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How to Solve the Lordship Controversy in One Short Paragraph

Here is how to resolve the Lordship controversy in one short paragraph: 

We do not forsake sin in order to come to Christ, we come to Christ in order to forsake sin. So if you are coming to Christ as Savior from sin, then it implies you, by Gods grace, want Him to deliver you from it. We do not pray "Lord save me from the penalty of sin, but leave me under its power." Lord forbid. Rather, we pray, "Lord deliver me from sin's guilt AND power.

If we can all agree with that then I think both sides in the Reformed camp can move on from this. 

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This perspective avoids the error of reducing salvation to mere intellectual assent or, conversely, to works-righteousness. Instead, it honors the biblical truth that a saving relationship with Christ leads to a hatred of sin and a growing conformity to His likeness. True faith does not pray for deliverance from sin’s penalty while clinging to its power (Romans 6:1-2). This balance, I believe, should indeed unify those within the Reformed tradition on this matter.

Our ability to forsake sin is entirely dependent on our union with Christ. This truth lies at the heart of the gospel and the Christian life. In John 15:4-5, Jesus makes this dependence clear when He says, "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches... apart from me you can do nothing."

Union with Christ is the fountain from which all spiritual blessings flow (Ephesians 1:3). Through this union, we receive the double grace of justification and sanctification. Calvin eloquently describes this in Institutes when he explains that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us for justification, and at the same time, His Spirit works in us for sanctification​.

It is crucial to understand that sanctification, including the forsaking of sin, is not a self-wrought endeavor. Philippians 2:12-13 reminds us, "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." In union with Christ, His Spirit transforms our desires, enabling us to put sin to death (Romans 8:13) and to live in newness of life (Romans 6:4).

Regardless of the era or circumstance, the believer's victory over sin remains rooted not in human strength or effort but in the grace of Christ applied by the Spirit through this vital union. Without Him, we remain powerless; with Him, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

 

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