What is an antinomian?

Response

The term antinomian originates from an ancient Greek term that literally meant “against law.” According to Dictionary.com, an antinomian is described as “a person who asserts that Christians, through divine grace, are liberated not only from biblical law and church-prescribed behavioral norms, but also from all moral law.” In essence, an antinomian perceives themselves as not bound to adhere to any form of moral principles. They consider themselves entirely liberated.

Johannes Agricola is considered the pioneer of antinomianism. He, similar to Martin Luther, was a German Reformer, but they held differing views on whether the law permanently binds the Christian. Agricola believed that the law’s purpose was to lead Christians to the cross and repentance, after which they were no longer under any law, whether Levitical or moral. Conversely, Luther maintained that the law has a role in the life of a Christian. The law initially directs a Christian to Christ and continues as a tool to guide the believer towards ongoing transformation and growth. Luther publicly criticized Agricola’s teachings in “Against the Antinomians,” which was published in 1539.

The antinomian stance can be viewed as an extreme form of easy believism. While it is true that we are saved by grace through faith, believers must always wrestle with the sinful nature «Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. », (Romans 7:20). Scripture emphasizes that following faith, there should be a corresponding lifestyle that is pleasing to God and characterized by good deeds (Colossians 1:10-12). We are instructed to confess our sins to the Lord «If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. », (1 John 1:9), and to define sin, we must have a standard.

The fundamental concept behind antinomianism, which suggests that there is no moral law God expects Christians to obey, is clearly unscriptural. “His commands are not burdensome” «For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. », (1 John 5:3), but Christ does have commands. Ephesians 4 provides a clear moral code, and the antinomian cannot simply disregard these instructions:

Put off falsehood (verse 25)

Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry (verse 26)

Steal no longer (verse 28)

Work, doing something useful (verse 28)

Share with those in need (verse 28)

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths (verse 29)

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice (verse 31)

Regrettably, many Christians today lead an antinomian lifestyle, even if they do not consider themselves antinomian. They profess a saving belief in Jesus Christ but fail to live out that belief scripturally. Sin is sin, even under grace. Romans 6:15 cautions, “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!”

James also clearly emphasizes the believer’s need to live righteously. He even mentions a “law”: “If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right” «If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: », (James 2:8). James goes on to challenge those who believe they can live as they please: “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” «Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and IWill show you my faith by my works.” , (James 2:18). To James, it is significant how we live: “A person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone” “You see then that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.” , (James 2:24). The antinomian is mistaken to believe he is under no law whatsoever.

It is beneficial for us to periodically examine our own lives to determine if we are living an antinomian lifestyle in any way. Are we walking in morality, integrity, and love in every aspect of our lives? Or do we, in some instances, relax our morality, assuming that “grace” will cover our sin? “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands. The man who says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:3-6).