From
time to time we speak of the error of “antinomianism” – the belief that for
Christians the rules of the Bible don’t apply. “Anti,” of course, means
“against,” and “nomos” is the Greek word for “law.” “Antinomians” are opposed
to the rules – they do not see them as needed or required in any practical
sense. Antinomianism has always been a popular heresy, in part because we would
all naturally like to hope that there are no rules for which we will be held
accountable. It is also a common error because many don’t read the New
Testament with care. Many passages speak of “grace overcoming law” and “Christ
being the end of the law.” However, before we conclude that God’s rules don’t
apply to us we must be careful to read all of the New Testament and thoughtfully
discern the context in which these statements are made. There are clearly two
basic components of the Bible’s rules – the old covenant’s religious ceremonial
laws, and the various laws of moral and ethical conduct. When the Apostles
speak of grace prevailing over the law they are plainly arguing that our
imperfect attempts at keeping any set of biblical rules are insufficient to
earn our justification (Rom.2–7). Secondarily, the case is made that the
ceremonial laws for worship have become obsolete with their fulfillment in
Christ (Heb.4–10). While we can’t earn our salvation, and we should not engage
in already fulfilled ceremonies, the New Testament is clear that “grace” will
always “instruct us” to live “upright and godly lives” (Tit.2:11-12). We can only
do that by humbly following God’s ethical and moral instructions – i.e.,
keeping the rules.
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