Free Grace Theology - Opposition

Opposition

One opposing view is Lordship Salvation, commonly held by those in the Reformed tradition. Most traditional Protestant theologians agree that faith alone in Christ alone is the sole means for receiving the free gift of salvation. The Reformed tradition holds that people cannot generate saving faith because they are by nature fallen and opposed to God. They believe that God's grace enables a sinner to overcome his fallen will and gives him saving faith in Jesus. Such grace is believed to be irresistible so that all those to whom God chooses to give grace will, in fact, have saving faith and be born again. It is believed that because these individuals are born again, their natures have undergone a change that will lead them to respond to God not just as Savior but also as Lord. If an individual claims to be saved, or born again, and yet gives little or no evidence of a changed life that follows God's commands, this would indicate the individual has not been born again.

Thomas Hooker also rejected Free Grace theology, stating that God's favor needed to be constantly re-earned by man, and that sin was capable of defeating grace on occasion. This is called the Contrition doctrine.

Finally, according to Lordship advocates, Jesus's teaching oppose Free Grace to some extent, through the numerous actions taught to the disciples. In addition, some believe there is evidence that there is another teaching besides salvation through faith/grace or works, that the true measure of Christianity is grace by one's own proof of love