Legalists worship the law in the practice of their life. Antinomians disdain it. So, what is our relationship to the law?
Tag: legalism
Now What? Grace!
By understanding and tasting union with Christ himself by faith, we can have a right relationship to the law. This sets free both the legalist and antinomian.
Now What? Antinomianism? (3)
Antinomianism is merely a reaction to the discovery of one’s legalism, it is not the answer. It supplies a different view of the law, but not a biblical view. The problem is not the law, it is the heart.
Now What? Antinomianism?
The legalist views antinomianism as its opposite. Since Satan used the law to entrap one into legalism, the former legalist moves as far away from the law as possible. So, the legalist turns to antinomianism for the cure.
Now What? Choose Neonomianism? (1)
Neonomianism, derived from the Greek ‘neo nomos’ or ‘new law’, teaches a single new law in the ‘covenant of grace’ is the requirement of faith. This replaces the law given at Sinai as the Old Testament’s ‘covenant of works’. It suggests God no longer judges on violation of moral precepts but on expression of faith. By this view, mankind can meet God’s standards with faith, not moral obedience. However, it does not account for inherent human sinfulness. Critics argue the original teachings did not set a ‘covenant of works’; and obedience to God is a privilege, not a condition of salvation. The Reformation maintained there was only one covenant.
Now what?
We look at two responses to realizing one’s legalism: fully embracing legalism, which can lead to joining the Roman Catholic Church, or turning to Pietism. Pietism encourages a more extraordinary, subjective faith and turns individuals away from institutionalized Christianity. It emphasizes subjective experiences and feelings over understanding and affirming doctrine.
What Legalism Produces
Legalism can be disguised as zeal for justice and truth, and even as a concern for Church discipline. But at the end of the day, is an unwillingness to welcome those whom Christ welcomes. ~S. Ferguson
New School Legalists
New school legalism comes in at least 5 flavors: radical, crazy, missional, gospel-centered, and revolutionary & organic Christians. This high-commitment Christianity raises a whole new set of legalistic bars; complete with the same old pressure and shame.
The Root & Nature of Legalism
Although legalism seems very, very pro-law; it distorts the law. It casts the law as negative and as deprivation of all joy. It distorts the character of the loving and generous God who gave it.
Dewey’s legalism
“Legalism either distorts the free grace of God in the gospel, or distorts the true nature of God’s grace in the law, or even fails to place the gracious law of God in its proper place in redemptive history”. ~ Sinclair Ferguson.