Where We Stand: Former Adventists Philippines on "Lordship Salvation" vs "Free Grace Theology"?

You’ve probably heard of the heated debate between “Lordship Salvation” and “Free Grace Theology.” For many Christians, especially those coming out of performance-based religious systems like Adventism, these discussions can feel overwhelming. So, what’s the perspective of Former Adventists Philippines (FAP) on this issue?

Let’s break it down in casual terms.

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What Are These Two Views About?

In simple words:

• Lordship Salvation teaches that Jesus must be received as both Savior and Lord. If you truly believe, your life will eventually show it through repentance, growth, and obedience. It’s not about being perfect, but about genuine faith that leads to a changed life.

• Free Grace Theology says that salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone, and it emphasizes that even if a person never shows spiritual growth or repentance afterward, they’re still saved if they believed. The focus is on faith alone, with no demands for outward change as evidence of salvation.

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Our Journey From Legalism to Liberty

As former Seventh-day Adventists, many of us came out of a system that measured salvation by obedience, Sabbath-keeping, dietary rules, tithe records, and more. We were taught that you needed to prove your salvation by how well you followed the law.

When we discovered the gospel of grace, it was life-changing! We learned that salvation is a gift, not a reward. That we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—not by works, not by Sabbath, not by any human effort.

So naturally, when we first heard Free Grace Theology, we appreciated the emphasis on the freeness of salvation. It was a breath of fresh air after years of legalism. But as we studied Scripture more deeply, we also began to see the importance of the Lordship of Christ in the Christian life.

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So What Does FAP Believe?

Former Adventists Philippines stands somewhere in between the extremes. Here’s our balanced conviction:

1. Salvation is by grace through faith alone—period.
   
   You don’t need to prove your faith with works to be saved. Faith is enough, and salvation is not dependent on our performance.

2. True saving faith is never alone—it leads to a transformed life.
   
   
   We reject the idea that someone can believe in Jesus and remain permanently unchanged. That doesn’t mean instant maturity, but over time, the fruit of salvation (like repentance, obedience, and love) should show up naturally.

3. Jesus is not a Savior-only offer. He is the Lord.
   
   
   You don’t accept Jesus like a buffet, taking His forgiveness but not His authority. He is Lord, and a true believer will grow in surrendering to Him, even if imperfectly.

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Why This Matters for Former Adventists

We know what it’s like to be crushed by legalism. We also know what it’s like to swing the other way—into license or easy believism that downplays discipleship. That’s why we’re careful not to repeat either mistake.

We don’t believe you have to “maintain” your salvation through obedience. But we also believe that the Holy Spirit does real work in the hearts of those who are truly saved. Faith may start small, but it grows.

We preach a gospel that is 100% grace, but we also disciple people to follow Jesus as their loving Lord, not just a ticket out of hell.

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In Short:

• We affirm salvation by grace alone through faith alone.

• We reject salvation by works, including Sabbath-keeping or legalism of any form.

• We believe genuine faith results in a growing submission to Jesus.

• We avoid both extremes—legalistic Lordship teaching or passive, fruitless Free Grace ideas.

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Final Word

At FAP, we welcome discussions on hard topics like this. We encourage people to read their Bibles, walk with Jesus, and trust the finished work of the cross. We’re not here to police your salvation—we’re here to point you to Christ, who saves and transforms.

So whether you came out of strict religion or loose religion, remember this: You are saved by grace, and you are called to grow in grace. That’s the gospel we preach.

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Let’s follow Jesus—not just with our lips, but with our lives.

- Former Adventists Philippines

Biblical. Christ-Centered. Grace-Rooted.

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For more inquiries, contact us:

Email: formeradventist.ph@gmail.com

Website: formeradventistph.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/formeradventistph

Phone: 09695143944