Romans 6:1-2 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may abound? May it never be! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
I plan to write more about this next time. For today, I just want to write against the error of “antinomianism.” Paul begins his treatise against sin with a strong statement to refute those who believe such heresy. Antinomianism is defined as, “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.”
As with every heresy, it starts with the truth and then perverts it. Grace is not a license to live like hell. In fact, if you live like hell, you will bring shame on the name of Yeshua, and probably (although I’m not your judge) end up there yourself. The “sinner’s prayer” is not in the Bible!
We are saved by grace alone, so that we can walk in righteousness. To bring this into focus, let’s match up these two verses …
Titus 3:5 not by deeds of righteousness which we had done ourselves, but because of His mercy – He saved us through the mikveh of rebirth and renewing of the Ruach ha-Kodesh
2 Timothy 2:22 Now flee from youthful desires; instead, pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and shalom, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.
We are free in Yeshua, but freedom is never free. It costs nothing, while at the same time, it costs everything. Paul is going to take the next three chapters to describe in detail what it means to be victorious over sin. Paul will make this point shortly, but we’re going to end with it today.
Romans 6:14-15 For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace. What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!