ANTINOMIAN, LEGALIST OR CHRIST-CENTERED WHICH WAY DOES YOUR PENDULUM SWING?
THE PENDULUM SWING OF LEGALISM • What is legalism? - Legalism is the belief that you receive and/or retain God’s favor by strict adherence to laws that go beyond the Scriptures. The legalist disregards the condition of his/her heart and condemns those who do not strictly follow the same rules. - Simply put, legalism is living by law.
BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF LEGALISM 1. The Pharisees – Matthew 23:23-28 2. The Apostle Peter – Galatians 2:11-16 3. Believers at Galatia – Galatians 1:6-9, 3:1-3 4. Believers at Colosse – Colossians 2:20-22 5. Prophecy of End Time Legalists – 1 Timothy 4:1-5
MODERN DAY EXAMPLES 1. Those who teach salvation by works/sacraments, etc … 2. Those who elevate their standards above the clear teaching of the Scriptures
THE PENDULUM SWING OF ANTINOMIANISM • What is antinomianism? - Anti means “against” - Nomos means “law” Definition: The belief that it does not matter how you live after you are saved, because you are under grace
BIBLICAL REFERENCES TO ANTINOMIANISM • Paul warned against it – Romans 6:1,2, 2 Timothy. 3:1-5 • Peter warned against it – 2 Peter 2:1-3, 10, 13-15, 18-21 • John warned against it – 1 John 2:15-17 • Jude warned against it – Jude 17-19 Modern example: Those who tolerate sinful practices, and label those who apply biblical principles for protective standards as legalists.
THE CALL TO CHRIST-CENTERED LIVING (COLOSSIANS 2:8) • Christ-centered living is NOT legalism - It is not focused on following traditions, keeping laws, or boasting of good works THE CHRIST- CENTERED CHRISTIAN BOASTS OF CHRIST’S WORKS, NOT HIS OWN – Galatians 6:14, 15 • Christ-centered living is NOT antinomianism - It is not license to live how I want since I’m under grace THE CHRIST-CENTERED CHRISTIAN SEEKS TO BE HOLY – Romans 12:1,2, 1 Peter 1:13-16, Titus 2:11-15
SO WHERE IS YOUR LIFE’S PENDULUM? LIVING BY LICENSE? LIVING BY LAW? LIVING FOR CHRIST?
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