There are some that have labeled us "antinomians" or "libertines" because we have dared to proclaim that the sons of GOD are "free from the law". The word "antinomian" literally means "against law". A "libertine" is someone who lives his life without any restraint fulfilling the lusts of the flesh with no limit. Now while such labels are often cast about with reckless abandon by those who feel it is their duty to spy out the liberty of the sons of GOD, we feel it our duty to state in no uncertain terms that we are neither antinomians nor libertines. We are not in any way against the law of GOD nor do we believe the eternal law of GOD has somehow changed or been destroyed. " What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" (Rom.6:1-2) I saw a bumper sticker that said "GOD said it, I believe it, and that settles it". But that is saying too much. The truth is that "GOD said it and that settles it". It does not matter if you or I believe it or not. GOD's decrees are timeless and HIS law is immutable.
The usual attacks upon those who proclaim liberty to the captives normally comes from those who mistakenly believe that the Mosaic law (which they believe is summed up in what is known as the ten commandments) is still in force and "binding" on the freeborn sons of GOD. Knowing that the Mosaic law contains a multitude of ceremonial and detailed ordinances having to do with eating and other rituals, they conveniently divide this law into at least two parts, which they define as "ceremonial" and "moral". Realizing that it is problematic to insist on the "ceremonial" they nonetheless demand that a man must live under the part of it they call "moral". There are several problems with this mindset. Nowhere does the scripture divide the Mosaic law into various parts which can be "followed" while neglecting the rest. On top of that, nowhere in all of the word of GOD can it be shown that the Mosaic law was ever given to the Gentiles. The law of Moses was given to the earthly Jews in the purpose of GOD and as far as I can tell has never been changed or overturned in that regard.
Sin is defined in the Mosaic law but sin did not begin to exist when the Mosaic law was given. It was clearly manifested however in that law written in stone. This law was just and good because it was given by GOD. We would be mistaken however to consider that the law given to Moses was THE law of GOD. The Mosaic law was indeed a particular manifestation and concise statement of GOD's law as HE saw fit to manifest it in HIS dealings with the earthly nation of Israel but the law of GOD existed long before Moses. Otherwise those who sinned before that revelation would have no basis upon which to be judged and furthermore those to whom this Mosaic law was not given (the Gentiles) would be off the hook. Paul makes it clear that such is not the case. "For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law." (Rom.2:12, see 2:13-16 and chap 1:19-32) So the law of GOD cannot be defined by the "ten commandments".
In fact the LORD JESUS CHRIST said "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matt 22:37-40) The law and the prophets as given to earthly Israel must bow down before this LAW. This law is timeless and every man upon this planet must answer to its authority and its AUTHOR. David described the meditiations of the children of GOD in their contemplations upon the law of GOD. Those thoughts are sweet because:
The WORD of GOD is precious to the children of GOD. Whenever a man is born of the SPIRIT of GOD and made a new creature he is turned from rebellion against the way of CHRIST to a willing submission to HIM who purchased his pardon. As Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:68) so all the sons of GOD agree. The sons of GOD are taught that JESUS CHRIST is the fulfillment of GOD's law. All of the blessings and benefits of the elect sons of GOD flow to them solely through the work of JESUS CHRIST in their behalf. HE did not merely decree them righteous but HE actually purchased their righteousness before GOD by satisfying every jot and tittle of any law which was against them. HIS righteousness and lawkeeping (fulfillment) has been imputed to them when HE satisfied the law's demands in their behalf in HIS death at Calvary. Our sweet meditation of the law is in the realization that it is according to GOD's law that we are justified. "Payment GOD cannot twice demand, first at my bleeding SURETY's hand and then again at mine." Having been set free from the law's condemnation they can rejoice in its precepts. I have never met a man who loves the LORD JESUS CHRIST that is not thankful for the instruction of the word of GOD. After all, we are sons and not servants. If David, a Jew with the broken law of Moses hanging over his head could rejoice in those precepts, how much more do those who know that the law is forever satisfied find that instruction pure and sweet and a delight unto their very souls. Because JESUS CHRIST has forever cancelled the debt of HIS elect they are free to serve the LORD with a clear conscience unfettered by guilt and fear. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Gal 5:22-23) There is no law against those for whom CHRIST died. "Free from the law O happy condition, JESUS hath died and there is remission." "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (Ps.19:14)
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