Since all false doctrine is really an attack on the deity of Jesus Christ, the antidote for any false doctrine is always found in the Bible. The biblical antidote for antinomianism and legalism is biblical grace. Antinomianism claims Christians are not bound to obey God’s moral law, misusing grace as a license to sin. Legalism teaches one can earn God’s favor through strict adherence to laws, rules, or good works rather than by grace through faith in Christ. And many people argue that these two extreme positions are the only options. If you’re not one, then you must be the other. But there is a biblical middle ground, called biblical grace based on God’s unearned favor that saves sinners through faith in Jesus Christ and empowers them to live in loving obedience to His Word.
Here is a short comparison of these three doctrines.
Antinomianism
Grace eliminates the need for obedience
- Denies the significance of God’s commands
- License to live in sin, rejecting Christ’s lordship
- Corrupts and abuses grace
Legalism
Obedience required for fellowship
- Demands man-made rules and rituals
- Attempts to earn God’s favor by works.
- Self-righteous and judgmental
Biblical Grace
Salvation leads to obedience by love
- Saves from sin by grace through faith in Jesus Christ
- Empowers by the Spirit unto holiness
- Submits to God’s Word in love
The antidote for antinomianism and legalism is always Jesus Christ.
“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.” (Acts 20:32 NLT)
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)