Savior and Lord. Romans 10:9 declares, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The confession that “Jesus is Lord” is foundational to Christian faith and reflects a life surrendered to His authority.
Works are the Result of Salvation, not the Cause of it
While salvation by works falsely claims that one can earn their way to heaven, Lordship salvation maintains that salvation is a free gift received by faith alone, but that true saving faith will inevitably result in a life characterized by obedience and good works. Therefore, good works are motivated by love and gratitude, which are a natural result of regeneration. The key distinction is that in Lordship salvation, works are the result of salvation, not the cause of it.
Jesus’ Teaching on the Cost of Discipleship
Jesus made it clear that following Him comes with a cost. In Luke 14:25-33, He offers a stark portrayal of what it means to be His disciple: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). In Jesus’ day, the cross was not just a symbol of suffering, but of death—a call to die to oneself, one’s own desires, and ambitions in order to live fully for Him.
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple”
(Luke 14:27)
He goes further, saying, “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). Jesus does not mince words here; He demands a complete surrender. Discipleship is not about convenience or comfort, but about commitment—following Jesus with total allegiance, even if it means giving up everything we hold dear.
Counting the Cost
Jesus uses the examples of a builder calculating the cost of construction and a king preparing for war to illustrate the importance of counting the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:28-32). Just as a builder who starts a project without enough resources is bound for failure, a disciple who follows Jesus without understanding the cost is unlikely to remain steadfast when trials come.
To truly follow Jesus means to prioritize Him above all else—our relationships, possessions, and even our very lives. This is not an easy path, but it is the only path that leads to true life. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian martyr, famously wrote, “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” Bonhoeffer understood that to follow Jesus means dying to self-will and living for God’s will.
Obedience as the Mark of True Discipleship
Jesus’ teaching also emphasizes that true discipleship is marked by obedience. In John 14:15, He says, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Love for Jesus naturally flows into obedience; it is the outward evidence of an inward transformation. Similarly, in Matthew 7:21, Jesus warns, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Love for Jesus naturally flows into obedience; it is the outward evidence of an inward transformation.
This passage underscores the danger of a nominal faith—a profession of belief that lacks genuine obedience and submission to Jesus as Lord. To be a disciple is to not only hear the words of Jesus but to put them into practice (Matthew 7:24-27). Obedience, therefore, is not optional; it is a natural result of true faith.
Perseverance in the Faith
Jesus’ call to discipleship is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey. He warns that “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13). True discipleship involves perseverance—a daily commitment to follow Jesus, even when it is difficult, inconvenient, or costly.
The Apostle Paul echoes this sentiment in his own life and ministry. In Philippians 3:13-14, he describes his pursuit of Christ as a race, saying, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Paul understood that the Christian life requires endurance and perseverance, pressing forward in faith, despite trials and tribulations.
Conclusion: A Call to True Discipleship
Lordship salvation reminds us that Jesus calls us to more than just belief; He calls us to a life of total surrender, obedience, and perseverance. Jesus Himself sets the terms of discipleship, and His words are clear: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).
In a world that often promotes comfort, convenience, and self-centered living, the call of Jesus to true discipleship can feel counter-cultural and radical. Yet, it is the way to life abundant and eternal. May we embrace His Lordship fully, count the cost, and follow Him with unwavering devotion. After all, He gave His all for us—should we not give our all to Him?
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