by John Macarthur
What did I learn from the book? Pastor Macarthur explores the topic of lordship versus no-lordship in great detail throughout the book. I never gave it much thought until now. Frankly, I didn’t realize so many people didn’t believe Jesus was Lord.
There are several aspects both doctrine agree on such as Christ’s death purchased eternal salvation or sinners cannot earn divine favor. But they differ tremendously on things as well. No-Lordship doctrine believes faith might not last and a true Christian can completely cease believing. The biggest difference I found was “Repentance is a change of mind about Christ, In the context of the gospel invitation, repentance is just a synonym for faith. No turning from sin is required for salvation.”
On the contrary, repentance is not presalvation self-improvement. It is not a question of atoning for sin or making restitution before turning to Christ in faith. It is an inward turning from sin to Christ.
Faith is seeking and finding God in Christ, desiring Him, and ultimately being fulfilled by Him. Another way of saying it is that faith is wholly leaning on Christ for redemption, counsel, fellowship, sustenance, or direction. Faith is essentially being satisfied in Christ.
No-lordship theology posts an altogether different kind of faith. No-lordship faith is fragile, sometimes temporary, and often non-working. No-lordship faith is simply being convinced of something or giving credence to historical facts. No-lordship faith is confidence, trust, holding something as true but without any commitment to the object of faith. It is an inward conviction that what God says to us in the gospel is true–that and that along. No-lordship faith is single, one-time appropriation of God’s gift.
How will I use this book in the future? I want to help people persevere. Because we all falter at times. We won’t always be successful. In fact, some people experience more failure than success. But, I feel it is my calling as a true follower of Christ to make sure my fellow man doesn’t fall. I want to nurture and help people any way I can.