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Location: Leeds, Yorkshire, United Kingdom

Became a Christian on the 10/03/00 and my life hasn't been the same since... I went to Uganda, China and South Africa on short term mission, spent 4 years at Bristol University, and five working in Kent & London. I'm now enjoying working as a student pastor in Leeds, being married and learning to be a dad!

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

Antinomianism - or not?

Most have not heard the word before, much less know what it means, but the title of this Blog has been questioned over the past few weeks and i feel i owe it a defence.

"Therefore since we have confidence to enter the most holy place through the new and living way open to us through the curtain which is his body, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

The most amazing thing about Christianity is that we can do nothing to get God. He has done it all. He loves us immesurably, and looks on us just as if we'd never sinned. We are perfect in his sight. He gives us everything, and theres nothing we can do to earn anything from him. Its all GRACE.

We cannot save ourselves by being nicer, we cannot impress God by being nicer and (if you'll forgive a long word) we cannot sanctify ourselves by being nicer. We are therefore free from the need to be nice, and there is no moral law which binds us... in fact there is no law whatsoever which binds us. "There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". It was for freedom that Christ has set us free.

This is the essence of antinomianism.

an·ti·no·mi·an·ism Audio pronunciation of "antinomianism" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (nt-nm--nzm)
n.

Theology.
The doctrine or belief that the Gospel frees Christians from required obedience to any law, whether scriptural, civil, or moral, and that salvation is attained solely through faith and the gift of divine grace.

ok, so it's an odd thing to preach, and can be construed in completely the wrong way, but it emphasises the most glorious of truths about the human condition. Accuse me of antinomianism and i'll love you!


PS. We are not set free to sin but to enjoy a life of worship.