"You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy."

Leviticus 19:2 (NKJV)

 

Legalism and antinomianism are two enemies of God’s grace.

Both pervert God’s idea of holiness.

Legalism is the “overachiever” version of holiness that says, “God can’t love me because I am not holy enough!” This overemphasis on holiness results in the improper and excessive use of God’s law to “achieve” a higher standard than God’s Word indicates.

Antinomianism is the “underachiever” version of holiness that says, “God loves me, and I don’t have to become holy.” This causal attitude towards holiness undermines God's invitation to holiness and holy living.

Both misunderstand and misrepresent God’s grace.

Legalism desires to be "above the system" of God's grace, but antinomianism seeks to "beat the system" of God's grace. Both are works of the flesh that result in damaging attitudes and behaviours, and both require correction in the truth of the gospel.

Justification and sanctification are God’s answers to legalism and antinomianism.

Justification frees you from the spirit of legalism. By God’s grace, you enjoy a right standing with God which frees you from earning His acceptance on your own terms. Sanctification frees you from the spirit of antinomianism. By God’s grace, you experience right living with God by surrendering to the power of His sanctifying word, which is the truth that sets you free (John 8:32; 17:17).

Holiness is not a performance, but rather a reflection of our Heavenly Father’s nature and character. If you do not aspire to be like Him, it speaks of a wavering relationship fraught with fear and distrust.

What keeps you from becoming like Him?

Holiness is not something you can do alone or do without, but a blessing from God for you to see and know Him (Matthew 5:8).