Summary
Reformed theology confronts three dangerous doctrinal errors that people assume without questioning: Freewillism, which makes salvation dependent on human choice rather than God's sovereign will (John 1:12-13; Romans 9:16); Legalism, which grounds justification and sanctification in human works rather than grace alone (Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9); and Antinomianism, which divorces grace from godly living by claiming conduct doesn't matter for believers. The author argues that true salvation rests entirely on God's grace through faith in Christ alone, with believers constrained by Christ's love (2 Corinthians 5:14) rather than legal obligation, and that genuine faith necessarily produces obedient love (Galatians 5:6).
Questions Answered in This Article
What does the Bible say about freewillism?
The Bible teaches that salvation is determined by God's will, not man's freewill (John 1:12-13, Romans 9:16).
John 1:12-13, Romans 9:16
What does the Bible say about freewillism?
The Bible teaches that salvation is determined by God's will, not man's free will.
John 1:12-13, Romans 9:16
Why is legalism a danger for Christians?
Legalism teaches that salvation depends on personal works, which is contrary to the gospel of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16
How do we know the doctrine of legalism is false?
Legalism is false because the Bible clearly states that we are not saved or justified by our works.
Romans 3:20, Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16
How do we know antinomianism is wrong?
Antinomianism improperly diminishes the importance of how Christians should live (2 Corinthians 5:14).
2 Corinthians 5:14, Galatians 5:6
Why is antinomianism dangerous for Christians?
Antinomianism undermines the importance of godly living and accountability in the Christian faith.
Galatians 5:6, 2 Corinthians 5:14
People are accustomed to taking things for granted, I believe everyone will agree with that statement.
When we are reminded of this we feel guilty and promise ourselves that we will stop taking things for granted, especially the important things such as, family, health, freedom, a good job, etc. But there is an area where people take things for granted that is dangerous and the consequences are eternal. It is their religion! They never question whether it is True, does it honor God, or whether it is even in the word of God. To take the truth about your soul for granted shows arrogance and presumption. To not look for yourself to see if what you are hearing is true, is indeed dangerous and could be eternally fatal. Here are three things men take for granted that are not true.
FREEWILLISM - Freewillism is that doctrine that says, "God loves you, Christ died for you, and the Holy Spirit is calling you; but it will all be vain unless you choose to be saved." Freewillism makes the determining factor in salvation to be the will of man. It makes the work of the Triune God and the grace of God to be impotent without the consent of man's "freewill" Freewill religion is in direct opposition to the gospel of the free grace of God. The Bible declares that salvation is not accomplished, determined by, or dependent upon the will of man, "but by the will of God" (John 1:12-13; Rom. 9:16). The word "freewill", when used in reference to salvation, is a heresy born in depraved heart.
LEGALISM - Legalism is the teaching that sinners are saved (justified, sanctified, and accepted with God) upon the basis of their own works of legal obedience. Legalism is as damning to the souls of men as Hinduism, Mormonism, and atheism! We are not saved by our obedience to the law of God (Rom. 3:20; Gal. 2:16; Eph. 2:8-9). We are not sanctified by our obedience to the law of God (Gal. 3:1-3). Our inheritance in heaven is not, to any degree, won or earned by our personal obedience to the law of God (Rev. 7:9, 10-14). Salvation is, in its entirety, by grace alone. Believers are not, in any sense whatsoever, under the yoke of the law (Rom. 6:14-15; 7:4; 8:14; 10:4; Gal. 5:14, 18;). "If righteuosness come by the deeds of the law, Christ is dead in vain" (Gal.2:21).
ANTINOMIANISM - Antinomianism is that doctrine that says, "Since we are saved by grace it does not matter how we live. We have no law by which to regulate and govern our lives. Character and conduct are of no importance to the believer." Antinomianism means "lawlessness", or "against the law." I realize that it is impossible to preach salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, without being denounced by legalists as an antinomian "It is the love of Christ that constrains us" (2Cor.5:14)."Faith works by love" (Gal.5:6). Love is the law by which believers live. If you find anyone who "sins that grace may abound", and uses God's eternal electing grace as an excuse to sin, you have found a lost man.
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