My Testimony

For years, I misunderstood the gospel. I believed that the death and resurrection of Christ for the forgiveness of sins was sufficient for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1–4). But the good news reveals another necessary truth—”the righteousness of God” (Romans 1:16–17)—of which I was ignorant (Romans 10:3).

Upon learning this (2 Timothy 3:7), I adopted Lordship Salvation. This heretical doctrine mixes the free gift of salvation (Romans 6:23) with the costly works of discipleship (Luke 14:25–33) and emphasizes works for assurance rather than Christ (Hebrews 12:2). I thus sought righteousness through works (Romans 10:3).

Even after repenting of Lordship Salvation, I mistakenly believed that the imputed righteousness of Christ gave me a right standing with God and granted me entrance into the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:20). In doing so, I misrepresented not only the true gospel but also the essence of the Christian life.

But through the work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8–11), I finally repented of dead works (Hebrews 6:1) and submitted to the imputed righteousness of God by grace through faith in Christ—the very purpose of the law (Romans 10:3–4). Now that I understood the gospel, I was better equipped to represent the Christian life.