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Topic: Antinomianism-- The Popular Heresy
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WildB
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Member # 2917
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by becauseHElives:
Proverbs, Chapter 12, 017 He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Proverbs, Chapter 14, 005:A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Proverbs, Chapter 19, 005:A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Proverbs, Chapter 19, 009:A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Proverbs, Chapter 20, 023:Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
Proverbs, Chapter 21, 028:A false witness shall perish:
you WildB are the one guilty of bearing false witness against the scriptures ...
you are saying the verses I posted are not true....
Im saying you are false in your opinion rid-in posting of said scripture and that other post you posted another cult / Berean Bible Society is a LIE.
False witness = LIAR.
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That is all.....
Posts: 8775 | From: USA, MICHIGAN | Registered: Mar 2004
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becauseHElives
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posted
quote:
Those two extremes - legalism and license - are still a problem.
I will amen that
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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becauseHElives
Advanced Member
Member # 87
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posted
Proverbs, Chapter 12, 017 He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Proverbs, Chapter 14, 005:A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Proverbs, Chapter 19, 005:A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Proverbs, Chapter 19, 009:A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Proverbs, Chapter 20, 023:Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
Proverbs, Chapter 21, 028:A false witness shall perish:
you WildB are the one guilty of bearing false witness against the scriptures ...
you are saying the verses I posted are not true....
explain to me the mystery of iniquity, lawlessness if I am incorrect...
if any person is saved, then they have the Law of Yahweh in their heart....
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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Carol Swenson
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posted
quote:
Originally posted by becauseHElives:
quote:
Now you're saying that Paul taught lawlessness?
I never even got close to saying Paul taught lawlessness....
Paul warned that lawlessness (Antinomianism)had already crept into the Church.....
Sorry, I misunderstood you.
Yes he taught that. In Galatia the problem was legalism. In other churches he started the problem was antinomianism.
Those two extremes - legalism and license - are still a problem.
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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WildB
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Member # 2917
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posted
Proverbs, Chapter 12, 017 He that speaketh truth showeth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.
Proverbs, Chapter 14, 005:A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.
Proverbs, Chapter 19, 005:A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape.
Proverbs, Chapter 19, 009:A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish.
Proverbs, Chapter 20, 023:Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good.
Proverbs, Chapter 21, 028:A false witness shall perish:
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That is all.....
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becauseHElives
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posted
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G458&t=KJV
iniquity
1) the condition of without law
a) because ignorant of it
b) because of violating it
2) contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness
MAT 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity lawlessness .
MAT 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 24:12 And because iniquity lawlessness shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.
2THES 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity lawlessness doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed (man of sin, the son of perdition), whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
ACTS 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
MAT 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? .......... 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity lawlessness . 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
2TIM 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (who tickle their ears with smooth sayings and easy teachings); 4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2THES 2:2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 2:3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 2:4 Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. 2:5 Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
2PET 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingered not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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WildB
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Member # 2917
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posted
becausehelives = false witness
Matthew, Chapter 19, 018: He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
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That is all.....
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becauseHElives
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Member # 87
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posted
quote:
Now you're saying that Paul taught lawlessness?
I never even got close to saying Paul taught lawlessness....
Paul warned that lawlessness (Antinomianism)had already crept into the Church.....
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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WildB
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posted
Matthew, Chapter 19, 018: He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
becausehelives stop your false witnessing....
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That is all.....
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Carol Swenson
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posted
Galatians 1:11-12 (NASB)
For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.
For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.
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It wasn't that long ago you said Paul kept the Sabbath and taught the Law. Now you're saying that Paul taught lawlessness? He didn't. Paul taught living by the Spirit.
The mystery of lawlessness refers to the Antichrist and all those who REJECT Jesus Christ.
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becauseHElives
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posted
if Antinomianism is not what Paul is speaking about ....For the mystery of lawlessness is already working within; (2 Thess. 2:7)....please enlighten me.
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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barrykind
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posted
huh?
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
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The HEART of the issue is truly the issue of the HEART!
John 3:3;Mark 8:34-38;James 1:27
Posts: 3529 | From: Orange, Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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becauseHElives
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Member # 87
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posted
quote:
I said.....Under the New Covenant, only those with God's law in their hearts are the people of God:
quote:
you said.....Those who are born again of the Holy Spirit are the people of God.
my question to you is then what is written on your heart?
quote:
Spurgeon said....So, then, writing the law in our heart means, first, making us know what the law really is.
If that is done, the Lord is pleased, next, to cause his people to remember that law. When a thing is "learnt by heart," you know the common meaning of that expression, even amongst our children. If they have learnt a thing by heart rather than merely by rote, they have made it their own, and it remains with them. A man with whom God the Holy Spirit deals is one who does not have to go to the 20th of Exodus to know what the law is; he does not need to stop and ask concerning most things, "Is this right?" or, "Is this wrong?" but he carries within him a balance and a scale, a standard and test by which he can try these things for himself. He has the law of his God written upon his heart, so that, almost as soon as he looks at a thing, he begins to perceive whether there is evil in it or whether it is good. There is a sort of sensitiveness in his soul which makes him discern between good and evil. When God the Holy Spirit is dealing with him, there is a true, enlightened conscience within him, so that he no longer puts bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter, or darkness for light and light for darkness; but something within him tells him, "This is right," or, "That is wrong." It is a most blessed thing when this is the case, and it is always the work of the Spirit of God.
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:jGFS31qlA5gJ:www.spurgeon.org/sermons/2506.htm+law+written+on+the+heart&cd=4&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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Carol Swenson
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posted
quote:
Under the New Covenant, only those with God's law in their hearts are the people of God:
Those who are born again of the Holy Spirit are the people of God.
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becauseHElives
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posted
Is the Word of God written on your heart?
About three-thousand five-hundred years ago, God chose the physical descendants of Israel as His special people. He freed them from Egyptian slavery and gave them a law. The ten commandments were written on tablets of stone.
God's law was also to be in the hearts His people. This was stated many times through the centuries.
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart; you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:5-7).
"You shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul" (Deuteronomy 11:18).
"For this commandment which I command you today, it is not too mysterious for you, nor is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, 'Who will ascend into heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, 'Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?' But the word is very near you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it" (Deuteronomy 30:11-14).
"The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart" (Psalm 37:30,31). "Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You" (Psalm 119:11).
"Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:3-6). "My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:20-23). "My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you. Keep my commands and live, and my law as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart" (Proverbs 7:1-3).
"Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law: do not fear the reproach of men, nor be afraid of their revilings" (Isaiah 51:7).
Although God sent prophets to call Israel to repentance, although the faithful encouraged their unfaithful brethren to know the Lord, not many of the physical descendants of Jacob truly had God's law in their hearts.
Thus God proclaimed: "'Behold, the days are coming,' says the Lord, 'when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which they broke, though I was a husband to them,' says the Lord. 'But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel: After those days, says the Lord, I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, "Know the Lord," for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,' says the Lord. 'For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more"' (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
God's New Covenant would be based, not on physical descent, but on spiritual faithfulness. Only those with God's law written on their hearts would be God's people. They would be drawn from all nations, peoples, tribes and languages.
This prophesy was fulfilled by Jesus Christ who came to bring the New Covenant and to be the true sacrifice for the sins of the world: "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. And the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, 'This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,' then He adds, 'Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.' Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin. Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:14-23). See also Hebrews 8:10-12.
Christ had the law of God in His heart, as was prophesied: "Then I said, "Behold, I come; In the scroll of the Book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart'' (Psalm 40:7,8).
Because Jesus was sinless, He was qualified to bear the punishment for our sins, and to replace the Old Covenant with the New: "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him" (2 Corinthians 5:21). "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: 'Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you had no pleasure. Then I said, "Behold, I have come in the volume of the book it is written of Me to do Your will, O God."' Previously saying, 'Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them' (which are offered according to the law), then He said, 'Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.' He takes away the first that He may establish the second. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all" (Hebrews 10:4-10).
Under the New Covenant, only those with God's law in their hearts are the people of God: "For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, 'The man who does those things shall live by them.' But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, 'Do not say in your heart, "Who will ascend into heaven?"' (that is, to bring Christ down from above) or, '"Who will descend into the abyss?"' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? 'The word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart' (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. For the Scripture says, 'Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.' For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For 'whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.' How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!' But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, 'Lord, who has believed our report?' So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:4-17).
How then can we have the law of God written on our hearts? By hearing His word.
Each of us should ask ourselves: Is the law of God being written on my heart? If it is, it will not be by accident.
Of King Rehoboam it is said: "And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord" (2 Chronicles 12:14). Ezra, on the other hand, "had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel" (Ezra 7:10). Having the law of God written on our hearts involves knowing it and doing it. God told Ezekiel: "Son of man, receive into your heart all My words that I speak to you, and hear with your ears. And go, get to the captives, to the children of your people, and speak to them and tell them, 'Thus says the Lord God,' whether they hear, or whether they refuse'' (Ezekiel 3:10,11).
It is not enough to attend religious services each Sunday. The law of God must be written on our hearts. Paul told the believers at Corinth that they were a letter of Christ, "written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart" (2 Corinthians 3:2,3).
James tells us that we must receive the word of God into our hearts like a seed so it can produce fruit in our lives: "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does" (James 1:21-25).
When the law of God is written on our hearts, it will permeate our whole being. It will influence our every thought, word and action.
We must be spiritually oriented to receive the word of God into our hearts and have the mind of Christ. Paul wrote of the apostolic ministry: "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. For 'Who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?' But we have the mind of Christ" (2 Corinthians 2:12-16).
What is already written on your heart now? What is being written on your heart? The laws of God or the ideas of men?
Our degenerate society is always ready to write its materialistic principles and godless opinions on our hearts. How does society do this? Mainly through the media and through social contacts.
To have the law of God written on our hearts, we must work against the bad influences of society. Be careful what you read, what you watch, what you hear. Be careful who your companions are: "Do not be deceived: 'Evil company corrupts good habits'" (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Also, be careful who your virtual companions are. The people in films you watch can easily influence the way you think and feel. Often, even the "good guys" are bad. Much of this evil influence is insidious, it is hidden. Immorality, for example, is presented as normal, acceptable behavior, and is falsely portrayed as having no bad consequences. The devil is behind this.
What if someone rang your door bell each evening, came in, and spent the whole evening in your home cursing God, using foul language and showing dirty pictures to your children? As a Christian, would you not show him the door and tell him he was not welcome? Yet, many Christians welcome such a visitor into their homes each evening. His initials are T.V.
If used with extreme caution, a television can be a source of useful and up-building information. But remember that the one who controls the switch is responsible for what is said and shown in your house. On the day of judgement we will have to give account for every idle word (Matthew 12:36). Are we not also accountable for the words our machines speak?
It takes time to prepare your heart to serve the Lord. If you spend from twenty to thirty hours a week watching television, you will not have much time left to learn the word of God.
Do not deceive yourself. You cannot take fire into your bosom, and not be burned (Proverbs 6:27). If you eat garbage, you will get sick. If you fill your mind with garbage, you will have a sick mind. If you look at pornography, you will have a pornographic mind. If you are doing this, stop before you destroy yourself. If you fill your head with feathers, you will be a feather-head. If you fill your heart with materialistic vanity, you will have a materialistic vain life. As a man thinks in his heart, so is he (Proverbs 23:7). Jesus said: "A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things" (Matthew 12:35).
If we fill our hearts with the word of God, we will be healthy and strong. Let us rededicate our hearts to God.
There is no short-cut. It takes time and effort to allow God to write His law on our hearts. Let us listen to sermons, attend Bible classes, and read the Bible or listen to Bible tapes each day.
May the Word of God dwell richly in our hearts and in our souls. May His word be in our mouths and in our hearts, that we may do it. Let us teach the word to our children, talk of it when we sit in our house, when we ride in the car, when we lie down, and when we rise up. Let us write the commands of God on the tablets of our hearts, that He might direct our paths. Only then shall we be the people of God.
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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Carol Swenson
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Results of Law--Negative:
(1) The law says, Don't sin, so he struggles to keep from sinning. The law says, Do righteousness, so he struggles to be righteous. But the law does not give the Christian power over sin--it gives sin power over the Christian! "The strength of sin is the law" (I Cor. 15:56). "I find then a law [indwelling principle] that, when I would do good, evil is present with me." "For the good that I would, I do not; but the evil which I would not, that I do" (Rom. 7:21, 19).
(2) The Christian who is walking after the flesh is walking under law, and therefore is doomed to failure. Law applies to the fleshly life, but there is no good thing in that nature; it is neither subject to the law, nor can it be (Rom. 7:18; 8:7). The carnal believer is depending upon fleshly means for deliverance from fleshly failure; he is looking for strength from the very source from which he is seeking deliverance.
(3) The Christian life becomes a burden, and a continuous up-and-down experience. There is little hunger for the Word of God. Prayer all but fades away. Sins are not honestly confessed, hence there is scarcely any true fellowship with the Lord. Instead of having a testimony and being a pattern, such a defeated believer becomes a detriment to others. What love he has is self-centered--there is none for the needy. Instead of manifesting the love of the new man in Christ, there is the opposite expression from the old man in Adam--unkindness, envy, unseemly behavior, and other works of the flesh.
(4) As to service, where there is any at all is mainly by means of self-effort--whether it be it preaching, teaching, or personal witness. Flashy gimmicks and neat little methods are employed, but the flesh can only spawn more of its own kind. The problem is compounded.
From time to time there may be a bit of reviving in the life by means of dedication, but this usually results in deeper frustration and depression. There is no growth or fruitfulness for the believer in the legal realm. To such Paul says, "Ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as [natural] men?" (I Cor. 3:3).
Results of Law--Positive:
Through all this legalistic and fleshly failure, the Father is working out His eternal purposes. He is using the principle of law to bring the believer to the end of Romans Seven: "Oh, wretched man I that I am!" Thus the Christian is prepared for the wonderful exchange of faith--that of turning from the old law-bound nature to his new life of grace in the Lord Jesus. By the Spirit he will be brought from the realm of the [old] law of sin and death into that of the [new] law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:2).
http://withchrist.org/mjs/inlaw.htm
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becauseHElives
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Member # 87
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posted
it's not Mose's law it's Yahweh's Law!
∙1Kings 2:3: “And keep the charge of Yahweh your Elohim, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and whithersoever you turn yourself.”
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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becauseHElives
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∙Judges 3:4: “And they were to prove Israel by them (nations), to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of Yahweh, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.”
it's not Mose's law it's Yahweh's Law!
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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Carol Swenson
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Our Lord said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." (John 14:15)
He did not say the Law of Moses.
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becauseHElives
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I can believe you disagree with me but I can't believe any of you, especially you Drew, disagree with A.W. Tozer, C. H. Spurgeon, A.W.Pink, George Whitfield....
quote:
here is one quote from C. H. Spurgeon
From my very soul, I detest everything that in the least savors of the Antinomianism which leads people to prate about being secure in Christ while they are living in sin. We cannot be saved by or for our good works, neither can we be saved without good works. Christ never will save any of His people in their sins; He saves His people from their sins.
If a man is not desiring to live a holy life in the sight of God, with the help of the Holy Spirit, he is still "in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity."
I used to know a man of this class, who talked a great deal about "saving faith." He was notorious for his evil life, so I could not make out what he meant by saving faith, until the collection was taken, and I noticed how carefully he put his fingernail round a threepenny piece for fear lest it should be a fourpenny; then I understood his meaning.
But the idea of "saving faith" apart from good works, is ridiculous. The saved man is not a perfect man; but his heart's desire is to become perfect, he is always panting after perfection, and the day will come when he will be perfected, after the image of his once crucified and now glorified Savior, in knowledge and true holiness.
While I was minister at Waterbeach, I used to have a man sitting in front of the gallery, who would always nod his head when I was preaching what he considered sound doctrine, although he was about as bad an old hypocrite as ever lived. When I talked about justification, down went his head; when I preached about imputed righteousness, down it went again. I was a dear good man in his estimation, without doubt.
So I thought I would cure him of nodding, or at least make his head keep still for once; so I remarked, "There is a great deal of difference between God electing you, and your electing yourself; a vast deal of difference between God justifying you by His Spirit, and your justifying yourself by a false belief, or presumption; this is the difference," said I,—and the old man at once put me down as a rank Arminian,—"you who have elected yourselves, and justified yourselves, have no marks of the Spirit of God; you have no evidence of genuine piety, you are not holy men and women, you can live in sin, you can walk as sinners walk, you have the image of the devil upon you, and yet you call yourselves the children of God. One of the first evidences that anyone is a child of God is that he hates sin with a perfect hatred, and seeks to live a holy, Christlike life."
The old Antinomian did not approve of that doctrine; but I knew that I was preaching what was revealed in the Word of God.
Misunderstanding Grace : Antinomians failed “to distinguish between the law as a covenant of life and a direction after we have obtained life”
Whoever says "I know him" but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 1 John 2:4-6
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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Caretaker
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We are justified solely through the Blood of Christ.
Romans 5:1,9 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Man’s legal standing with Heaven is one of condemnation, and worthy of the righteous wrath of almighty God. Romans 3:23 “ For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God;”
Justification is the act of God whereby He accepts the blood of Christ as the complete and satisfying sacrifice for all human sin, propitiation, thus changing our legal status and establishing a means of reconciliation with man.
Believers are justified by the grace of God through faith. Titus 3:7 “That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Romans 3:28 “ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.” We see that the status of man is changed from that of the condemned to that of an heir, one who is able to inherit. Thus man is reconciled to God through the propitiation of Jesus Christ and restored to full legal righteous standing.
If one is truly saved, justified, then the Holy Spirit will begin the process of Sanctification, with the evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit. The Believer will turn their heart more and more to God, and thus from the heart keep His Commandments.
The word sanctification means to be set apart. The Holy Spirit is endeavoring to make the believer holy (set apart from the world), and spiritual (set apart to reflect the character of God). This is being accomplished in four phases.
First, the believer at conversion in receiving Christ, is set apart from sin (forgiven) and set apart to Christ, this is preparational sanctification. Matt. 23:19 “Ye fools and blind; for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift.”
Second, the believer is set apart from the worldly realm and is set apart to the Heavenly realm, this is positional sanctification. John 17:21 “That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”
The third form of sanctification sets apart the believer from the “old man” (sin nature), to the “new man” (thirst after righteousness). This is practical sanctification. 1Thess. 5:23 “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The fourth form of sanctification sets apart from the stain of sin and sets us apart to be presented pure and without blemish before the judgment seat of Christ. This is prospective sanctification. Eph. 5:27 “That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
What could be clearer than the contrast of fleshly fruit and spiritual fruit found in Galations 5:
19
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
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Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
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Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
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Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
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And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
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If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
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Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
And these are the commandments which we are to keep:
1 John 3:
23: And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
24: And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
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A Servant of Christ,
Drew
1 Tim. 3:
16: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh..
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becauseHElives
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“Fundamental Christianity in our times,” noted A. W. Tozer, “is deeply influenced by that ancient enemy of righteousness, antinomianism.”1 Enemy of righteousness indeed. The term Dr. Tozer used, antinomianism,sounds like a confusing, theological term. It simply means, however, against law. Antinomianism is the lawless teaching of an antinomian. Have you ever heard the term dear reader? If not, you’re not alone as most in the modern church have not. Dr. Tozer, who hosted Moody Broadcasting’s “Talks From a Pastor’s Study” throughout the 1950’s, continued…
The creed of the antinomian is easily stated: We are saved by faith alone; works have no place in salvation; conduct is works and is therefore of no importance. What we do cannot matter as long as we believe rightly. The divorce between creed and conduct is absolute and final. The question of sin is settled by the Cross; conduct is outside of faith and cannot come between the believer and God. Such, in brief, is the teaching of the antinomian.2
The teaching of the antinomian? Shouldn’t A.W. Tozer have written, “Such, in brief, is the gospel?” I mean, what he describes seems like the teaching of many modern teachers. “Works have no place in salvation.” Surely all of us have heard or even said such things, yet A. W. Tozer, who was a featured guest at Moody Bible Institute, labeled such teaching as “antinomian.”
The word antinomian comes from the Greek words anti meaning against and nomos meaning law. The antinomian is against God’s law. The antinomian is lawless. Though many modern teachers such as Anthony T. (Tony) Evans, Charles R. (Chuck) Swindoll, Erwin Lutzer and many others would never plainly speak against God's law or promote lawlessness they are still antinonian in doctrine. Martin Luther originally coined the term. He used it to describe the distorted, grace abusing theological views of Johannes Agricola, a former student. Agricola, like the preceding teachers (as well as the institutions that support and promote them namely, Moody Press, Moody Radio and Dallas Theological Seminary) misunderstood and therefore misrepresented the true gospel themes of salvation by grace, justification by faith and freedom from the law.
“Art thou steeped in sin, an adulterer or a thief?” queried the zealous Agricola. “If thou believest, thou art in salvation.”3Antinomian teaching is an abuse and misunderstanding of thefreedom provided for in the gospel. It is unscriptural and unhistorical. Martin Luther’s treatise, Against the Antinomians, exposed and argued against the dangerous teachings of Agricola. The antinomian teacher exchanges gospel “liberty for an occasion to the flesh” (Gal 5:13). Clearly, “the divorce between creed and conduct is absolute and final,” as Tozer wrote, in both the gospel according to Johannes Agricola as well as that of Anthony T. (Tony) Evans, Charles R. (Chuck) Swindoll and Erwin W. Lutzer. Consider the following minute sample from what is available from these esteemed teachers:
God accepts a Christian who persistently lives in sin, but God is not honored by the life of such a Christian.4
Regardless of how you choose to live you can’t live so bad that God says to you, ‘you’re no longer mine.5
Nobody is born a drug addict or a homosexual. Christians may be performing in these unacceptable ways, but that’s not who they are. It’s an identity issue.6
Dear reader, do you see the glaring similarities between the assertions of the heretic Johannes Agricola and the doctors of the modern church? Do you see that the accepted teaching of our day mirrors that of the theologically wayward Agricola? O’ that Martin Luther’s cry, “Antinomian!” fell from one million tongues in every quarter of Christ’s holy church, exposing every modern, lawless leader who again make faith without works alive by lending the “steeped in sin” a false hope of salvation!
Antinomianism is so deceptive because it is cloaked in gospel rhetoric. The ideas on which it is based (grace, justification by faith, freedom from the law) are indeed genuine gospel ideas. But these themes are pushed to ridiculous ends. High fiber diets are healthy, but if all we ever ate was high fiber we would be in trouble! Only when pushed to unscriptural extremes does grace eliminate works in regard to final salvation. Only when pushed to unscriptural extremes does freedom from the law make obedience optional to final salvation contrary to many passages such as Romans 8:13. “For if ye live after the flesh,” wrote Paul, “ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.”
Biblical truths do not exist in a vacuum. When we consider the subject of grace, the gospel, justification by faith and salvation we must base our doctrine on all the bible says on the topic. Antinomians emphasize certain biblical principles, but they emasculate others. Adding meritorious works of law to initial justification is lethal, but the rock upon which a faith without works crashes is no less lethal! The former is legalism and the latter, antinomianism. “It is always dangerous,” noted A. W. Tozer, “to isolate a truth and then press it to its limit without regard to other truths.”7 The antinomian isolates the idea of gospel grace and liberty without regard to related truths.
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar. Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? James 2:17-22
“To the antinomian,” declared R. A. Torrey, “who is boasting that he has faith and is justified by it, but who does not show his faith by his works, we must say ‘what doth it profit, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? Can that faith save him?’”8 R. A. Torrey succeeded D. L. Moody and did not teach what is currently pushed in the Moody name. Dear reader, antinomianism is the theological offspring of Satan's lying promise: “Ye shall not surely die.”
1 A. W. Tozer, Paths to Power, Christian Publications Inc.
2 ibid
3 Johannes Agricola, quoted in Tabletalk, Ligonier Ministries, 9/2002, p.5
4 Erwin W. Lutzer, Failure The Backdoor To Success, Moody Press, 1976, p. 80
5 Chuck Swindoll, Shedding Light On Our Dark Side, tape sld 1A
6 Anthony T. Evans, Free At Last, Moody Press, 2001, p. 28
7 Tozer
8 R.A. Torrey, What The Bible Teaches,Ages Software, Albany, OR.,1997Health Fitness Articles, p. 286
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
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Carol Swenson
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Galatians 3:1 - 5 (NASB)
1You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
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Carol Swenson
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becauseHElives, why did you post this twice? It comes to a conclusion, then starts over and repeats itself.
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becauseHElives
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The Antinomians are Coming!
Have you ever wondered why Antinomians are on the rise? You say, "I've never even heard the word, much less wondered why they were on the rise."
It might surprise you to know that Godly men like A.W. Tozer, Charles G. Finney, D.L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, John Wesley, Menno Simons, George Whitefield and others were all quite familiar with not only what it is, but with it's unusual effects on the Church of God.
SO WHAT'S IT MEAN?
'Antinomian' is pronounced [an-ta-nome´-ee-ann]. The word itself can be traced back to the Greek of the New Testament. It comes from putting two Greek words together: `anti (anti) and nomos (nomos). The first word "anti" taken by itself means, "over against or instead of", and corresponds to our English word "anti", which means "opposed to".
The second half of the word 'Antinomian', which is the word "nomos", means: (1) a law, rule, standard; (2) a rule of life or moral conduct. This is the same word that is translated "law" in "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."-KJV. Rom. 3:31. Consequently, when these two Greek words are combined, it gives the meaning: lawlessness; without, opposed to or against laws, standards, or rules of moral conduct.
IS 'ANTINOMIAN' A BIBLE WORD?
Yes, it most certainly is (in the Greek Language, that is). It can be found in the following form 25 times throughout the New Testament. This time it again comes from taking the Greek word "nomos", but prefixing it with the negative particle "a" to give the Greek word "anomos". The Greek word "nomos" was previously defined as: a law, rule, standard; a rule of life or moral conduct. When the negative article "a" is prefixed to it, the exact same meaning as our English word 'Antinomian' is derived. The Greek translation for this New Testament word is: lawlessness; the condition of being without law; having contempt for law.
It is usually translated (Strongs # 458, 459) using vague words like 'iniquity', 'wicked', 'unrighteousness' or 'transgressor' (in the Authorized Version-KJV). It's even more vague in all the newer translations. Only 6 times was it clearly translated (KJV) as 'without law', 'lawless', etc., in 3 verses only. However, understanding this word's true meaning, brings new meaning and clarity to all verses that contain it. Even though it is found translated 'iniquity in Matt. 7:23, the words 'Antinomian' or 'lawlessness' could rightfully be put there instead. It would then read, starting at verse 21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work "lawlessness" (Antinomianism).
Other verses that condemn Antinomians to hell are: "The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do 'Antinomian(ism)'." "And because 'Antinomians' shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with 'Antinomians'? and what communion hath light with darkness?" "For the mystery of 'Antinomian(ism)' doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all 'Antinomian(ism)', and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Matt.13:41; Matt. 24:12; 2 Cor. 6:14; 2 Thess. 2:7; Titus 2:14). With this in mind, it is interesting to see what men of God have said about it.
WHAT'S ITS BASIC DOCTRINE?
In his late book, Paths to Power, A.W. Tozer defined it this way. "Fundamental Christianity in our times is deeply influenced by that ancient enemy of righteousness, Antinomianism. The creed of the Antinomian is easily stated: We are saved by faith alone; works have no place in salvation; conduct is works, and is therefore of no importance. What we do cannot matter as long as we believe rightly. The divorce between creed and conduct is absolute and final. The question of sin is settled by the Cross; conduct is outside the circle of faith and cannot come between the believer and God. Such in brief, is the teaching of the Antinomian. And so fully has it permeated the Fundamental element in modern Christianity that it is accepted by the religious masses as the very truth of God. Antinomianism is the doctrine of grace carried by uncorrected logic to the point of absurdity. It takes the teaching of justification by faith and twists it into deformity."
I know there are some (maybe you, dear reader) who might say, "That's the gospel! That's Grace! That's what I believe and practice!" Oh, if we would only take the time to seek God, pray and read the Gospel, unfettered by the "Doctrines of Men", we would surely find that Antinomianism is ANOTHER GOSPEL (i.e.- not Christianity).
Charles Finney in the 1800's spoke of it "as the opposite extreme to legalism. Legalist are all work, Antinomians no work. Professing to have yielded up their whole agency to Christ, they throw all responsibility upon Him and do nothing. Under pretense of being led by the Spirit and of waiting for God to reveal His will to them, they give themselves up very much to spiritual indolence (idleness)1."
Charles Finney
Noah Webster, in his 1878 Dictionary, defined Antinomianism as: "one of a sect who were charged with maintaining that, under the gospel dispensation, the moral law is of no use or obligation."
1-Webster's 1878 Dictionary defined 'indolence' as "inaction, or want of exertion of body or mind, proceeding from love of ease or aversion to toil; habitually idle."
A BRIEF HISTORY
Interesting enough, the Church is being plagued today with Antinomianism more than ever. In fact, it has almost "leavened the whole lump". This is not the first time that it's crept into the hearts of God's people unawares. Historically, in Jeremiah's day when Israel was deeply backslidden and God's prophets were crying out against their wickedness, Antinomianism was the root cause. It was also one of the first signs of decay to hit the early Church. As the Bible teaches, the early Church fathers were well acquainted with what it was, and like Paul, found themselves in an ever present battle against its deadly effects.
By the 1700's, Antinomianism had established itself so deeply in most of the colleges that produced pastors, that almost anyone simply professing faith in God was considered a Christian. This condition having spread to this country as well, found heart-motivated morality in the Church almost non-existent. After much sincere prayer and true repentance, a real 'Revival' did come from God during that time through men such as George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards and others. This revival reversed the course of Antinomianism but for a short while. By the start of the 19th. century, Antinomianism had made a strong comeback. Charles Finney and other Godly persons, who lived during that time, again found themselves facing it's damning effects. Although Finney and others succeeded in stamping out numerous strongholds, it didn't take long for it to make a comeback in this century.
This century has seen a huge rise of those who promise many 'would be Christians' liberty, while "they themselves are the servants of corruption" (2 Peter 2:19). Never before have there been so many who profess Christianity with their mouth, but live like and love the world. Why? Because Antinomianism has been the accepted gospel almost universally since the 50's.
WHY IS IT WRONG?
The origin for Antinomianism is rooted in a general misunderstanding concerning the difference between what is meant by "conditions" and "works" (earnings/merits). Many devoted, but spiritually ignorant, religious teachers, in their zeal to explain the truth of our unmerited salvation and our inability to pay the debt for our own sins, have fallen into heresy.
"Heresy! That's a pretty strong word", you say. Yes, but that's exactly what it is: "heresy". The word "heresy", from the New Testament Greek word "airesis", simply means "a taking, school, selection". A modern day dictionary defines it as "a school of thought". The word represents a popular practice among the religious crowd. It describes the taking of truth and then selecting one's favorite part or doctrine contained in it, over-emphasizing that point, and teaching it, usually to the complete negation of the rest of the picture.
Heresy in the Garden of Eden?
A perfect example of this is in what the devil told Eve in the garden of Eden. What he said wasn't entirely wrong. He just excluded parts of the truth and over-emphasized other parts, to such an extent, that what was said became a lie. He said, "Ye shall not surely die:" (Gen. 3:4). This was true in one sense, only he simply left out the rest of the facts. It was true that they wouldn't die, right then, probably based on their own vague understanding of death at the time (Bear in mind that up to this time no one had seen death). But what the devil left out was a big deal. They would indeed DIE another way, spiritually, right then, according to God's real meaning. Their body would also start dying, from that time on as well. So... not presenting the whole picture, turned that short, partial truth into a huge deception. Next verse:
"For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." (Gen. 3:5). Again, what the devil said was exactly true. However, if only he had added in the parts that he purposely left out, the whole picture would have taken on an entirely different meaning- a pretty scary, and ugly one at that. It's like signing on the doted line without reading the small, fine print, ever! Considering how the devil's heresy ruined the human race's earthly future, does one have to wonder much at the root source of such a heresy as Antinomianism?
Earning by Works versus Conditions
"Taking" or focusing in on the truth, that we do not "merit" or earn God's salvation and its attending blessings, has led many into Antinomianism. Yes, it IS true that we do NOT earn our salvation, nor our relationship with God. But that does not negate the fact that God DOES HAVE HIS "Conditions" respecting salvation.
Suppose, for instance, I were to read in my newspaper about a free milk giveaway happening at the local dairy. Let's say the newspaper states that between the hours of 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. on Thursday, March 16th., the dairy is pleased to give to every person over the age of 18 a fresh gallon of milk, for free. From such an ad, I'd understand that the milk would to be free, right? I wouldn't have to pay for it or earn it. Also, anyone over 18 years old could receive a gallon if they wanted. Therefore, it would be fairly clear that there would be NO WAY anyone could earn, merit, pay for or deserve a free gallon of milk. It is a free gift.
However, at the same time, there are definite "conditions" to receiving the milk such as:
Firstly, one had to be over 18 years of age.
Secondly, they had to be present at the dairy.
Thirdly, only between the hours of 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. on Thursday, March 16th. could it be received.
Meeting Conditions does NOT mean earning by works
By being at the dairy at the required time would not mean that anyone had earned, worked for or deserved the milk. No one would even be considered if they weren't present there between the appointed times. Merit, works and deserving it have nothing to do with it. It is based totally on grace -i.e. the kindness of the dairy to give it away. The dairy is giving it away simply because they want to.
On the other hand, there are definite conditions to being able to receive a gallon of milk. How happy a person is about being able to get the milk makes no difference concerning whether they receive it or not. Even "faith alone" is not the deciding factor in them receiving the milk directly. If they don't make it to the dairy in person as specified, they will simply loose out. The fact that these conditions have to be followed has nothing to do with anyone earning the milk or whether or not it is a gift. Having conditions has nothing whatsoever to do with the love, kindness and tender hearts of the dairy owners.
In the same way, parents sometimes have conditions for their children. Because of LOVE, parents may wish to give or do something for their children. However, just because they make it conditional, like first having to have either their room clean, face washed, hair combed or such like, doesn't make the gift any less a gift. Knowing how children can think, only the mind of an immature child could think they were earning it. What does this tell us about the level of thought Antinomians use?
An example of salvation's "conditions" was taught by Jesus in His parable concerning the wise and foolish virgins (Matt 25:1-13). The primary difference between the wise and foolish was whether or not they had met God's conditions.
(Side note: some Antinomian teachers, in trying to explain this away, say that the foolish virgins only missed the rapture, etc., but will still have a second chance after the tribulation. We ask: when does the Bible say they get their "second chance"? Instead, Jesus said to them "I tell you the truth, I don't know you". In every place where Jesus says He doesn't know them, the consequences are always disastrous eternally. So how do these "smooth talkers" get such a conclusion? Certainly not from the Bible. I'd hate to teach or base my eternal future on such unscriptural doctrines of men.)
WHY DO ANTINOMIANS EXIST?
Antinomianism is an entire doctrine built on religious confusion, or, more precisely, a complete lack of understanding concerning God's "Conditions". Sad to say, its root cause goes even deeper than misunderstanding "conditions". The main battle isn't really between bumbling heretics and those who understand God's "conditions" - it's between humanism and Christianity.
Humanism
Humanism is summed up as this: the end of all being is the happiness of mankind. Its focus is on two words: 'happiness' and 'mankind'. Therefore in humanism, everything a person does is centred around humanity's happiness here on earth.
Christianity
Christianity can be summed up as this: the end of all being is the glory of God. Its focus is on two words: 'glory' and 'God'. Therefore in Christianity, everything a person does is centred around what pleases God, nothing less! This is why Jesus could say to his close friend and disciple, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men"; and "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven" and "If any will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:23, 7:21, 16:24). Do you see? The entire focus is on God and His glory, not man.
Let's Get Together and Make Peace (on earth)
At the root of Antinomianism is humanism with a little Christianity mixed in, for good measure. How's that? Instead of pure humanism, which is focused solely on man's earthly life, this mixture looks like this: The end of Antinomian "Christianity" is the happiness of mankind both on earth and in heaven. Notice that it STILL focuses on the same two words that humanism does: 'happiness' and 'mankind'. The only difference between humanism and Antinomian Christianity is this: mankind's happiness has been extended beyond the grave. Does this mean that real Christians aren't happy? No! However, they take their happiness in bringing glory to God, by doing only what pleases Him, never themselves. This usually goes over the head of an Antinomian.
It shouldn't be a surprise to learn that in Antinomianism, like humanism, everything the Church does (especially those in leadership) is centred around humanity's happiness. This is the root of Antinomianism. Once we understand this, everything else that puzzles us about ourselves, &/or our Antinomian friends, will disappear: i.e.-the lack of heart motivated obedience to Christ; the struggles against giving up basic, elementary things like TV, worldly videos, sports, dancing, smoking, worldly music, worldly friendships, etc.; the lack of interest in personally reaching the lost; and the strong attachment to, and love for, this present world. This is why, when the subject of God's "conditions" for salvation comes up, for an Antinomian, it does not compute. Because an Antinomian's beliefs are rooted in humanism, when they hear the real Gospel, they think it's heresy or some strange "Cult".
Please remember that humanism is at the heart of
Antinomianism when you read the rest of this article.
How Did They Mix Christianity with Humanism?
Imagine this: you've enrolled in an Air Conditioning School. You try very hard to learn air conditioners, but it's extremely difficult. You just can't seem to remember the theory, much less fix anything. How it all works and fits together is beyond your comprehension. You and air conditioners simply don't get along. You doubt the problem is your lifelong poor mechanical aptitude. Maybe the school is wrong, so you decide to quit. After you're out, you begin to think about a theory of your own. You go so far as to put down on paper, a whole system for understanding air conditioners, all based entirely on your own misconceptions. Furthermore, you start your own air conditioning school. You've always been a good talker. Eventually, several of your students believe your theories, although nothing ever seems to work out quite right. Nevertheless, they learn to have lots of faith in that coming day when the class's air conditioners will work correctly. Besides, they "feel good" about themselves and your simplified rationalizations, and that's got to be more important.
On the other hand, some of your other students are growing frustrated at your bumbling. They just can't accept the fact that nothing in practice works right. They even go so far as to tell you where they think you're wrong. Never mind that these thinking students are the only ones who ever manage to fix any air conditioning problems. That isn't what matters to you, so you accuse them of "causing divisions" and "defying authority". When they continue to disagree, you have them removed from your school.
Sound crazy? Well, guess what? That's exactly how this doctrine of Antinomianism came about. Only difference is that since it involves the spiritual, many consider theology mystical, hard to practice and abstract. Consequently, most never even stop to analyze Antinomianism to see if it actually works like scriptural Christianity. Instead, too many enjoy being on spiritual "Auto Pilot" because their ears feel good. True, they might be constantly falling into sin; their lives &/or family's spiritual lives are a mess, but at least they can "think" they are "saved", until they die and find out the truth (after it's too late).
Please dear ones; read your Bibles; study and learn about your heritage. Is this how the early Christians lived and walked? No!
Somehow Antinomians see the desire to satisfy God's "conditions" as trying to earn one's salvation. Antinomianism has its entire focus on one piece of the truth - that is: we don't "earn" (merit) our salvation. But, the rest of the picture "conditions", is not only neglected, but actually taught and warned against. What this means is that perhaps millions are on their way to HELL while believing they are going to heaven. What a really scary surprise that's going to be.
Can you imagine reading an ad someday about a new, revolutionary medicine that cures cancer and AIDS completely, instantly? Imagine hearing about it at special meetings, then going to months of seminars and being taught all about what it does and how to use it. Only one problem, though. No one seems to know how or where to actually get this marvelous cure-all. What would you think?
If you think that's bad, then neglecting and even discouraging hungry folks from knowing about God's "conditions" to His blessed gift of salvation has got to be worse! That's exactly why Antinomianism is one of the worst and most dangerous heresies going. God's "conditions" concerning salvation are more than just "believing" and "accepting" Christ. Otherwise explain what Jesus meant when He said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21). Or what about "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works"? (Matt. 16:27). How about the scene in Matthew 25 with the sheep and the goats? Both apparently believed in Jesus and answered Him in a way that implied familiarity with who He was. However, the goats failed to fulfill His conditions as outlined there, no if's, an's or but's about it.
THE OUTCOME
The fruits of this cancer are readily seen. Just compare the difference between the witness real Christians had in Wesley's, Finney's, Menno Simons', the Moravian's and the Apostle's day to that of today. Instead, the modern Antinomian comes to believe that they are "free in Christ" -free to do whatever they want, whether it is the will of the flesh or God's. 'A taking' (heresy) of the Scripture which says, "All things are lawful unto me" (1Cor. 6:12; 10:23) out of context, effectively makes Antinomians a law unto themselves (licentiousness). Consequently, whatever happens to be the day's conviction or lack thereof, is the way they live. Instead of God, they base everything on whether their motives are right. Instead of God's will, if they can rationalize something, according to either their own or some respected "believers" example or teaching, they usually feel perfectly at liberty to do whatever they want. You can hear them say how God "told them" it was okay to do this or that, no matter what the Bible teaches. They soon become experts in examining the limit to which any of God's moral laws can be stretched (legalism), while still maintaining a minimum show of Godliness. Because of this, their lives speak to an unbelieving world and say, "We are delivered to do all these abominations" (Jer. 7:10).
Why did God say in Malachi 2:17, "You have wearied the Lord with your words"? It was because the Antinomian element was saying, "Everyone that does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them." I've actually heard pastors preach that we don't need to obey God unless we want to be used by Him. I've seen teaching tapes offered which explain: "It's the Heart that counts. God looks at our hearts NOT at our outward actions. God knows and sees our intentions and it's our heart that counts with Him." Such theological nonsense must have been similar to what the prophets Malachi and Jeremiah heard. God, in rebuking the prophets and pastors, said, "I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem a horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none does return from his wickedness." (Jer. 23:14). Sounds like today, where sinners are being comforted with, "It's okay, God accepts you just the way you are. He knows you want to stop smoking, drinking, chewing, cursing, hating, loosing your temper, coveting, rock and rolling, being worldly minded but He loves you anyway. Just have faith and everything will turn out al...lll right." Maybe my Bible is different for theirs, but I don't think that's going to cut it. There are huge lists in Rom. 1:29-31, 1 Corth. 5:11; 6:9-10, Gal. 5:19-21, Col. 3:5-6, Rev. 21:8, Ez. 18, etc., detailing exactly what will happen to folks who continue in such things. Oh, Lord, please have mercy on us.
The Antinomians (or as some call them "Carnal Christians") have been taught how to encourage themselves by imagining that the holy men of old were just as carnal as they are. "They heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2Tim. 4:3-4). Instead of shock, sorrow and sadness, these religious worldly-ans actually enjoy hearing sermons about David's adultery, Elijah's fear of Jezebel, Peter's denial and Paul and Barnabas' disagreements.
Some believing that their worldly life-style (death-style) is Christian, have proudly placed a socially acceptable metal fish or bumper sticker on their car amongst their other ungodly, worldly stickers. With their bumper sticker neatly displayed, they have no convictions about the opposing messages being conveyed to the "lost". As they zoom in and out of traffic on the city's highways, it never occurs to them that they are witnessing to the world in a negative way. Since they feel "free in Christ", exceeding the posted speed limits does not bother them in the least. As it turns out, if you didn't know them, it would be extremely difficult to tell them from your good ole American carnal sinner.
How can anyone tell the difference?
They essentially act just as impolite and worldly on the highways and in public places as the rest of the world. Some are not even ashamed to state to the whole world that they are just like everyone else by displaying a "Christians aren't perfect, only forgiven" bumper sticker. Instead, Jesus and Paul said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." "I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent." "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that has ears to hear, let him hear." (Matt. 5:48; Rev. 3:3; Luke 14:34-35).
In his recent article published in the "Herald of His Coming" April '95', Elmer Klassen addressed this so aptly with the following:
"Why ask people to trust in Christ when it does not make much difference if they do? When there are as many divorces within the Church as outside the Church, the habits of the Christians essentially the same as non-Christians, the pleasures of sin just as much enjoyed in the Church as outside the Church, why all this effort of making people Christians?
"The Bible tells us that the Gospel is the power that will stop people from sinning, but if this is not happening in the Churches there is something basically wrong with our preaching. The Book of Romans does not urge us to prepare for a future heaven but promises a changed life here on earth to the one who will believe the book. I seldom find someone who does. To find someone who will confess chapter one as true is hard to find. And to find someone who will continue to believe the Gospel according to Romans on to chapter 16 becomes even more difficult.
"The Gospel according to Romans promises a completely changed life to whoever will believe it. But who believes this and confesses the book of Romans to be true in his own life? Could it be that we are so in the habit of reading the Book in an old style and in such a traditional way that the Book has lost its power to change lives?" (Used by permission)
F-L-O-D-D C-H-R-I-S-T (pronounced "flawed kris't")
Claiming to live by the Spirit, Antinomians have been taught to accept the fact that they don't know God's will for their lives, nor really hear His voice. There is little evidence in their daily conversation to suggest that they are soon to be married to their Beloved, Christ. No longer is Christianity to the Antinomian a passionate reunion and love affair with their God who died in agony for them. On the contrary, the Antinomian is one who feels God is just around to protect and help them. He's their buddy, "daddy" and after their fun and frolic here on earth is over, they believe they will have a beautiful, 'private' split level home in heaven waiting for them. God is viewed as their servant who on command heals, makes them rich financially, and blesses them with anything their selfish little heart lusts after. Oh yes, they love to claim all of God's promises of blessing for Israel in the Old Testament, but turn right around and claim that the New Testament frees them from any wrath or punishment, also promised to Israel for disobedience. No more are the warnings of Jesus and His followers in the Bible taken at face value.
F-This "Carnal Christian" theology has negated any 'Fear' or respect for God and His judgment. When they're told something heavy, all they know is how to categorize and systematize it as fitting into this or that doctrinal slot.
L-Antinomians are essentially 'Lawless', hence the name, Antinomian. But God says to them, "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." -Prov. 28:9
The scripture states very plainly "Do we then make void the law through faith?" That is about as plain as any statement could get. It asks the question in such clear, precise language that even a child could understand: "Do we" (you know, the very ones who wrote the New Testament; the exact ones who established each and every doctrine in the first Church; the particular ones Jesus had taught concerning the exact meaning of the New Covenant), are they (Paul in particular here) now eliminating the law of God in our lives because of our justification by faith? The answer: "God forbid (newer versions say "not at all!", "By no means!") yea, we **ESTABLISH** the law."-Rom. 3:31. To establish something does not mean to put it out back in the wilderness or in a hidden place where no one has to see it or deal with it. So how do Antinomians come off with such an opposite idea that we aren't under any obligation or responsibility to obey God's moral law and commandments? Answer: It's simple. Christianity was only meant to be followed and understood by those who had been born again by the Holy Spirit. It ONLY applied so that "they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2Cor 5:15). Bear in mind that Christianity's atmosphere and environment was only for those who were DEAD to themselves. So when clever salesmen, in the 4th century down to our present day, started selling the benefits of the Christian life to the masses before they had been duly put to death and buried with Christ, the result was and still is our counterfeit belief system-Antinomianism.
O-As far as 'Obedience' is concerned, they view it as optional or only required when they feel "Led". Their excuse that they are "not under the law" usually takes care of any conviction for disobedience.
D-Their lives are generally marked by the same 'un-Disciplined' life style manifested by any other moral non-Christians. They live, eat, socialize, entertain, fear, dress, react, play, talk, buy, sell and enjoy just like the world. Daily life for them is influenced by the world's circumstances, not by God's ordered discipline. They bounce out of bed in the morning without any thought of having a disciplined, ordered spiritual plan throughout the day. Consequently, their day consists of being "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" based entirely on circumstances (Eph. 4:14). They think it's natural to set their hearts on worldly goals.
Many Antinomians are easy to spot, because of the following trait:
It is extremely hard, if not impossible, for them to keep their attention on anything meaty or deep spiritually if it's not exciting and new to them. They usually won't read or hear anything that goes beyond their "feel good" attitude and beliefs. Things like praying for hours, dying to self, teachings against the latest fun spiritual manifestation (however false), sitting still and reading the Bible for hours, or attentively listening to someone's heavy spiritual thoughts are usually considered boring. (I wonder how "bored" they'd be, having to live in abject poverty with a leaky roof, in a Communist country). One gets the feeling that they'd have to be dying before they'd listen to anything sobering. Most books and tracts (like this) of a serious nature usually collect dust. If it isn't fun or "UPLIFTING", they're not interested. They have the same attitude a child does when let loose in a toy store. They can't wait to jump from one exciting toy to the next. While they're in the store surrounded by toys, they could care less that there is a bottomless pit right outside the entrance waiting for them.
Antinomians are on a spiritual merry-go-round. One moment they're "UP", and the next they're "DOWN". Their spirituality is constantly being "tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine" or crisis in their life. It never dawns on them that there is something that they are "DOING" that is responsible for this. It's like allowing little Johnnie to sit in front of Television all day long or do as he pleases, and then being surprised that he's rebellious and ungodly in his teenage years.
What this verse means: "be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" is beyond the Antinomian, because their understanding has been made "of none effect through" their "traditions"-Antinomianism. (Gal. 6:7; Mark 7:13)
D-They base their acceptance of someone as a Brother/Sister almost entirely on whether this new Brother/Sister's 'Doctrines' line up with theirs. If this Brother/Sister is in agreement with their own doctrinal statement, then they must be Christians. This is not to say that doctrines aren't important. But these Churchians pay more attention to what comes out of someone's mouth (words), than the person's good fruits or lack thereof. This is very interesting, especially in light of the fact that the "the devils also believe, and tremble"- (James 2:19).
C-Although they profess faith in Christ and His Bible, they usually have no concept of how 'Convictions' relate to their everyday life. I once met a newly arrived pastor who told me all about the new Church he was pioneering. He told me about his concerns for the town and his hope for the 'lost' to get 'saved' at his Bible studies. After spending time on that, he went on to tell me about his upcoming job interview. He had applied at the local cable television company to be a salesman for their movie channels, just because he heard they were hiring. Somehow, he saw no connection between his spiritual concerns for the lost and taking a job that helped spread violence, drugs, sex and rock and roll. Amazingly, he had no concept on how his own convictions respecting his faith translated into his daily life.
God calls such persons "double minded", which comes with His promise as well- "let not that man think that he shall receive ANYTHING of the Lord" (James 1:7).
Because an Antinomian's Christianity is focused on fulfilling their own happiness, it is easy to see why their 'Convictions' aren't heart motivated. They only relate to their 'Convictions' (as they call them) whenever circumstances closely coincide with what they've been "TAUGHT". When a situation comes up that doesn't closely coincide with their intellectual "rule book", they aren't 'Convicted' in the slightest. This is because their 'Convictions' are based solely on abstract "beliefs" that are in their mind, not written on the "fleshy tables of the heart". This explains why an Antinomian may, one time, feel 'Convicted' against helping someone gamble or buy liquor at a Casino or Saloon, but, the next time, will have no 'Convictions' whatsoever about buying other items from, or doing work, for a Casino or Saloon. On the other hand, a true Christian would know, in their heart, that whether they gamble or just buy gasoline from a Casino or Saloon, they are helping to support its ungodliness, and would become "partakers of other men's sins" (Eph. 5:7; 1Tim. 5:22; Rev. 18:4).
H-Antinomians are constantly trying to re-invent the wheel. They are grossly ignorant when it comes to knowing early Church 'History'. Consequently, they are usually seeking to find some new spiritual truth, experience or doctrine. Whole Church groups have been formed just because of some 'new', revealed truth. What follows is usually fruitless for God, and sometimes even disastrous. By simply taking the time to study early Christianity, many would have discovered the tried and true paths. Jesus and His Apostles laid them down and they've never changed. Whenever the Church has returned to them, they have always produced wonderful fruit for God's Kingdom. History confirms this.
R-'Repentance'? What's that word? To the Antinomian, repentance means, at the most, saying they're sorry for their sin. As far as it being one of God's absolute "conditions", never would such a thought come into their mind. That would be salvation by works, right? Wrong! Although repentance is rarely preached about, it is an absolute necessity to our salvation. What it means is rarely understood correctly. Scripture alone makes it crystal clear that without Biblical repentance, there can be NO salvation. True repentance is NOT just feeling sorry for one's sin. It is more than that. It means a complete change of mind respecting one's sin and selfish ambitions. However, whoever heard of someone having a complete change in "thinking" without "seeing" the results in actions. Interested in the difference between true and false repentance? Read 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 and Hebrews 12:17 for starters.
I-The Church as a whole, especially in Western Church, is into 'Idolatry'. How is that? By placing their leaders above Christ. They idolize them, their teachings and authority above God's Word. "Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:6-7).
S-One thing can be counted on in regard to an Antinomian, however. They are fairly consistent in making promises they feel no obligation before God to keep. To them 'it's the thought that counts', in the heart, not the actions. They are free to 'Say' and not do. They'll offer to do all sorts of loving, out of the ordinary caring acts, but if their own needs come in the way, which usually happens, guess what folks?
Instead Jesus, has some black and white words to say about this. He says, "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment", and "let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil" or "lest ye fall into condemnation" (Matt. 12:36; Mt 5:37; James 5:12). Condemnation means going to hell, no matter what your teachers tell you.
T-Their emphasis on 'Teachings', seminars, retreats, Bible Schools, etc., take the place of being taught by God, Godly men and spending time with God in prayer and fasting. Their Christian focus is centred on this pastor's or person's teachings. They are ever going here and there following/attending this or that teaching. Elaborate sales pitches like "he is such a gifted/powerful speaker/teacher" or "it is such a life changing teaching or principle" are often heard with nary a mention of the Name of Jesus. I want my life given to Christ Jesus, not some teaching or principle. Antinomians seem to be "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." After they have 'matured' in their (Antinomian) faith, "they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" (2Tim. 3:7; 4:3).
THE CONCLUSION
The Bible gives evidence that the early Church was on it's guard against such heresy. In Romans 3:6-8, Paul said that already there were some teaching that he was preaching, "Let us do evil, that good may come". He asked, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" His answer was (listen Antinomians!), "Certainly Not!" (Rom. 6:1-2). And yet I hear, time and time again, so called 'Christians' saying, "Of course, we know we will always sin every day, but God forgives us and always will". If that's Christianity, then they better rewrite their Bible to accommodate it!
James was very clear when he said, "I will show you my faith BY my works." (James 2:18). However, the Antinomian is deceived into believing that they can live completely different from what they say they believe. Come on! We all know actions speak louder than words. However, when it comes to this point in modern Christianity, reality and logic fly right out the window.
Peter had much to say about those who are "free in Christ" to serve their own desires. "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption (2 Peter 2:10-12)
Reading on through verse 22, Peter makes it quite clear that they weren't destined simply to miss the rapture, but a real fate worthy of their lawlessness awaits them.
Actually, I must confess that I feel fairly qualified to speak about this subject, having been sucked into it myself years ago. It does not work! I now look back on it with shame and a heart felt repentance, for if we have God's Spirit, we should know better. I could write a book about this heresy of heresies. In our day, it usually develops from the "Sloppy Agape", and "Greasy, Cheap Grace" preaching. However, God's Word provides adequate teaching against such easy believism. If we will but cast off the spiritless logic from some systematic teachings and read the Bible for what it says and means to each one of us personally, then we "shall know the truth, and the truth shall make" us free.
However, I can not help but feel sadness and holy grief for those who would lure new, zealous lambs of God away and into Antinomianism. I have sadly witnessed many of my friends having their faith shipwrecked, because of it. Call it Antinomianism, Easy Believism, Grace only or the Carnal Christian doctrine; it doesn't work! It's 180° out of phase with reality and with what God wants, says and is.
In ending, I must be frank in saying that I believe very strongly that the widespread preaching of Antinomianism is the number one reason why the world today sees no reality in Christianity. If you don't think that's what the world thinks, then you haven't been listening when they talk among themselves. With so many living and preaching Antinomianism, I believe it is the primary reason "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles" (Rom. 2:24). The life style of Antinomians is the "reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of" (1 Pet. 2:2). Because of it, Christianity has become and still is, from all anyone can see, just a another abstract BELIEF in certain doctrines and truths. In the end, it is nothing more than just a religious social club, like Rotary or Lions, with morals that, many times, aren't any higher than the standards of these society clubs. The world no longer stands in awe of the person who is a "stranger and pilgrim on this earth". No longer do they witness those who so love Jesus that they have counted "all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus". The words of Jesus "for whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" have no place in the Antinomian's mentality. Until Antinomians see what they are doing, having "counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done dispite to the Spirit of grace", how can there be a revival? Have you ever wondered why Antinomians are on the rise? You say, "I've never even heard the word, much less wondered why they were on the rise."
It might surprise you to know that Godly men like A.W. Tozer, Charles G. Finney, D.L. Moody, Charles Spurgeon, John Wesley, Menno Simons, George Whitefield and others were all quite familiar with not only what it is, but with it's unusual effects on the Church of God.
SO WHAT'S IT MEAN?
'Antinomian' is pronounced [an-ta-nome´-ee-ann]. The word itself can be traced back to the Greek of the New Testament. It comes from putting two Greek words together: `anti (anti) and nomos (nomos). The first word "anti" taken by itself means, "over against or instead of", and corresponds to our English word "anti", which means "opposed to".
The second half of the word 'Antinomian', which is the word "nomos", means: (1) a law, rule, standard; (2) a rule of life or moral conduct. This is the same word that is translated "law" in "Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law."-KJV. Rom. 3:31. Consequently, when these two Greek words are combined, it gives the meaning: lawlessness; without, opposed to or against laws, standards, or rules of moral conduct.
IS 'ANTINOMIAN' A BIBLE WORD?
Yes, it most certainly is (in the Greek Language, that is). It can be found in the following form 25 times throughout the New Testament. This time it again comes from taking the Greek word "nomos", but prefixing it with the negative particle "a" to give the Greek word "anomos". The Greek word "nomos" was previously defined as: a law, rule, standard; a rule of life or moral conduct. When the negative article "a" is prefixed to it, the exact same meaning as our English word 'Antinomian' is derived. The Greek translation for this New Testament word is: lawlessness; the condition of being without law; having contempt for law.
It is usually translated (Strongs # 458, 459) using vague words like 'iniquity', 'wicked', 'unrighteousness' or 'transgressor' (in the Authorized Version-KJV). It's even more vague in all the newer translations. Only 6 times was it clearly translated (KJV) as 'without law', 'lawless', etc., in 3 verses only. However, understanding this word's true meaning, brings new meaning and clarity to all verses that contain it. Even though it is found translated 'iniquity in Matt. 7:23, the words 'Antinomian' or 'lawlessness' could rightfully be put there instead. It would then read, starting at verse 21, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work "lawlessness" (Antinomianism).
Other verses that condemn Antinomians to hell are: "The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do 'Antinomian(ism)'." "And because 'Antinomians' shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with 'Antinomians'? and what communion hath light with darkness?" "For the mystery of 'Antinomian(ism)' doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." "Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all 'Antinomian(ism)', and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Matt.13:41; Matt. 24:12; 2 Cor. 6:14; 2 Thess. 2:7; Titus 2:14). With this in mind, it is interesting to see what men of God have said about it.
WHAT'S ITS BASIC DOCTRINE?
In his late book, Paths to Power, A.W. Tozer defined it this way. "Fundamental Christianity in our times is deeply influenced by that ancient enemy of righteousness, Antinomianism. The creed of the Antinomian is easily stated: We are saved by faith alone; works have no place in salvation; conduct is works, and is therefore of no importance. What we do cannot matter as long as we believe rightly. The divorce between creed and conduct is absolute and final. The question of sin is settled by the Cross; conduct is outside the circle of faith and cannot come between the believer and God. Such in brief, is the teaching of the Antinomian. And so fully has it permeated the Fundamental element in modern Christianity that it is accepted by the religious masses as the very truth of God. Antinomianism is the doctrine of grace carried by uncorrected logic to the point of absurdity. It takes the teaching of justification by faith and twists it into deformity."
I know there are some (maybe you, dear reader) who might say, "That's the gospel! That's Grace! That's what I believe and practice!" Oh, if we would only take the time to seek God, pray and read the Gospel, unfettered by the "Doctrines of Men", we would surely find that Antinomianism is ANOTHER GOSPEL (i.e.- not Christianity).
Charles Finney in the 1800's spoke of it "as the opposite extreme to legalism. Legalist are all work, Antinomians no work. Professing to have yielded up their whole agency to Christ, they throw all responsibility upon Him and do nothing. Under pretense of being led by the Spirit and of waiting for God to reveal His will to them, they give themselves up very much to spiritual indolence (idleness)1."
Charles Finney
Noah Webster, in his 1878 Dictionary, defined Antinomianism as: "one of a sect who were charged with maintaining that, under the gospel dispensation, the moral law is of no use or obligation."
1-Webster's 1878 Dictionary defined 'indolence' as "inaction, or want of exertion of body or mind, proceeding from love of ease or aversion to toil; habitually idle."
A BRIEF HISTORY
Interesting enough, the Church is being plagued today with Antinomianism more than ever. In fact, it has almost "leavened the whole lump". This is not the first time that it's crept into the hearts of God's people unawares. Historically, in Jeremiah's day when Israel was deeply backslidden and God's prophets were crying out against their wickedness, Antinomianism was the root cause. It was also one of the first signs of decay to hit the early Church. As the Bible teaches, the early Church fathers were well acquainted with what it was, and like Paul, found themselves in an ever present battle against its deadly effects.
By the 1700's, Antinomianism had established itself so deeply in most of the colleges that produced pastors, that almost anyone simply professing faith in God was considered a Christian. This condition having spread to this country as well, found heart-motivated morality in the Church almost non-existent. After much sincere prayer and true repentance, a real 'Revival' did come from God during that time through men such as George Whitefield, Jonathan Edwards and others. This revival reversed the course of Antinomianism but for a short while. By the start of the 19th. century, Antinomianism had made a strong comeback. Charles Finney and other Godly persons, who lived during that time, again found themselves facing it's damning effects. Although Finney and others succeeded in stamping out numerous strongholds, it didn't take long for it to make a comeback in this century.
This century has seen a huge rise of those who promise many 'would be Christians' liberty, while "they themselves are the servants of corruption" (2 Peter 2:19). Never before have there been so many who profess Christianity with their mouth, but live like and love the world. Why? Because Antinomianism has been the accepted gospel almost universally since the 50's.
WHY IS IT WRONG?
The origin for Antinomianism is rooted in a general misunderstanding concerning the difference between what is meant by "conditions" and "works" (earnings/merits). Many devoted, but spiritually ignorant, religious teachers, in their zeal to explain the truth of our unmerited salvation and our inability to pay the debt for our own sins, have fallen into heresy.
"Heresy! That's a pretty strong word", you say. Yes, but that's exactly what it is: "heresy". The word "heresy", from the New Testament Greek word "airesis", simply means "a taking, school, selection". A modern day dictionary defines it as "a school of thought". The word represents a popular practice among the religious crowd. It describes the taking of truth and then selecting one's favorite part or doctrine contained in it, over-emphasizing that point, and teaching it, usually to the complete negation of the rest of the picture.
Heresy in the Garden of Eden?
A perfect example of this is in what the devil told Eve in the garden of Eden. What he said wasn't entirely wrong. He just excluded parts of the truth and over-emphasized other parts, to such an extent, that what was said became a lie. He said, "Ye shall not surely die:" (Gen. 3:4). This was true in one sense, only he simply left out the rest of the facts. It was true that they wouldn't die, right then, probably based on their own vague understanding of death at the time (Bear in mind that up to this time no one had seen death). But what the devil left out was a big deal. They would indeed DIE another way, spiritually, right then, according to God's real meaning. Their body would also start dying, from that time on as well. So... not presenting the whole picture, turned that short, partial truth into a huge deception. Next verse:
"For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." (Gen. 3:5). Again, what the devil said was exactly true. However, if only he had added in the parts that he purposely left out, the whole picture would have taken on an entirely different meaning- a pretty scary, and ugly one at that. It's like signing on the doted line without reading the small, fine print, ever! Considering how the devil's heresy ruined the human race's earthly future, does one have to wonder much at the root source of such a heresy as Antinomianism?
Earning by Works versus Conditions
"Taking" or focusing in on the truth, that we do not "merit" or earn God's salvation and its attending blessings, has led many into Antinomianism. Yes, it IS true that we do NOT earn our salvation, nor our relationship with God. But that does not negate the fact that God DOES HAVE HIS "Conditions" respecting salvation.
Suppose, for instance, I were to read in my newspaper about a free milk giveaway happening at the local dairy. Let's say the newspaper states that between the hours of 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. on Thursday, March 16th., the dairy is pleased to give to every person over the age of 18 a fresh gallon of milk, for free. From such an ad, I'd understand that the milk would to be free, right? I wouldn't have to pay for it or earn it. Also, anyone over 18 years old could receive a gallon if they wanted. Therefore, it would be fairly clear that there would be NO WAY anyone could earn, merit, pay for or deserve a free gallon of milk. It is a free gift.
However, at the same time, there are definite "conditions" to receiving the milk such as:
Firstly, one had to be over 18 years of age.
Secondly, they had to be present at the dairy.
Thirdly, only between the hours of 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. on Thursday, March 16th. could it be received.
Meeting Conditions does NOT mean earning by works
By being at the dairy at the required time would not mean that anyone had earned, worked for or deserved the milk. No one would even be considered if they weren't present there between the appointed times. Merit, works and deserving it have nothing to do with it. It is based totally on grace -i.e. the kindness of the dairy to give it away. The dairy is giving it away simply because they want to.
On the other hand, there are definite conditions to being able to receive a gallon of milk. How happy a person is about being able to get the milk makes no difference concerning whether they receive it or not. Even "faith alone" is not the deciding factor in them receiving the milk directly. If they don't make it to the dairy in person as specified, they will simply loose out. The fact that these conditions have to be followed has nothing to do with anyone earning the milk or whether or not it is a gift. Having conditions has nothing whatsoever to do with the love, kindness and tender hearts of the dairy owners.
In the same way, parents sometimes have conditions for their children. Because of LOVE, parents may wish to give or do something for their children. However, just because they make it conditional, like first having to have either their room clean, face washed, hair combed or such like, doesn't make the gift any less a gift. Knowing how children can think, only the mind of an immature child could think they were earning it. What does this tell us about the level of thought Antinomians use?
An example of salvation's "conditions" was taught by Jesus in His parable concerning the wise and foolish virgins (Matt 25:1-13). The primary difference between the wise and foolish was whether or not they had met God's conditions.
(Side note: some Antinomian teachers, in trying to explain this away, say that the foolish virgins only missed the rapture, etc., but will still have a second chance after the tribulation. We ask: when does the Bible say they get their "second chance"? Instead, Jesus said to them "I tell you the truth, I don't know you". In every place where Jesus says He doesn't know them, the consequences are always disastrous eternally. So how do these "smooth talkers" get such a conclusion? Certainly not from the Bible. I'd hate to teach or base my eternal future on such unscriptural doctrines of men.)
WHY DO ANTINOMIANS EXIST?
Antinomianism is an entire doctrine built on religious confusion, or, more precisely, a complete lack of understanding concerning God's "Conditions". Sad to say, its root cause goes even deeper than misunderstanding "conditions". The main battle isn't really between bumbling heretics and those who understand God's "conditions" - it's between humanism and Christianity.
Humanism
Humanism is summed up as this: the end of all being is the happiness of mankind. Its focus is on two words: 'happiness' and 'mankind'. Therefore in humanism, everything a person does is centred around humanity's happiness here on earth.
Christianity
Christianity can be summed up as this: the end of all being is the glory of God. Its focus is on two words: 'glory' and 'God'. Therefore in Christianity, everything a person does is centred around what pleases God, nothing less! This is why Jesus could say to his close friend and disciple, "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men"; and "Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven" and "If any will come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me" (Matt. 16:23, 7:21, 16:24). Do you see? The entire focus is on God and His glory, not man.
Let's Get Together and Make Peace (on earth)
At the root of Antinomianism is humanism with a little Christianity mixed in, for good measure. How's that? Instead of pure humanism, which is focused solely on man's earthly life, this mixture looks like this: The end of Antinomian "Christianity" is the happiness of mankind both on earth and in heaven. Notice that it STILL focuses on the same two words that humanism does: 'happiness' and 'mankind'. The only difference between humanism and Antinomian Christianity is this: mankind's happiness has been extended beyond the grave. Does this mean that real Christians aren't happy? No! However, they take their happiness in bringing glory to God, by doing only what pleases Him, never themselves. This usually goes over the head of an Antinomian.
It shouldn't be a surprise to learn that in Antinomianism, like humanism, everything the Church does (especially those in leadership) is centred around humanity's happiness. This is the root of Antinomianism. Once we understand this, everything else that puzzles us about ourselves, &/or our Antinomian friends, will disappear: i.e.-the lack of heart motivated obedience to Christ; the struggles against giving up basic, elementary things like TV, worldly videos, sports, dancing, smoking, worldly music, worldly friendships, etc.; the lack of interest in personally reaching the lost; and the strong attachment to, and love for, this present world. This is why, when the subject of God's "conditions" for salvation comes up, for an Antinomian, it does not compute. Because an Antinomian's beliefs are rooted in humanism, when they hear the real Gospel, they think it's heresy or some strange "Cult".
Please remember that humanism is at the heart of
Antinomianism when you read the rest of this article.
How Did They Mix Christianity with Humanism?
Imagine this: you've enrolled in an Air Conditioning School. You try very hard to learn air conditioners, but it's extremely difficult. You just can't seem to remember the theory, much less fix anything. How it all works and fits together is beyond your comprehension. You and air conditioners simply don't get along. You doubt the problem is your lifelong poor mechanical aptitude. Maybe the school is wrong, so you decide to quit. After you're out, you begin to think about a theory of your own. You go so far as to put down on paper, a whole system for understanding air conditioners, all based entirely on your own misconceptions. Furthermore, you start your own air conditioning school. You've always been a good talker. Eventually, several of your students believe your theories, although nothing ever seems to work out quite right. Nevertheless, they learn to have lots of faith in that coming day when the class's air conditioners will work correctly. Besides, they "feel good" about themselves and your simplified rationalizations, and that's got to be more important.
On the other hand, some of your other students are growing frustrated at your bumbling. They just can't accept the fact that nothing in practice works right. They even go so far as to tell you where they think you're wrong. Never mind that these thinking students are the only ones who ever manage to fix any air conditioning problems. That isn't what matters to you, so you accuse them of "causing divisions" and "defying authority". When they continue to disagree, you have them removed from your school.
Sound crazy? Well, guess what? That's exactly how this doctrine of Antinomianism came about. Only difference is that since it involves the spiritual, many consider theology mystical, hard to practice and abstract. Consequently, most never even stop to analyze Antinomianism to see if it actually works like scriptural Christianity. Instead, too many enjoy being on spiritual "Auto Pilot" because their ears feel good. True, they might be constantly falling into sin; their lives &/or family's spiritual lives are a mess, but at least they can "think" they are "saved", until they die and find out the truth (after it's too late).
Please dear ones; read your Bibles; study and learn about your heritage. Is this how the early Christians lived and walked? No!
Somehow Antinomians see the desire to satisfy God's "conditions" as trying to earn one's salvation. Antinomianism has its entire focus on one piece of the truth - that is: we don't "earn" (merit) our salvation. But, the rest of the picture "conditions", is not only neglected, but actually taught and warned against. What this means is that perhaps millions are on their way to HELL while believing they are going to heaven. What a really scary surprise that's going to be.
Can you imagine reading an ad someday about a new, revolutionary medicine that cures cancer and AIDS completely, instantly? Imagine hearing about it at special meetings, then going to months of seminars and being taught all about what it does and how to use it. Only one problem, though. No one seems to know how or where to actually get this marvelous cure-all. What would you think?
If you think that's bad, then neglecting and even discouraging hungry folks from knowing about God's "conditions" to His blessed gift of salvation has got to be worse! That's exactly why Antinomianism is one of the worst and most dangerous heresies going. God's "conditions" concerning salvation are more than just "believing" and "accepting" Christ. Otherwise explain what Jesus meant when He said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21). Or what about "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works"? (Matt. 16:27). How about the scene in Matthew 25 with the sheep and the goats? Both apparently believed in Jesus and answered Him in a way that implied familiarity with who He was. However, the goats failed to fulfill His conditions as outlined there, no if's, an's or but's about it.
THE OUTCOME
The fruits of this cancer are readily seen. Just compare the difference between the witness real Christians had in Wesley's, Finney's, Menno Simons', the Moravian's and the Apostle's day to that of today. Instead, the modern Antinomian comes to believe that they are "free in Christ" -free to do whatever they want, whether it is the will of the flesh or God's. 'A taking' (heresy) of the Scripture which says, "All things are lawful unto me" (1Cor. 6:12; 10:23) out of context, effectively makes Antinomians a law unto themselves (licentiousness). Consequently, whatever happens to be the day's conviction or lack thereof, is the way they live. Instead of God, they base everything on whether their motives are right. Instead of God's will, if they can rationalize something, according to either their own or some respected "believers" example or teaching, they usually feel perfectly at liberty to do whatever they want. You can hear them say how God "told them" it was okay to do this or that, no matter what the Bible teaches. They soon become experts in examining the limit to which any of God's moral laws can be stretched (legalism), while still maintaining a minimum show of Godliness. Because of this, their lives speak to an unbelieving world and say, "We are delivered to do all these abominations" (Jer. 7:10).
Why did God say in Malachi 2:17, "You have wearied the Lord with your words"? It was because the Antinomian element was saying, "Everyone that does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them." I've actually heard pastors preach that we don't need to obey God unless we want to be used by Him. I've seen teaching tapes offered which explain: "It's the Heart that counts. God looks at our hearts NOT at our outward actions. God knows and sees our intentions and it's our heart that counts with Him." Such theological nonsense must have been similar to what the prophets Malachi and Jeremiah heard. God, in rebuking the prophets and pastors, said, "I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem a horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none does return from his wickedness." (Jer. 23:14). Sounds like today, where sinners are being comforted with, "It's okay, God accepts you just the way you are. He knows you want to stop smoking, drinking, chewing, cursing, hating, loosing your temper, coveting, rock and rolling, being worldly minded but He loves you anyway. Just have faith and everything will turn out al...lll right." Maybe my Bible is different for theirs, but I don't think that's going to cut it. There are huge lists in Rom. 1:29-31, 1 Corth. 5:11; 6:9-10, Gal. 5:19-21, Col. 3:5-6, Rev. 21:8, Ez. 18, etc., detailing exactly what will happen to folks who continue in such things. Oh, Lord, please have mercy on us.
The Antinomians (or as some call them "Carnal Christians") have been taught how to encourage themselves by imagining that the holy men of old were just as carnal as they are. "They heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables" (2Tim. 4:3-4). Instead of shock, sorrow and sadness, these religious worldly-ans actually enjoy hearing sermons about David's adultery, Elijah's fear of Jezebel, Peter's denial and Paul and Barnabas' disagreements.
Some believing that their worldly life-style (death-style) is Christian, have proudly placed a socially acceptable metal fish or bumper sticker on their car amongst their other ungodly, worldly stickers. With their bumper sticker neatly displayed, they have no convictions about the opposing messages being conveyed to the "lost". As they zoom in and out of traffic on the city's highways, it never occurs to them that they are witnessing to the world in a negative way. Since they feel "free in Christ", exceeding the posted speed limits does not bother them in the least. As it turns out, if you didn't know them, it would be extremely difficult to tell them from your good ole American carnal sinner.
How can anyone tell the difference?
They essentially act just as impolite and worldly on the highways and in public places as the rest of the world. Some are not even ashamed to state to the whole world that they are just like everyone else by displaying a "Christians aren't perfect, only forgiven" bumper sticker. Instead, Jesus and Paul said, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." "I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent." "Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that has ears to hear, let him hear." (Matt. 5:48; Rev. 3:3; Luke 14:34-35).
In his recent article published in the "Herald of His Coming" April '95', Elmer Klassen addressed this so aptly with the following:
"Why ask people to trust in Christ when it does not make much difference if they do? When there are as many divorces within the Church as outside the Church, the habits of the Christians essentially the same as non-Christians, the pleasures of sin just as much enjoyed in the Church as outside the Church, why all this effort of making people Christians?
"The Bible tells us that the Gospel is the power that will stop people from sinning, but if this is not happening in the Churches there is something basically wrong with our preaching. The Book of Romans does not urge us to prepare for a future heaven but promises a changed life here on earth to the one who will believe the book. I seldom find someone who does. To find someone who will confess chapter one as true is hard to find. And to find someone who will continue to believe the Gospel according to Romans on to chapter 16 becomes even more difficult.
"The Gospel according to Romans promises a completely changed life to whoever will believe it. But who believes this and confesses the book of Romans to be true in his own life? Could it be that we are so in the habit of reading the Book in an old style and in such a traditional way that the Book has lost its power to change lives?" (Used by permission)
F-L-O-D-D C-H-R-I-S-T (pronounced "flawed kris't")
Claiming to live by the Spirit, Antinomians have been taught to accept the fact that they don't know God's will for their lives, nor really hear His voice. There is little evidence in their daily conversation to suggest that they are soon to be married to their Beloved, Christ. No longer is Christianity to the Antinomian a passionate reunion and love affair with their God who died in agony for them. On the contrary, the Antinomian is one who feels God is just around to protect and help them. He's their buddy, "daddy" and after their fun and frolic here on earth is over, they believe they will have a beautiful, 'private' split level home in heaven waiting for them. God is viewed as their servant who on command heals, makes them rich financially, and blesses them with anything their selfish little heart lusts after. Oh yes, they love to claim all of God's promises of blessing for Israel in the Old Testament, but turn right around and claim that the New Testament frees them from any wrath or punishment, also promised to Israel for disobedience. No more are the warnings of Jesus and His followers in the Bible taken at face value.
F-This "Carnal Christian" theology has negated any 'Fear' or respect for God and His judgment. When they're told something heavy, all they know is how to categorize and systematize it as fitting into this or that doctrinal slot.
L-Antinomians are essentially 'Lawless', hence the name, Antinomian. But God says to them, "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination." -Prov. 28:9
The scripture states very plainly "Do we then make void the law through faith?" That is about as plain as any statement could get. It asks the question in such clear, precise language that even a child could understand: "Do we" (you know, the very ones who wrote the New Testament; the exact ones who established each and every doctrine in the first Church; the particular ones Jesus had taught concerning the exact meaning of the New Covenant), are they (Paul in particular here) now eliminating the law of God in our lives because of our justification by faith? The answer: "God forbid (newer versions say "not at all!", "By no means!") yea, we **ESTABLISH** the law."-Rom. 3:31. To establish something does not mean to put it out back in the wilderness or in a hidden place where no one has to see it or deal with it. So how do Antinomians come off with such an opposite idea that we aren't under any obligation or responsibility to obey God's moral law and commandments? Answer: It's simple. Christianity was only meant to be followed and understood by those who had been born again by the Holy Spirit. It ONLY applied so that "they which live, should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. (2Cor 5:15). Bear in mind that Christianity's atmosphere and environment was only for those who were DEAD to themselves. So when clever salesmen, in the 4th century down to our present day, started selling the benefits of the Christian life to the masses before they had been duly put to death and buried with Christ, the result was and still is our counterfeit belief system-Antinomianism.
O-As far as 'Obedience' is concerned, they view it as optional or only required when they feel "Led". Their excuse that they are "not under the law" usually takes care of any conviction for disobedience.
D-Their lives are generally marked by the same 'un-Disciplined' life style manifested by any other moral non-Christians. They live, eat, socialize, entertain, fear, dress, react, play, talk, buy, sell and enjoy just like the world. Daily life for them is influenced by the world's circumstances, not by God's ordered discipline. They bounce out of bed in the morning without any thought of having a disciplined, ordered spiritual plan throughout the day. Consequently, their day consists of being "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" based entirely on circumstances (Eph. 4:14). They think it's natural to set their hearts on worldly goals.
Many Antinomians are easy to spot, because of the following trait:
It is extremely hard, if not impossible, for them to keep their attention on anything meaty or deep spiritually if it's not exciting and new to them. They usually won't read or hear anything that goes beyond their "feel good" attitude and beliefs. Things like praying for hours, dying to self, teachings against the latest fun spiritual manifestation (however false), sitting still and reading the Bible for hours, or attentively listening to someone's heavy spiritual thoughts are usually considered boring. (I wonder how "bored" they'd be, having to live in abject poverty with a leaky roof, in a Communist country). One gets the feeling that they'd have to be dying before they'd listen to anything sobering. Most books and tracts (like this) of a serious nature usually collect dust. If it isn't fun or "UPLIFTING", they're not interested. They have the same attitude a child does when let loose in a toy store. They can't wait to jump from one exciting toy to the next. While they're in the store surrounded by toys, they could care less that there is a bottomless pit right outside the entrance waiting for them.
Antinomians are on a spiritual merry-go-round. One moment they're "UP", and the next they're "DOWN". Their spirituality is constantly being "tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine" or crisis in their life. It never dawns on them that there is something that they are "DOING" that is responsible for this. It's like allowing little Johnnie to sit in front of Television all day long or do as he pleases, and then being surprised that he's rebellious and ungodly in his teenage years.
What this verse means: "be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" is beyond the Antinomian, because their understanding has been made "of none effect through" their "traditions"-Antinomianism. (Gal. 6:7; Mark 7:13)
D-They base their acceptance of someone as a Brother/Sister almost entirely on whether this new Brother/Sister's 'Doctrines' line up with theirs. If this Brother/Sister is in agreement with their own doctrinal statement, then they must be Christians. This is not to say that doctrines aren't important. But these Churchians pay more attention to what comes out of someone's mouth (words), than the person's good fruits or lack thereof. This is very interesting, especially in light of the fact that the "the devils also believe, and tremble"- (James 2:19).
C-Although they profess faith in Christ and His Bible, they usually have no concept of how 'Convictions' relate to their everyday life. I once met a newly arrived pastor who told me all about the new Church he was pioneering. He told me about his concerns for the town and his hope for the 'lost' to get 'saved' at his Bible studies. After spending time on that, he went on to tell me about his upcoming job interview. He had applied at the local cable television company to be a salesman for their movie channels, just because he heard they were hiring. Somehow, he saw no connection between his spiritual concerns for the lost and taking a job that helped spread violence, drugs, sex and rock and roll. Amazingly, he had no concept on how his own convictions respecting his faith translated into his daily life.
God calls such persons "double minded", which comes with His promise as well- "let not that man think that he shall receive ANYTHING of the Lord" (James 1:7).
Because an Antinomian's Christianity is focused on fulfilling their own happiness, it is easy to see why their 'Convictions' aren't heart motivated. They only relate to their 'Convictions' (as they call them) whenever circumstances closely coincide with what they've been "TAUGHT". When a situation comes up that doesn't closely coincide with their intellectual "rule book", they aren't 'Convicted' in the slightest. This is because their 'Convictions' are based solely on abstract "beliefs" that are in their mind, not written on the "fleshy tables of the heart". This explains why an Antinomian may, one time, feel 'Convicted' against helping someone gamble or buy liquor at a Casino or Saloon, but, the next time, will have no 'Convictions' whatsoever about buying other items from, or doing work, for a Casino or Saloon. On the other hand, a true Christian would know, in their heart, that whether they gamble or just buy gasoline from a Casino or Saloon, they are helping to support its ungodliness, and would become "partakers of other men's sins" (Eph. 5:7; 1Tim. 5:22; Rev. 18:4).
H-Antinomians are constantly trying to re-invent the wheel. They are grossly ignorant when it comes to knowing early Church 'History'. Consequently, they are usually seeking to find some new spiritual truth, experience or doctrine. Whole Church groups have been formed just because of some 'new', revealed truth. What follows is usually fruitless for God, and sometimes even disastrous. By simply taking the time to study early Christianity, many would have discovered the tried and true paths. Jesus and His Apostles laid them down and they've never changed. Whenever the Church has returned to them, they have always produced wonderful fruit for God's Kingdom. History confirms this.
R-'Repentance'? What's that word? To the Antinomian, repentance means, at the most, saying they're sorry for their sin. As far as it being one of God's absolute "conditions", never would such a thought come into their mind. That would be salvation by works, right? Wrong! Although repentance is rarely preached about, it is an absolute necessity to our salvation. What it means is rarely understood correctly. Scripture alone makes it crystal clear that without Biblical repentance, there can be NO salvation. True repentance is NOT just feeling sorry for one's sin. It is more than that. It means a complete change of mind respecting one's sin and selfish ambitions. However, whoever heard of someone having a complete change in "thinking" without "seeing" the results in actions. Interested in the difference between true and false repentance? Read 2 Corinthians 7:9-11 and Hebrews 12:17 for starters.
I-The Church as a whole, especially in Western Church, is into 'Idolatry'. How is that? By placing their leaders above Christ. They idolize them, their teachings and authority above God's Word. "Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Mark 7:6-7).
S-One thing can be counted on in regard to an Antinomian, however. They are fairly consistent in making promises they feel no obligation before God to keep. To them 'it's the thought that counts', in the heart, not the actions. They are free to 'Say' and not do. They'll offer to do all sorts of loving, out of the ordinary caring acts, but if their own needs come in the way, which usually happens, guess what folks?
Instead Jesus, has some black and white words to say about this. He says, "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment", and "let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil" or "lest ye fall into condemnation" (Matt. 12:36; Mt 5:37; James 5:12). Condemnation means going to hell, no matter what your teachers tell you.
T-Their emphasis on 'Teachings', seminars, retreats, Bible Schools, etc., take the place of being taught by God, Godly men and spending time with God in prayer and fasting. Their Christian focus is centred on this pastor's or person's teachings. They are ever going here and there following/attending this or that teaching. Elaborate sales pitches like "he is such a gifted/powerful speaker/teacher" or "it is such a life changing teaching or principle" are often heard with nary a mention of the Name of Jesus. I want my life given to Christ Jesus, not some teaching or principle. Antinomians seem to be "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." After they have 'matured' in their (Antinomian) faith, "they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;" (2Tim. 3:7; 4:3).
THE CONCLUSION
The Bible gives evidence that the early Church was on it's guard against such heresy. In Romans 3:6-8, Paul said that already there were some teaching that he was preaching, "Let us do evil, that good may come". He asked, "Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?" His answer was (listen Antinomians!), "Certainly Not!" (Rom. 6:1-2). And yet I hear, time and time again, so called 'Christians' saying, "Of course, we know we will always sin every day, but God forgives us and always will". If that's Christianity, then they better rewrite their Bible to accommodate it!
James was very clear when he said, "I will show you my faith BY my works." (James 2:18). However, the Antinomian is deceived into believing that they can live completely different from what they say they believe. Come on! We all know actions speak louder than words. However, when it comes to this point in modern Christianity, reality and logic fly right out the window.
Peter had much to say about those who are "free in Christ" to serve their own desires. "But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption (2 Peter 2:10-12)
Reading on through verse 22, Peter makes it quite clear that they weren't destined simply to miss the rapture, but a real fate worthy of their lawlessness awaits them.
Actually, I must confess that I feel fairly qualified to speak about this subject, having been sucked into it myself years ago. It does not work! I now look back on it with shame and a heart felt repentance, for if we have God's Spirit, we should know better. I could write a book about this heresy of heresies. In our day, it usually develops from the "Sloppy Agape", and "Greasy, Cheap Grace" preaching. However, God's Word provides adequate teaching against such easy believism. If we will but cast off the spiritless logic from some systematic teachings and read the Bible for what it says and means to each one of us personally, then we "shall know the truth, and the truth shall make" us free.
However, I can not help but feel sadness and holy grief for those who would lure new, zealous lambs of God away and into Antinomianism. I have sadly witnessed many of my friends having their faith shipwrecked, because of it. Call it Antinomianism, Easy Believism, Grace only or the Carnal Christian doctrine; it doesn't work! It's 180° out of phase with reality and with what God wants, says and is.
In ending, I must be frank in saying that I believe very strongly that the widespread preaching of Antinomianism is the number one reason why the world today sees no reality in Christianity. If you don't think that's what the world thinks, then you haven't been listening when they talk among themselves. With so many living and preaching Antinomianism, I believe it is the primary reason "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles" (Rom. 2:24). The life style of Antinomians is the "reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of" (1 Pet. 2:2). Because of it, Christianity has become and still is, from all anyone can see, just a another abstract BELIEF in certain doctrines and truths. In the end, it is nothing more than just a religious social club, like Rotary or Lions, with morals that, many times, aren't any higher than the standards of these society clubs. The world no longer stands in awe of the person who is a "stranger and pilgrim on this earth". No longer do they witness those who so love Jesus that they have counted "all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus". The words of Jesus "for whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" have no place in the Antinomian's mentality. Until Antinomians see what they are doing, having "counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and has done dispite to the Spirit of grace", how can there be a revival?
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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Carol Swenson
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http://thechristianbbs.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=007148
The first seven English translations of apostasia all rendered the noun as either " departure" or " departing." They are as follows: Wycliffe Bible (1384); Tyndale Bible (1526); Coverdale Bible (1535); Cranmer Bible (1539); Breeches Bible (1576); Beza Bible (1583); Geneva Bible (1608).
This supports the notion that the word truly means " departure." In fact, Jerome' s Latin translation known as the Vulgate from around the time of A.D. 400 renders apostasia with the word "discessio", meaning "departure."
Why was the King James Version the first to depart from the established translation of "departure"? Why does the King James say "falling away"?
Literally translated the word means the "departure" which of course could mean a departure from the faith, and thus, a rebellion (falling away, apostasy). But I think it means the departure Paul just talked about (2 Thessalonians 2:1) --the departure of the Church to be with the Lord.
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becauseHElives
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Member # 87 posted May 19, 2010 07:26
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I have to revisit this topic....please read
Apostasy or Departure?
http://www.4himnet.com/fbc/issue006.html
Posts: 6787 | From: Colorado | Registered: Dec 2007
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becauseHElives
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Member # 87
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not under the Law but free to obey the LAw
Yeshua said, “Not everyone that saith unto Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity [anomian]”. (Mt. 7:21-23).
Here the Son of God describes a multitude of people (“many,” He said, not just a small handful of cult members) who find themselves excluded from the Kingdom. Who are these people? It is certainly not atheists, Hindus, or Buddhists who are being talked about here.
The people being talked about here are people who call Jesus “Lord” and even do good works in His name. These are church people involved in church activities. They expect to inherit eternal life, but are stunned to find themselves excluded from the Kingdom. The Jesus they thought they knew was obviously a counterfeit Christ. And w hat is the proof that they never really knew Him? They were anomians—“workers of lawlessness” as Stern’s Jewish New Testament words it; people who “practice lawlessness” according to the New American Standard Bible.
Yeshua spoke about anomians again in the parable of the wheat and tares. The tares (“the children of the wicked one”) grow together with the wheat (“the children of the kingdom”) until harvest time, when the angels are sent forth to “gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity [anomian, ‘lawlessness’]” (Mt. 13:41). Throughout the history of Christianity, the wheat and tares have been side by side, and it has often been difficult to tell which is which. But as harvest time draws near, it will become more apparent which people are wheat and which people are tares. The anomians are the tares, Yeshua said. They have been in His Kingdom for a long time, and now He is sending forth His “angels” (the word simply means “messengers,” either human of heavenly or both) to rid His Kingdom of antinomianism.
Paul wrote about a “falling away” (apostasia, “departure from truth”) that was to come. This falling away was not just referring to some event in the distant future. Paul described the falling away as “thy mystery of iniquity (anomies, ‘lawlessness’),” and said that this “secret power of lawlessness” (NIV) was “already at work,” and that the “Wicked” (anomos) would be revealed (2 Thes. 2:7f). Since anomos is an adjective, many translators provide a noun and render this as “the Wicked One” or “the Lawless One,” having in mind an end-time Anti-Christ figure. While it is possible that there may be come reference here to the Anti-Christ, the word anomos simply be referring to the lawless theology (i.e., antinomianism) which caused the Church to depart from the Torah and go into apostasy. The error of antinomianism, the “secret power of lawlessness,” is being exposed in our generation. Many Christians are waking up and returning to Torah. The secret power of lawlessness is no longer a secret to these people. When the secret is out, lawlessness loses its power and its grip over these people.
The root of the Church’s apostasy has been her rejection of the Torah. Perhaps it would be fairer and more accurate to say that the Church rejected those elements of the Torah that seemed “too Jewish” for her. The transgression of any of the Law is wrong, though, because “sin is the transgression of the law” (1 John 3:4). When we violate God’s Torah, we sin.
Is there any hope for people who are a part of a Church that has been apostate for most of her history? Deliverance from the spirit of lawlessness comes by the grace of God, but it is a grace that teaches us to honor God’s Torah, not a grace that teaches us to be antinomians:
“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should liver soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world: Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (anomies, ‘lawlessness’). And purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14).
A grace which does not teach us to honor God’s Torah is not the grace of God, and a savior who does not redeem us from antinomianism is not the true Savior, but a counterfeit Christ who cannot save.
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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Carol Swenson
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Spiritually speaking, believers today live between two mounts: Mount Calvary, where Jesus died for us, and the Mount of Olives, to which Jesus will one day return (Zech. 14:4; Acts 1:11-12). But God hasn’t written the Old Covenant Law on stones and warned us about curses; rather, He has written His New Covenant on our hearts and blessed us in Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 8; Eph. 1:3).
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).
However, the fact that Christians are under grace and not under Law doesn’t mean that we have a license to sin (Rom. 6:1-14). God’s dispensations change but His principles never change, and one of those principles is that God blesses us when we obey and chastens us when we disobey. As we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, we overcome the appetites of the flesh, and God’s righteousness is fulfilled in us (Rom. 8:4).
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becauseHElives
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For the mystery of lawlessness is already working within; (2 Thess. 2:7)
THE term Antinomianism was coined by theologians to label a particular type of interpretation of scripture. That interpretation holds that faith and grace has done away with God's law, and that law is repugnant to the New Testament.
The term, anti-nomianism, is actually an Anglicized form of a Greek word. The prefix "anti," in the Anglicized sense, means "against," or "aversion to." The Greek "nomos" means "law." The Anglicized "nomianism" means "belief in law." Together, anti-nomianism (the English usage) signifies "aversion to belief in law." And while the term Antinomianism, itself, does not appear in scripture, the Greek counterparts -- anomos ("lawless") and anomia ("lawlessness") -- appear twenty times, deceptively rendered in the KJV as "iniquity," "transgression," "unrighteousness," or "wicked" (see below). Those who authorized the Authorized Version obviously did not want people aware that the New Testament condemns lawlessness.
Antinomianism-- The Popular Heresy
Jesus promised that He would avenge speedily anyone who would truly pray and not faint; but, the real issue is whether or not He would find a people in which dwells True Faith, when He returns. "When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the Earth?" (Luke 18:8). Surely, the LORD was not referring to Professing Evangelical Christianity when He made this statement-- or, was He? "7 And shall not God avenge His Own Elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the Earth?" (18:7-8).
The solution to Christ's question, "When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the Earth?", is antinomianism. But, you ask, "What is antinomianism?" It is the heresy without a face, presently infecting the vitals of Professing Evangelical Christianity. "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold" (Matthew 24:12). Antinomianism comes from the Greek words "anti" against, and "nomos" law-- "against law". It was considered a heretical doctrine by the Early Church of the 2nd Century, being championed by the Gnostics, i.e., who believed matter to be evil, the spirit good, and salvation to come by secret knowledge (gnosis) granted to initiates. "Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:22).
Antinomians believe in freedom from the obligation to obey the Moral Law to be saved. "Do we then make void the Law through Faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the Law" (Romans 3:31). The heresy of antinomianism springs from unrightly "dividing the Word of Truth" (2Timothy 2:15). And, what Scripture do antinomians mishandle? "Ye are not under the Law, but under Grace" (Romans 6:14) has been the "stone of stumbling" and "rock of offence" to antinomians, who "stumble at the Word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed" (1Peter 2:8). Jude warned against antinomianism, even in the 1st Century. "For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness [unbridled lust], and denying the only LORD God, and our LORD Jesus Christ" (Jude 4).
What does it mean, "Ye are not under the Law, but under grace" (Romans 6:14)? This verse simply means that men are not justified and saved by their own works-- which are the "deeds of the Law"-- but by God's grace. "Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20). The guilty-but-now-penitent sinner cannot be accepted and treated as if he were just, i.e., justified, without the merciful pardon of God. "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost" (Titus 3:5). And, if God had not voluntarily, freely, and graciously conceived and promoted this program of pardon and redemption, no man would ever be saved. "Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus" (Romans 3:24).
Licentiousness is the lack of moral restraint that accompanies antinomianism. "1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (Romans 6:1-2). Because the antinomian perverts the grace of God, Jude warned of "ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness" (Jude 4), where lasciviousness is unbridled lust or licentiousness. "12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof... 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the Law, but under grace" (Romans 6:12,14). In fact, the Apostle Paul pronounced damnation upon those who used faith in God and the grace of God as an excuse for their sin. "And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just" (3:8).
Gospel Salvation is not freedom from the Moral Law, but freedom to obey the Moral Law. "For not the hearers of the Law are just before God, but the doers of the Law shall be justified" (Romans 2:13). The Moral Law is not the Civil Law of Old Testament Israel, nor is it the Ceremonial Law of worship for the ancient Jew, but it is the unchanging requirement of supreme love for God, and an equal love for our neighbor as ourself. "37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind... 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:37,39). Where there is not this Condition of Justification fulfilled of complete and entire obedience to the Moral Law, there cannot be Gospel Salvation. "8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love... 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?" (1John 4:8,20). But, the Spirit of Grace (Hebrews 10:29) is given to the Saints to gain that obedience to the Moral Law. "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Philippians 2:13).
Antinomianism today, takes advantage of the ignorance of Professing Christianity concerning the true nature of our Justification by Faith, stressing grace and faith apart from obedience to the Moral Law. "What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the Law: for I had not known lust, except the Law had said, Thou shalt not covet" (Romans 7:7). And, when the Ten Commandments, which expresses the substance of the Moral Law, become the symbol of a vilified, legalistic salvation, then antinomianism has succeeded in convincing Professing Evangelical Christianity to depart from the "faith which was once delivered unto the Saints" (Jude 3).
May God grant you the wisdom to avoid the "profane and vain babblings" (1Timothy 6:20) of modern antinomianism, and make you "wise unto salvation" (2Timothy 3:15).
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Strive to enter in at the strait gate:for many, I say unto you will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. ( Luke 13:24 )
Posts: 4578 | From: Southeast Texas | Registered: Jun 2002
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