Antinomianism

Van · Posted: Mon May 17, 2004 7:32 am Post subject: Antinomianism

Antinomianism

'Antinomian' literally means 'against [the rule of] law'; “Antinomians” are those Christians that deny the necessity of moral law, failing to recognize the grace of God in the revelation of Mosaic Law, seeing salvation only 'freely bestowed' by God's grace. Antinomianism is the doctrine or philosophy that denies the obligatory nature of moral law, as in relativism or subjectivism. The Christian Antinomians tended to be either ascetic or hedonistic Gnostics and gravitated towards heresy: Paul superverted (Paul on steroids).

The word comes from the Greek anti (against) and nomos (law), and refers to the doctrine that it is not necessary for Christians to preach and or obey the moral law of the OT. There have been several different justifications for this view down through the centuries. For example, the basic view is that once the chosen are justified by faith in Christ, they no longer have any obligation toward the moral law because Jesus has freed them from it. A variant of this position is that since believers in Christ cannot lose their salvation, then they need to be obedient only to the individual internal guidance of the Holy Spirit, who will keep them from sin.

Just as Christ was crucified between two thieves, Christ’s pure gospel hangs between two usurpers, Legalism on one side and Lawlessness (Antinomianism) on the other.

What is the biblical view of this difficult subject? I believe our post-conversion faith, our love of Jesus, is born of an incorruptible seed, and therefore we (born again believers in Christ) will feel compelled to keep all that Christ has commanded. Further, I believe that the Helper (the indwelt Holy Spirit of Christ) will draw our attention during prayerful study of the Word and meditation to our violations of the moral Law as taught in Scripture such that our un-Christ like attitudes and actions will result in feelings of guilt and shame. Hence, our efforts to pick up our cross, to put to death our fleshly desires, and to follow Christ, to be conformed to the image of Christ, provide assurance of salvation.
In summary, those who are against the moral Law, who say why not do evil so grace can abound even more, are demonstrating that they were never saved, Matthew 7:18-21.

One Flock · Newbie Alert Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 2

Van · Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2004 10:12 am Post subject:

Thanks, it is a modification of something I read while studying for the article.