Saved, Sealed, Delivered, Set Free
A testimony of being set free from the false doctrinal teaching of Lordship salvation
Most of this is by my sister in Christ, Nancy, my additions are in blue.
I read a post that referred to Lordship Salvation as LS. I know what it is, but didn’t think about the abbreviation. When I first read the post I thought, “what illness could this sister be suffering from”? Then I realized she was talking about Lordship Salvation and thought “wow, we who have been trapped in LS for so many years are fighting our way back from a illness that leaves many lasting side effects.”
For those of you who have never been under this kind of bondage, its not something you just walk away from. A lot of those teachings cling to you and make you feel insecure and fragile. (But don’t worry you will get stronger as you recover.)
Like recovering alcoholics use a program of steps to help, sometimes we need to make some concrete moves to rid ourselves of the poison. So I decided to sit down and try to write what has helped me to be on my way to recovery from LS. Not sure if my way is the best way, but it is working for me.
(Insert from Holly: Lordship doctrine is a false teaching that is a sin, which will sicken those who are saved, and it will cause death for those who are lost. As Paul went to the church at Galatia and told them that those who added works to the gospel will accursed, so will I say, these teachers are preaching an accursed gospel. They are and will be accursed unless they come out from it. Those who are saved and follow it, have been bewitched into thinking what was begun in the Spirit can be finished in the flesh. (Gal 1:6-9; 3:1-5)
MARK AND AVOID FALSE DOCTRINE
1. Get out of the church that practices this…….sometimes this means cutting ties with brothers and sisters you love….At this point in the illness your are weak and need to listen to the Holy Spirit not be under the influence of others still unaware of the trap they are in. I am not saying to turn your back on them I am saying you need to be stronger to help them, now is not the time.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Rom. 16:17
SPEND VALUABLE TIME IN GOD’S WORD
2. Get into the Word, start grounding all thoughts on the Scriptures. Keeping your thoughts and eyes on Christ. Nothing is to be trusted if its not Scripture based. It may sound good but if its not backed up by the Word don’t trust it. A big step for me was when I truly grasped what Repent meant. Your Christian walk is not what LS teaches, its not bondage, its Grace. Seek knowledge its how we grow and get stronger just be careful and make sure its based on the Word.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Thess. 5:21
FELLOWSHIP WITH CONTENDERS OF THE FAITH
This one has really helped me and it will you too.
3. Find Mentors, strong in the faith, contenders, guardians of the flock and learn from them. I am not talking about well known Preachers that write books and make tapes for monetary gain….NO its best to stay away from them….I can give you names of those who can help you. Find one you trust and grow your circle of sound Mentors. Don’t be afraid to ask questions they are there to help you.
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Titus 2:7-8
A BELIEVER’S PRAYER LIFE IS IMPORTANT
4. PRAY…..if your prayer life is weak, you will be a weak Christian and open to attack from the devil. Believe me he does not want you to recover from LS…He wants you in bondage, useless, a defeated Christian.
Pray without ceasing. 1 Thess 5:17
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Prov. 3:5-6
I know that there are probably others that could be added, but this is where I am at in my recovery from LS. You may notice I did not say find yourself a sound church to go to. You see I am not to that point where I trust a Pastor to lead me. I may never be. I would rather put my trust and faith in God’s Word. If you are reading this and you have maybe reached that point all I can say is, be sure who you put your trust in.
If you are reading this and have never been in a LS church, don’t judge those who have. We carry a lot of scars and tend to be a little protective of our new found freedom in Christ and of each other.
Post Script:
I fight each day against doubts and fears that still haunt me from LS. I pray something I do or say each day will help others. I glory in the freedom that is Grace and strive to stay close to my Lord Jesus Christ.
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Pet 5:6-11
I put in a couple of Scriptures and some pictures, but I’d like to add that lordship would better be called loadship (what I generally refer it to). The reason is that the LOAD that is added to the gospel (whether before or after) is works that make the gospel false, another gospel. It is corrupted and cannot save a lost person. If a saved person comes under this spell, their own gospel will be rendered ineffective eventually. Just as Peter, James and Barnabas were acting the hypocrite and were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, just as the Galatians were bewitched, any believers who bear with those who subtly deceive them about the gospel are allowing them to minister false teachings to others (read 2 Cor 11 and the book Galatians).
The reason for the title besides a little play on words is that we can receive the free gift of eternal life and yet be in bondage as those were at Galatia. When we believe, we are saved forever from eternal death. We are sealed. We are delivered from the penalty of sin forever. But we can still be taught falsehoods or be misled if we are not in His Word.
Remember the Jews Jesus spoke to in John 8? Some believed and of course some didn’t. But those who did believe, Jesus told them to CONTINUE in His Word, and then they would know the truth, and the truth would set them FREE (vs 30-32). Hebrews 5:12-14 encourages us to stay in the strong meat of His Word so are senses are exercised to discern between good and evil. Acts 17:11 tells us it’s a noble thing to do to check what someone says with the Word of God. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 says to prove ALL things and hold fast to that which is good. Be a Mary, choose the good part (Luke 10:38-42). Be sure what someone is teaching is His Word. It’s a matter of life and death.
Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees
Don’t listen to them. Don’t put up with them. Withdraw from them. It may seem contrary to how we’ve been raised — to be nice to everyone. But it That what the Word tells us to do, just get along? No. Check out what they’re saying, test it, prove it, and if it doesn’t line up with Scripture mark and avoid these people, not just for your sake but for your family and loved ones and most of all so that the TRUTH of the gospel may remain (Gal 2:4-5).
Remember, false teachers look like sheep. Outwardly they look good (Matt 7:15-23), in fact they justify themselves by their many good works. They use flattering speech to deceive the hearts of the simple? Will you listen to them?
Jesus told us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees. Loadship is just that. These men would put loads or burdens on us that themselves cannot and will not lift (Matt 23:4-8; Acts 15:10; Luke 11:46). So let’s take heed to the doctrine (1 Tim 4:16), saving both ourselves and any who will hear us from many consequences and sorrows.
Acts 17:11; 1 Thess 5:21; 1 John 4:1-6; Rom 16:17-18; Gal 1:6-10; Gal 2:4-5, 11-15; 1 Tim 4:1-6,16; Acts 20:25-32; 2 Pet 2; 2 Cor 11:3-15; 2 John 1:7-11; 1 Tim 1:3-7; Matt 16:11-12; 1 Tim 6:3-5; Matt 7:15-23; Jude 3-4; Titus 1:10-16; 1 Cor 11:18-19; Titus 3:10-11; Acts 15:1-11
I am recovering from lordship salvation too & it’s all around the place, my family is into it too.It’s so awful, but thanks to God I am growing in grace. If anything or anybody tries to tell me you are saved in any other way besides just believing in Jesus for salvation,I won’t believe it & that includes when they try to tell me that works or fruit automatically follw salvation, that is a lie from the devil. I am saved by faith alone & that’s final.
Amen Genevieve, it seems to be a process as many lies people have been told, they have to unlearn. His Word is good for that. God bless you, and your family. Praying they will see and hear the good news!
Genevieve, you bless my heart. Please know that I will be praying for your growth in the Lord. For knowledge of the Word truly sets us free.
Thank you so much for the prayer Nancy, I’ve been praying for my growth too, I’ll pray for yours too.I have to just about pinch myself sometimes,because I am actually saved & it’s hard to believe that I am,but the bible says that I am & I definitely trust it.There is a lot of interpretations of it out there though ,that aren’t right. Yep, it’s hard to believe I actually got saved with all the lie’s out there. I’m busy praying for other’s that are still stuck in the lies. but I think I’ve seen some break through in someone I’ve been praying for. Love you all out there fellow Christians, dearly.Thank that beautiful God of ours for our wonderful salvation,everlasting life. We are so blessed.
Beautiful testimony!
Thank you. My friend Nancy is one of many I have seen decimated by this teaching. Many of us have felt incapable of being saved, not understanding He has accomplished all, He is able to present us faultless, He will complete what He started. The enemy is the accuser of the brethren, and so I pray for people to be set free from the bondage they went back under, or the ones that have not yet been saved, that they will hear the true gospel not another one, an accursed one. In Christ’s love to you all.
Nancy, what a beautiful testimony! I read it to my wife just now.
Your plan to fight LS reads a lot like God’s plan to fight against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:11-18:
[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
[13] Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
[14] Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
[15] And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
[16] Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
[17] And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
[18] Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints
Yes it is beautiful, throwing off those chains of Loadship bondage…I hope Nancy comes to read 🙂
Thank you both. I wish it could have been done a little sooner in my life. We were taught not to question our Pastor and if we did were told women were not able to properly discern the scripture. My husband and I were very unhappy and yet it took God letting us truly see what was being done to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Watching them take a beating with his version of what the scriptures said and because they could not live it they thought they must not have it. Over and over the trip to the alter, breaks my heart even to remember. Same people getting saved over and over. I still have areas that are healing and find myself a little over protective of other Christians. I must watch my flesh as I tend to speak then think. God is working on me and I am learning .Please keep me in your prayers.
Thanks for the prayer’s Holly, as I said to Nancy I’ve noticed a breakthrough with my sister. He answers our prayers for sure.
Thank you, Nancy. It was wonderful reading your testimony as I was also in this horrid false teaching. It’s been 9-10 years since I’ve been in that church and every so often I still get doubts. I’ve been up and down quite a lot and don’t have much trust anymore till I’ve found all of you. It’s slowly been coming back and my relationship with Lord is continuing to blossom. I thank God for leading me here. Many thanks and you are def in my prayers.
A lot of my friends, including myself, have scarred areas the enemy tries to press to accuse. The best way to answer Satan is “It is written”…
Thanks, Holly. You are absolutely right. Whenever we feel the same accusations we heard during our time in a false gospel we have to remember to go to His Word. His Word never lies while our feelings lead us astray if we allow it. Cling to Him and His Word and we can do it all. 🙂
That’s right Bobbie Jo, not by our feelings, but we answer the accuser as Jesus did in Matthew 4, “It is written”.
Thank you for sharing this! I am just now finding my way out of this LS trap. I was pretty much raised in it. Long story, many scars.
Brian
Brian, welcome! It’s great to have you here.
Hi Brian, I think a lot of us can relate. My Christian High School I had reformed teachers, Arminians, and Nazarenes, all sorts of different denominations, the only consistent teaching was the error of load-ship (lordship). Praying for you as you study His Word with His approval in mind, it really will make you free indeed 🙂
Thank you Holly! In my case it was being raised in a Presbyterian church that did teach grace properly, then moving and getting slowly trapped in Calvinism. Cruel, very wicked way that Satan works. I am only just beginning to see the light (Father of lights?). I sure need all the prayers I can get! Thanks for all you are doing here, and on Expreacherman !!!
The entrance of His Word brings light Brian. I am so thankful for His Word, and how it will light up our path. Give us wisdom, understanding, knowledge of the One who with great love died for us. May we all remember to remain in His Word and abide in Him with all the distractions of life, and our own flesh. May our minds be renewed day by day in His pure Word. So glad for the brethren. Thanks so much for coming and may the Lord continue to teach you excellent things of counsels and knowledge (Prov 22:17-21).
Amen, Sister Holly! Beautiful passage! Especially in light of Ephesians 2:8-9.
People do not want to hear that works are not involved in the free gift of eternal life (Rom 6:23). Free is a word they view with suspicion. Sadly this keeps many on the broad way of works. The majority of religions seek salvation by works, even if they deny this is what they are doing. May the Lord open their eyes that they might see. May we bring the real gospel to them that they might hear and believe.
So true! Amen!
Thank you, Holly! Thanks for being a strong warrior for Christ!
It’s not me Brian, but we all can do all things through the One who strengthens us (Phil 4:13).
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2 Cor 12:9-10
I am happy nevertheless! I don’t have the Scriptures, but I feel it is God through his Holy Spirit working though you with your obedience. It is just great to find someone such as you. I feel very weak, and know God through Christ is perfectly strong. I try to keep this in mind as I am spiritually recovering. It is great that our God, the only true God is loving !!!!! Christ ( God in flesh) told us that repeatedly. That’s where I am currently.
The biggest thing I’ve learned and am still learning (and failing at), is that I need to do to very important things. Continue in His Word and abide in Him. Prov 3:5-6 and Luke 10:38-42 were kind of pivotal passages for praying for more things, and trying to spend some ‘feet time’ with Him. One that really seemed impressed on me often was 1 Thess 5:21; Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
As I would fail or miss the mark, I would remember the needful thing, the good part that would not be taken from me. I pray that the Lord will give us all a hunger and thirst always for His Word, and time with Him. Psalm 139 is a precious reminder of His love and care for us. God bless you.
I agree with all you have said. I am always cautious about being led astray. There are many who seek to snare believers into what I think of as discipleship slaves. I narrowly avoided this through Campus Crusade for Christ during my college years. Like I said, I have many scars. Being older now, I am not impressed by men, or flashy doctrine. I only have patience for correct doctrine, which is rarely encountered at most churches these days.
Brian, are you saying that Campus Crusade helped you, or that you avoided being led astray by them?
The reason I ask, is that we have had other commenters who have belonged to Campus Crusade groups whose members included those who were heavily into Lordship “salvation” bondage.
Being led astray. The ones I encountered seemed to be trolling colleges for people they could led astray.
They equated salvation to include immediate discipleship. I knew several people who went higher into leadership. The higher they went, the further astray they were led.
Brian, thanks for clarifying. That’s what I was afraid of.
That was in the mid 1980s in Wyoming. Very surprising to me. It made me very weary of anyone who talks about discipleship. In proper context, it makes sense. But how they define it is crucial.
Brian, one of my friends who has also come out of load-ship recently is in L.A. going to school and has encountered the same exact thing with Campus crusade. She has her head on straight and is keeping in the Word, so she was able to refute them as much as they despised it. May we keep pointing our kids, our friends, our loved ones to the Word for the answers. Happy to have you here.
Thank you, Holly! I wish there was a grace teaching org that would counter Campus Crusade, using Ephesians 2:8-9 as a base. Or maybe using Dr. Tom Cucuzza’s great book, Secure Forever. Wish I had something like that after my experience. It would have saved me much grief, for sure.
Brian, I’m with you. I sure pray there was too. I’m afraid that even in the grace organizations, many are creeping in from the Campuses and trying to pervert the message and subvert the hearers. We know the truth will set believers free, praying for those in bondage. And praying for those who still are yet to believe.
I join you in these prayers. I didn’t realize that even grace orgs were being corrupted. The enemy is very strong indeed.
Brian, compromise is being allowed, I am consistently surprised to see Grace teachers, favorably quoting men like Charles Spurgeon, Martin Luther, John Calvin, Augustine, etc. with no warning at all. This is sending the sheep to the wolves, and even dead serpents can still give venom. I know, I was bit by many of these dead men. I don’t judge their souls, but I do judge their doctrine to not only be unsound, but to be doctrine that unsettles the souls of many, and men of God ought never do this, they are to guard the flock (if they are Shepherds) not introduce the flock to a wolf, never telling the flock he is not a sheep, but a wolf in sheep’s clothing.