Antinomianism is the belief that Christians are not obligated to obey moral commandments set forth by God. Adherents of this position maintain that our faith "frees" us from the obligation of living in according to the moral laws of God, which can only be done by His grace. The word "antinomianism" is derived from two Greek words, which are "anti" (i.e. against) and "nomos" (i.e. law). It is argued that since Christians are not saved by the keeping of the Law (which is true), God has no commandments that He expects us to obey (which is not true). Therefore, this doctrine distorts the biblical teaching on grace by formulating an unbiblical conclusion as to its nature.
The Apostle Paul wrote that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 5:5-7). That strongly suggests He has moral imperatives for us to obey. True Christians will bring glorify to God for the free gift of salvation that He has given. The New Testament operates on the Law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21; Galatians 6:2), which is a law of unmerited grace. This "law" instructs us to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). Thus, the Law of Christ is simply the moral law of God that the Mosaic Law confirms. It reflects His character and His nature.
The Law of Christ is not a comprehensive list of legal codes, as was the case with the Levitical Law. The Law of the New Covenant stands on love of God and love of neighbor, just as did the Mosaic Law. Our hearts are changed by His grace. We are filled with the Holy Spirit. True Christians obey God (John 14:15-24; 1 Corinthians 7:19; 1 John 2:3-4). We do not obey the Law of Christ to earn eternal salvation in heaven, nor was that the purpose of the Mosaic Law. Rather, we obey God out of gratitude for the sacrificial work of Christ. Our new nature is one is holiness. This is not a matter of doing something in order to merit for ourselves divine favor. It is just what we are, like the inherent properties of the sun ensure that it is bright or water is wet.
The Apostle Paul describes the direction of sanctification as becoming more like Christ (Romans 6:1-2). We shall know people by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-23). We will be judged according to our conduct in this life (Romans 2:6-13; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We demonstrate the reality of our faith by our deeds (James 2:14-26). Grace and faith do not nullify, but fulfill the Law (Romans 3:31). Grace is not to be treated as a smokescreen against holiness in the Christian life. Believers ought to be good moral examples. Every person needs to submit to Jesus Christ as Lord through faith (Romans 1:5; Jude 4). Salvation, broadly speaking, is a moral transformation.
The belief that Christians are not bound by moral laws is not only a misinterpretation of grace, but also undermines the catalytic effects of salvation. The grace that God bestows upon us is not a license to indulge in sinful behavior, but rather a divine empowerment to live a holy life. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit guides and convicts us. He helps us to bear fruit that aligns with God’s will. As we walk in the Spirit, we fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law, not by our own strength, but through the enabling grace of God. Thus, our obedience is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in us. It showcases a life that seeks to honor God in every aspect.
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