what is the threat of antinomianism?

[mikewhitney]

What is the threat of what you think of as Christian antinomianism?

[KingsGambit]

Antinomianism is the teaching that it does not matter how Christians behave or how many sins they commit; that as long as they accept the resurrection as a historical fact, they will go to heaven. I maintain this gives people a false sense of security that they are saved when they are headed straight to hell on their current paths.

[mikewhitney]

The corresponding question is "what does the 'nomian' refer to?" Is this just a reference to things required in the New Testament or is it including Old Testament laws -- as a requirement upon Christians?

This is sort of the question about what a Christian must do. (and how this is defined)

[Cow Poke]

Antinomianism is the teaching that it does not matter how Christians behave or how many sins they commit; that as long as they accept the resurrection as a historical fact, they will go to heaven....

To play Devil's advocate (kinda sorta) I know somebody else who believes in the resurrection as a historical fact, and he's a high value target in Hell.

[KingsGambit]

The corresponding question is "what does the 'nomian' refer to?" Is this just a reference to things required in the New Testament or is it including Old Testament laws -- as a requirement upon Christians?

This is sort of the question about what a Christian must do. (and how this is defined)

I think historically speaking it refers to Old Testament laws, but in more modern usage, I hear it more in terms of what I said. But this is one of those terms that not everybody uses in the same way, so clarification is always a good thing.

[Cow Poke]

What is the threat of what you think of as Christian antinomianism?

The threat, as KG so aptly pointed out, is the false sense of security in Salvation. AND, the leading astray of others to miss out on what it takes to receive Salvation.

[mikewhitney]

The threat, as KG so aptly pointed out, is the false sense of security in Salvation. AND, the leading astray of others to miss out on what it takes to receive Salvation.

is part of the problem related to someone who is not seeking to understand and follow OT laws?

[One Bad Pig]

The corresponding question is "what does the 'nomian' refer to?" Is this just a reference to things required in the New Testament or is it including Old Testament laws -- as a requirement upon Christians?

This is sort of the question about what a Christian must do. (and how this is defined)

anti + nomos = against law (Greek)

-ian modifies the construct to an adjective, so 'antinomian' would be 'one who is against law'

Looking online, I see explanations of antinomianism being against either the moral law or Mosaic law; I suspect most usages outside of messianic Judaism refer to the moral law, however.

[Cow Poke]

is part of the problem related to someone who is not seeking to understand and follow OT laws?

Not sure I understand what you're asking, but to me, the problem is not understanding Grace through Faith, and the whole "you are my disciples if you obey my commands" thing.

[mikewhitney]

anti + nomos = against law (Greek)

-ian modifies the construct to an adjective, so 'antinomian' would be 'one who is against law'

Looking online, I see explanations of antinomianism being against either the moral law or Mosaic law; I suspect most usages outside of messianic Judaism refer to the moral law, however.

So, you looked it up online. Does this mean that you have not been concerned about antinomian behavior by people?

Is the concern that someone who is antinomian will then also be immoral in behavior? Or are we primarily concerned about people who purposely go against a law -- whether OT laws or the law of Christ?

[mikewhitney]

Not sure I understand what you're asking, but to me, the problem is not understanding Grace through Faith, and the whole "you are my disciples if you obey my commands" thing.

And what do you consider to be Jesus' commandments? Just stuff in the NT or also stuff in the OT?

[mikewhitney]

Thanks people for discussing this. I'm not trying to be contrary. I just want to see how people perceive antinomianism.

Another question could be "Can a person be an ethically concerned and abiding Christian without having an interest or concern for the OT laws?"

[Zymologist]

Thanks people for discussing this. I'm not trying to be contrary. I just want to see how people perceive antinomianism.

Do you have a definition in mind?

[Cow Poke]

And what do you consider to be Jesus' commandments? Just stuff in the NT or also stuff in the OT?

Personally, I've always considered myself a "New Testament Christian". I don't follow the OT dietary, civil, or ceremonial laws, but the OT moral laws are kinda hard to chunk.

[mikewhitney]

Do you have a definition in mind?

I have certain ideas bouncing around in my head. Thanks for asking.

My questions are rubbing against the edges of my ideas on OT and NT law.