We are currently creating content for this section. In order to be able to keep up with our high stWe are concerned with misguided theology that is rampant in the church today.   Human or man-made systems of theology have produced myriads of theology books and commentaries which feed on the error of previous interpretation of others.  The errors have multiplied to the extent that we find ourselves, in this so-called “post-modern” society, absent of a clear word from God and an even cloudier message as relates to how one may attain everlasting life and know it.  Theologians have developed systems of theology to which they must then twist the Scripture out of its context in order to make it fit their own view of things.  The result is that they have made additional human works necessary (either before, at the time of, or after faith in Christ) in order for one to gain everlasting life.  Many recognize this unscriptural inclusion of works in what has become known as “Lordship Salvation.”  This view was popularized in the last few decades by popular radio preachers as well as other pastors and teachers who adopt Reformed Theology and Five-point Calvinism.  It is also prevalent in Arminian theology, as well.  

Generally Calvinism teaches that without observable works of obedience, after one is regenerated by the Spirit and then subsequently believes in Christ, one may be later be considered as “unsaved” because he hasn’t persevered sufficiently in holiness or in the faith as he is required to do.  No real assurance of salvation is possible under this system because one must wait until the end of physical life to verify that their faith was real.  Further, Calvinism, as expressed in “Lordship Salvation” teaching requires a commitment to obedience, a pledge to obey or to let Jesus be Lord of one’s life.  Any way you look at it, a mental decision of this sort is a human deed, a work.  So the necessity of works is required on the front end as well as on the back end of things.  

But Arminianism is not immune from Lordship teaching either.  Under that system the failure to persevere in the faith or adequately obey God results, in their view, in the loss, the relinquishing, or the forfeiting of eternal life.  In both cases, the one who lacks subsequent works is destined for Hell.  This is clearly, under both systems of theology, a message of “salvation by works.”  Both turn the Christian life into a “have to” life instead of a “thank you” life; a job rather than a joy.



THE PROBLEM WITH NON-BIBLICAL
EVANGELISM AND OTHER “GOSPELS”

Most speakers and authors today are infected with some sort of Calvinism or Arminianism and, therefore, their present gospel message is one that requires some kind of good works (past, present, or future) in order to obtain everlasting life. Some insist that doing good works either proves to others or validates to oneself that the believer indeed has eternal life.  Arminians generally say that God’s gift of eternal life can be forfeited or lost by sinning. One result of this is that a believer in Christ can have no assurance of possessing eternal life without having a sufficient amount of continual good deeds as evidence of possessing everlasting life.  This, of course, subverts God’s clear promise that whoever believes in Christ has eternal life (cf. John 3:16; 5:24; 6:47; 11:25-27). Such “Lordship Salvation” teaches that the believer must either prove that he’s saved by continually analyzing himself or by “walking the line” to keep himself saved, or prove that he is! The Christian walk then becomes a “have to” life instead of a “thank you” life!  Legalism and judgmental attitudes naturally follow.

Neither legalism (living by a set of rules to keep or to validate salvation, as from “Lordship Salvation”) nor license to sin (living as if there were no God, absolute morals, absolute truth, or standard for conduct) are acceptable.  Contrary to legalism or license, however, the believer is commanded to “walk by the Spirit” and to be “led by the Spirit,” and to be ”filled by the Spirit” throughout his Christian life.

Those who have believed in Christ for eternal life should recognize and follow Christ’s lordship and the Spirit’s leading.  If they do they are promised indescribable eternal rewards for their faithfulness.  If they don’t they are certain to lose His approval, His close fellowship in this life, and unimaginable rewards in eternity to come. The motivation for living is to be thankfulness to God for His grace.  It must not be an attempt to gain His acceptance by working.


THEOLOGICAL CONCERNS:   

Theological systems and teachings such as that of so-called "Lordship Salvation" simply add human works to God’s free offer of eternal life through faith alone in Christ alone.  The biblical simplicity of believing in Christ as the sole object of trust and the guarantee of certainty for one’s eternal destiny has been complicated and confused.  Various "Lordship Salvation" teaching includes, within the definition of faith, a guarantee that observable works will and must necessarily and certainly follow “true" faith and that subsequent lack of these necessary observable works (such as obedience, good deeds, cleaning up of oneself, repentance, turning from sin, baptism, confession, initial or renewed commitment to obey or consider Jesus the Lord [boss] of one’s life, etc.) give evidence that the faith was not real and that the person does not possess eternal life.  While this teaching may seem logical and even desirable on the surface, it goes far beyond what the Bible says (John 3:16; 5:24; 6:47; 11:25-27) and fails to distinguish and separate one’s faith from his works!  The only way faithful works can be done is from a basis of faith (cf James 2), but such is an issue of personal growth and faithfulness.  It is not an issue of attainting everlasting life!

Biblically, faith and works may not be joined, united, or “married” when discussing the formula by which one receives irrevocable eternal life.  For instance, the Apostle Paul states without exception or equivocation that, “to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Rom 4:5).  He asserts with clarity that we are “justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” (3:24) apart from works in order that so that God “would be [both] just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (3:26, italics added).  Indeed, “if [salvation] is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace” (11:6).  


OUR DESIRE

Thus, FFGCI desires that everyone who believes in Christ after understanding God’s gracious and free offer of everlasting life be assured that they are accepted by the loving God.  We desire that believers be baptized, trained in His word, and activated into His service.   As God continues to reconcile the world to Himself by the good news of His free grace, the FFGCI is pledged to clarifying that message whenever and wherever possible. We are committed to unifying and uniting churches and preparing them to be the resource and fountain that God uses to transmit His gospel and His “water of life” freely (cf Rev 21:6; 22:17).  

FFGCI anticipates that believers who know and understand His free grace will then be further equipped for the Christian ministry by means of Bible Colleges, Seminaries, and other organizations which hold to the truth of biblical, Free Grace Theology.  We want to serve as a liaison between such churches, free grace institutions, and potential pastoral and missionary candidates.andards of service, we need a little more time. Please stop by again. Thank you for your interest!

CHARTER MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Full charter membership in the Fellowship of Free Grace Churches International is available for Free-Grace minded churches through 2009.  You can also join us as we endeavor to clarify the message of God’s grace by uniting with us in the battle for the gospel on behalf of our Lord and Savior.

Membership is available to churches who heartily agree with Free Grace Theology and Statement of Faith and who support the doctrinal statement.   Full membership for Charter Member churches is attained by a pledge of 1% of the church’s annual budget payable at 1/12 of 1% monthly.  These funds will be judiciously used in order to further the cause of Christ in the battle for the gospel of His grace. 

For further details please see the Application for Membership on this site or contact our Executive Director:

Anthony B. "Tony" Badger, Th.M., Th.D.
1056 Helen Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone:  717-291-0922
Fax:  717-291-0921
Mobile: 717-823-8779
Email to: ab_badger@verizon.net

Executive Offices:
5505 Research Forest Drive,
The Woodlands, TX  77381