CHARLESTON, S.C. - Dec. 3, 2019 - Lordship salvation has become a popular notion in the past few years that although salvation is by grace one must demonstrate that Jesus is Lord to keep eternal life. The exact term is not used in scripture, but the question has merit. If a person has not had a real change in life following a stated conversion, then most likely they are not saved.
Teleios Research surveyed young Christians about the gospel message. There were 539 participants, of whom 64% were <30 years, and 85% evangelicals. In total, 92% believed they were saved by grace through faith and 44% thought they could not lose salvation.
The survey asked participants specifically what elements of the gospel message were necessary for salvation. When presented with defined choices, participants agreed with these basic elements of the gospel:
· People have sinned (92%)
· Sin deserves punishment by a just and holy God (83%)
· God provided his Son, Jesus Christ as a perfect sacrifice for man's sins that when accepted by faith, is the only provision needed for salvation (92%)
However, 69% of participants noted that although salvation is by grace, a person also needs to demonstrate by works that Jesus is Lord of their life. In contrast, 18% said salvation was by grace alone.
Dr. William C. Stewart, co-founder of Teleios Research, noted "This survey contains good news in that young Christians can recognize the basic elements of the gospel message. However, it clearly indicates the gospel can be easily confused. Holy scripture indicates a believer can only make Jesus lord by the old person being saved by grace, and regenerated into a new person by the Spirit, and only then be able to do the works of God by His grace (Titus 3:5; Romans 16:2-16). The work of salvation, from His gracious choosing to taking us home to heaven, is totally a work of God to His deserved praise and glory."
In summary, this survey demonstrates that young Christians typically identify the elements of the gospel message as salvation by grace, but a majority note that works must be demonstrated to finalize salvation. These findings suggest further biblical education is needed so young Christians know the complete sufficiency of Christ's gracious sacrifice on the cross to provide salvation by faith alone.
Complete results of this survey can be found here, and more findings from Teleios on their website.
WC Stewart, JA Stewart, LA Nelson
About Teleios - Teleios is a non-profit foundation that seeks to demonstrate the truth of scripture and the Christian faith through scientific methods by providing evidence for the positive results of a biblically-based lifestyle and produces practical tools for scriptural understanding and confidence.
Contact
Lindsay Nelson - Teleios Research
lindsay.nelson@prnorb.com
