> In an age where grace is often emphasized to the detriment of holiness, many Christians face the subtle temptation of antinomianism—the belief that, under grace, they are not bound by moral law. While grace is a cornerstone of Christian faith, believing that it negates our obligation to live righteously can lead to spiritual complacency and a distorted view of God’s character.
This article serves as a warning and a call to evaluate our lifestyles in light of Scripture.
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Understanding Antinomianism
Antinomianism is derived from the Greek words “anti” (against) and “nomos” (law), literally meaning “against the law.” It implies a rejection of the moral law of God, suggesting that Christians are liberated from the ethical demands of the Bible due to the grace provided through Christ’s sacrifice. This mindset can be particularly alluring, as it plays into the human desire for freedom and self-indulgence.
Scriptural Foundation Against Antinomianism
The Bible is clear about the importance of living a life that reflects God’s holiness. In Romans 6:1-2, the Apostle Paul writes: “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (ESV)
Here, Paul asserts that the grace of God does not give us permission to sin; rather, it empowers us to live righteously. Through grace, individuals are freed from the bondage of sin and receive the strength to pursue righteousness, guided by the Holy Spirit working within them. This grace calls believers to a higher standard of living, characterized by holiness and a desire to honor God.
Similarly, in Galatians 5:13, he warns: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”
This indicates that our freedom in Christ should lead us to serve, not to indulge in sinful behavior. This is important because it highlights the transformative purpose of Christian freedom. It emphasizes that being set free through Christ is not meant for selfish or destructive behaviors but for living a life of service, love, and responsibility toward others.
The Call to Holiness
In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we find a clear command: “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
The call to holiness is not only a suggestion but a divine imperative. It emphasizes that our conduct should reflect God’s character. Antinomianism undermines this call, suggesting that holiness is optional.
The Consequences of Antinomian Living
Choosing an antinomian lifestyle can have significant consequences. These include:
1. Spiritual Deception: This can manifest as a lack of assurance or false assurance of salvation.
- Lack of assurance: Many Christians may lack confidence in their relationship with God, leading them to question their standing before Him due to their unfruitfulness (1 John 2:3-4). This matters because a lack of assurance in one’s relationship with God can lead to spiritual insecurity, weakened faith, and a diminished sense of purpose in the Christian life.
- False assurance: Conversely, some might mistakenly believe that their faith is secure despite living contrary to biblical commands, failing to recognize the need for genuine repentance and obedience. This could lead to spiritual complacency, self-deception, and a lack of true transformation or growth in one’s faith. It may result in individuals failing to address sin in their lives, leading to a disconnect from a genuine relationship with God and potentially facing eternal consequences if their faith is not truly rooted in repentance and obedience.
2. God’s Discipline: In addition to spiritual deception, antinomian living often invites the discipline of God.
Hebrews 12:5-6 warns: “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’”
This passage teaches that God’s discipline is a mark of His love and acceptance. When believers stray into an antinomian lifestyle, they can expect corrective measures from God aimed at bringing them back to the path of righteousness.
The consequences of God’s discipline can be both painful and transformative. They might include:
– Loss of Peace and Joy: A wayward believer may experience internal turmoil and dissatisfaction as the Holy Spirit convicts them of sin, leading to a sense of unrest and separation from God’s presence.
– Life Disruptions: God may allow circumstances in a believer’s life to serve as wake-up calls, whether through financial hardships, relational conflicts, or health issues that highlight the need for repentance and a return to holy living.
– Community Accountability: God often works through the church community to bring about correction. When a believer begins to stray, loving confrontation from fellow Christians can be a means of discipline intended to restore them.
The Role of Accountability in Assurance
In contrast to the antinomian mindset, a life grounded in biblical truth encourages believers to seek accountability within the body of Christ. Regular fellowship, participation in church disciplines, and engaging in prayer and Bible study cultivate an environment where believers can support one another and strengthen their assurance of faith. Through mutual encouragement, individuals can reflect on their lives and ensure that their actions align with their professed beliefs.
Notable Christian Leaders on Antinomianism
Many influential Christian leaders throughout history have echoed these warnings. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, articulated the necessity of holiness in a believer’s life: “I have often said, and I will say again, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is in the spirit of the love of God. We are not to make void the law through faith, but we are to establish the law.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer also cautioned against cheap grace, which he associates with antinomianism: “Cheap grace is the grace we bestow on ourselves. Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession.”
These leaders remind us that grace should lead us to a deeper obedience, not a casual disregard for God’s commandments.
Resources for Further Study
For those interested in delving deeper into the implications of antinomianism and the call to holiness, the following resources are recommended:
1. “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer – A profound exploration of grace, discipleship, and the call to holiness.
2. “Holiness” by J.C. Ryle – A classic book that discusses the essence of holiness in a believer’s life.
3. “Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners” by John Bunyan – Reflects on the nature of grace in the context of a holy life.
4. “The Mortification of Sin” by John Owen – A deeper look into the necessity of pursuing holiness through the power of the Spirit.
5. “Assurance: A Theological Introduction” by Matthew M. McCullough – Examines the nature of biblical assurance and its importance in the life of believers.
Conclusion
As Christians, we must navigate the balance between grace and law carefully. Antinomianism presents a dangerous deviation from the truth of Scripture that can lead to spiritual apathy, spiritual deception, and false assurance of salvation. Moreover, it invites God’s loving discipline, which can serve as corrective measures intended to guide us back to righteousness. Let us heed the biblical admonitions to pursue holiness and live lives that reflect God’s character, thereby presenting a true witness of the transformative power of the gospel. By testing our faith against the teachings of Scripture and engaging meaningfully in our Christian community, we can cultivate genuine assurance in our salvation and live in a manner that honors our Lord.
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