Do We Underestimate Christ's Words?

Before doing this Bible study, please read the introduction in the 1-minute devotion Christ's Words "Count".

In seminary I was assigned a presentation on the "Lordship Salvation" debate. This controversy produced several books in the 1990s and started a debate that continues today.

• One side says salvation is 100% grace with no requirements, not even repentance. 
• The biblical side says salvation is 100% grace, but certain changes will/must follow true conversion.

Have modern Christians been so eager to make converts that we've let people think that becoming a Christian is something less than an all-encompassing life commitment?

1. After reading the passages below, answer these questions:

✔ Do you think we soft-sell Christianity to new converts?

✔ Would you use Luke 14:28-33 when sharing Christ with someone?

✔ Do you think you've personally counted the cost?

✔ What things have you given up to follow Christ? 

✔ Are there things you're holding back from Christ?

1 John 2:3-4: "We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. 4 Whoever says, 'I know him,' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person."

1 John 3:9-10: "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister." 

Luke 9:23-26: "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.'" 

2. Can a person deny the necessity of repentance after reading these passages?

Mark 1:15: “The time has come,” [Jesus] said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” 

Luke 13:5: "...unless you repent, you too will all perish."

Acts 2:38: "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

2 Corinthians 7:10: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death."

2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."

See also 1 John 1:8-10. 

3. How do we define genuine faith? What other passages (besides the two below) would help you answer this question?

James 2:19-24: "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,' and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone." 

Philippians 3:12: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me."

copyright 2013, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated in 2021  

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