A Layman's Guide to the Lordship Controversy

I was living in California when I heard John MacArthur was involved in a very public challenge of what he viewed as "another gospel" being preached in many 20th Century churches. His concerns soon spawned a series of taped studies taught at Grace Community Church, and eventually wrote a book entitled The Gospel According to Jesus in which MacArthur went into great detail to cover the biblical Gospel and expose the "false gospel" and its key proponents. Though the fireworks over this controversy that raged on for over two decades have become less intense, the debate over what has come to be called Lordship Salvation and Non-Lordship Salvation is still white-hot. In the midst of the controversy, Richard Belcher wrote a helpful book entitled "A Layman's Guide to the Lordship Controversy." Belcher states in his Introduction, "Perhaps some feel the debate is much ado about nothing--semantics, or maybe the wrangling of overly-sensitive theologians, or maybe the pride of opportunists trying to advance their own popularity and ministry." He goes on to say, "But the two leading proponents are convinced that the debate is extremely serious and that the very nature of the gospel itself is at stake." Belcher had a definite purpose for writing this kind of book. He says he saw a real "need for a brief summary of the arguments in the controversy--a summary which even the layman can understand." Though Belcher wrote his analysis back in 1990, I have just recently obtained a copy. A Layman's Guide to the Lordship Controversy is a relatively short book (only 106 pages, plus a section of end notes), yet this analysis is one of the best organized presentations on any subject I have read. He admits right up front that, "Though the comparative chapters will be presented in an objective fashion, final chapters of critique will close the discussion of the subject." In doing this, he provides a strong critique of the position he feels fails his analytical examination. It doesn't take the reader long to realize that Belcher clearly understands the controversy, its history, and the positions of the key advocates (Zane Hodges--Non-Lordship Salvation, and John MacArthur--Lordship Salvation). He traces the roots of the Non-Lordship Salvation position back to the published works of Lewis Sperry Chafer (especially his book entitled Grace--1922), C.I. Scofield (The Scofield Reference Bible--1917), and Charles Ryrie (Balancing the Christian Life--1969 and So Great Salvation--1989). Belcher's goal is to provide the reader with a balanced analysis of the two positions based on Hodges' books Absolutely Free! and The Gospel Under Siege and MacArthur's book The Gospel According to Jesus. After providing an excellent Introduction to the controversy, Belcher enters Part One where he presents the two sides of the controversy, principle by principle. Chapter One covers Non-Lordship Salvation and Chapter Two covers Lordship Salvation. He ends each chapter with a quick, bullet statemen

A 'Layman's Guide to the Lordship Controversy' was written to give a brief summary of both sides in the controversy.In the introduction Mr.Belcher gives a brief historical overview as to how the controversy began and brings us to where it stands as of the writing of this book. Richard Belchers ability to analyse and systematize, both his own view and the opposing view,in a fair and accurate manner is both admirable and outstanding. That this ongoing debate is important most familiar with it will readily acknowledge. In identifying John Macarthur(Lordship view)and Zane Hodges(non-Lordship view)as the key proponents Belcher notes that they agree in this regard:that the nature of the gospel is at stake. In part one the author takes the non-Lordship view of Zane Hodges(as set forth in his book'Absoulutely Free')and presents his view wtih 11 principles and brief paragraphs which summarize those principles. A couple of those principles for example would be:1."Assurance of salvation is based on the promise of the gospel and not on works,fruit or perseverance. ",2."Salvation and discipleship are distinct,and should never be confused or mingled lest the gospel message be destroyed." He then concludes section one with 22 principles which summarize John Macarthurs view from his book'The Gospel According to Jesus'. In section three of the book he gives a critique of the non-Lordship view.His analysis of the non-Lordship view is piercing and throughly exposes some of its major theological flaws. On p.94 under the heading(non-Lordship salvation has a new birth that does not necessarily transform)Belcher writes"Hodges never denies the miracle of the new birth. ...Yet one can experience this new birth and not be transformed.The sinner may turn from his sin or he may not.He may submit to Christ or he may not. He may follow Christ or he may not." Those last words are really cutting. A Christian that has an option of following Christ or not. Does such a being exist? The title of Christian was first used as a title of derision for those who were followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. It literally means little Christ. For the last 2000 years followers of Christ have worn that title as badge of honour. Belcher is both fair,extremely accurate and graciuos in exposing the deep thelogical flaws of the non-lordship view and gives an excellent summary and overview of the 'Lordship position'. 'A Laymans Guide to the Lordship Controversy' is a valuable contribution to this ongoing theological debate.

A Layman's Guide to the Lordship Controversy by Richard P. Belcher; 1990, 106 pp., Richbarry Press, Columbia, SC.// Are you too busy to keep up with the current debate in American Christianity? Scores of Christian radio stations have dropped programs that stand on one side of this issue. Certain Christian conference centers have replaced the speakers they invite because of their views on this matter. Church boards have shifted their support from one ministry to another in response to this contention: the place of the Lordship of Christ in the salvation of sinners. Indeed, Christians should be concerned. For, as Richard Belcher has stated, "the nature of the gospel itself is at stake." In this book, Dr. Belcher has simplified and defined this Lordship debate for busy pastors and laymen in the local church. This comes as no surprise, for he had also clarified and expounded the inerrancy issue in two of his earlier books back in the 1980's. Because this debate affects the decisions they make and the ones that are made for them, Christians need readable accounts such as this in order to understand the current theological shuffling and realignment in Christian ministries, organizations, and churches. This short book clarifies the two sides of the Lordship issue into basic principles taken from two books that kicked off the present controversy: John MacArthur's The Gospel According to Jesus which teaches Lordship salvation and Zane Hodges' Absolutely Free which defends non-Lordship salvation. Each chapter ends with a summary of each side's principles for an easy comparison by the reader. In a short time, the reader will understand the key differences between the two schools of thought. Furthermore, these two positions are compared in the areas of theology and in their handling of Scripture. In the remaining chapters, Dr. Belcher critiques the theological straw men built on logical fallacies, the theological weaknesses, and the Scripture-twisting of the non- Lordship position. The structure of this work could hardly be improved. It is a well-written, fair, and gracious handling of a difficult issue. Nevertheless, this kind and fair approach does not prevent Dr. Belcher from clearly defending the historic Christian faith. Jesus is Lord and His Person cannot be divided to make salvation more attractive to men and women who are still in love with their sins. Likewise, the author's fairness does not prevent his wit from surfacing at times, and this adds significantly to the flow of the book. However, there is one warning in regards to this work. It will whet your appetite to read the aforementioned book by John MacArthur--an excellent work on this subject. The gospel is truly at stake. Make sure your gospel is the same as Christ's, Peter's, Paul's and all those who have followed the Word of God for the last 2,000 years. (richbarrypress.com)