How to avoid the two extremes
What are these two extremes the writer is talking about? The first one is called Legalism. The second is called Antinomianism. What do these words mean? Legalism was invented by overzealous Jews called Judaizers. Their preoccupation was with the law of Moses. They insisted that one could not be saved apart from the works of the law. In other words, trusting wholly in Jesus' sacrificial atonement for the remission of sins was not sufficient. One also had to adhere to the law and obey all of its demands in order to be saved; salvation by works and not grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Antinomianism is a compound word. Anti means against. Nomianism comes from the Greek root nomos which means law. So an Antimonian is one who is against the law.
Now, let's put context to these terms as they relate to our salvation.
The Antinomian (lawbreaker)
Paul the apostle dealt extensively and clearly with these two matters. He explained why both were dangerous. Many who are in the Antinomian camp have cheapened the grace of God. How? By living any way they want. Their mindset is that since they are saved by grace, I can sin my fill and it does not matter because I'm covered by the blood of Christ. This is what Paul had to say about that in the book of Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then, are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?"
Paul anticipated that critics of his doctrine would say that since we are saved by grace apart from works that Paul was advocating sinful behavior. Paul refuted that evil mindset saying we who have been delivered from sin's power by the blood of Christ are no longer slaves to sin - stop serving sin and serve God!
The Legalist
These Jewish extremists insisted that Gentiles, in particular, could not be saved without being circumcised and keeping the Mosaic law. Because of their deep-rooted commitment to the law, it would be correct in saying these Jews did not want Gentiles to be saved. Peter argued in Acts 15:10 that the law was a yoke that no one could bear. Paul said that by the works of the law no flesh could be justified (Rom 3:20;Gal 2:16).
The Balance
Since we realize that human works are useless to get right with God, the only work we can do is believe in Jesus Christ for our sole salvation. Once we are saved, we are then free to serve God in righteousness, performing good works that are well pleasing to God (Ephesians 2:10). To attempt to work one's way into the kingdom of God is sin. Also to trample the grace of God and the work of Christ is sin. We must avoid these two extremes of the Antinomian and the Legalist.
Paul the apostle dealt extensively and clearly with these two matters. He explained why both were dangerous. Many who are in the Antinomian camp have cheapened the grace of God. How? By living any way they want. Their mindset is that since they are saved by grace, I can sin my fill and it does not matter because I'm covered by the blood of Christ. This is what Paul had to say about that in the book of Romans 6:1-2, "What shall we say then, are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?"
Paul anticipated that critics of his doctrine would say that since we are saved by grace apart from works that Paul was advocating sinful behavior. Paul refuted that evil mindset saying we who have been delivered from sin's power by the blood of Christ are no longer slaves to sin - stop serving sin and serve God!
The Legalist
These Jewish extremists insisted that Gentiles, in particular, could not be saved without being circumcised and keeping the Mosaic law. Because of their deep-rooted commitment to the law, it would be correct in saying these Jews did not want Gentiles to be saved. Peter argued in Acts 15:10 that the law was a yoke that no one could bear. Paul said that by the works of the law no flesh could be justified (Rom 3:20;Gal 2:16).
The Balance
Since we realize that human works are useless to get right with God, the only work we can do is believe in Jesus Christ for our sole salvation. Once we are saved, we are then free to serve God in righteousness, performing good works that are well pleasing to God (Ephesians 2:10). To attempt to work one's way into the kingdom of God is sin. Also to trample the grace of God and the work of Christ is sin. We must avoid these two extremes of the Antinomian and the Legalist.
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