Clarification: This post is not about the different types of God’s Law being “moral”, “ceremonial”, and “civil” law. This is particularly looking at wrong approaches to God’s moral law—i.e. The Ten Commandments.
Wrong Way #1: Irrelevance
This is the Modern approach. There are people today who think that God’s Word (and, therefore, His Law) is outdated, irrelevant, and non-binding. This is not necessarily the antinomian approach—although this approach results in antinomianism. This is the atheistic, agnostic, and unbelieving approach.
You can hear this approach through sayings like this: “The ethics in Scripture about sexuality, marriage, family, children, men and women, creation, and others are outdated, irrelevant, and offensive.”
There is a problem to this approach. Romans 1:19-21 says, “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
Additionally, Malachi 3:6 “I the LORD do not change.” James 1:17 says of God that He is one “with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change”.
From these three texts we have the following equation: God exists + God doesn’t change + God’s Law is a revelation of Himself = His Ten Commandments are always relevant.
Wrong Way #2: Legalism
Do better, try harder, be “enough”. This is the typical approach to God’s Law to those who are interested in it. Sinners will naturally look at God’s Law and try to earn blessings, love, providence, and grace from Him. People will try to contribute their obedience to their salvation. The idea is that one obeys in order to earn, contribute, or keep. The word “enough” is often utilized in legalism.
But, Legalism can be seen to exist in different versions:
Version 1: Liberal/Progressive Legalism
This version centers on corporate good works and new ethics/values.
The secular edition of this version is seen through several of these sayings:Good vibes only.
Be the best self you can be.
Follow your heart
Harm anyone who makes you uncomfortable.
Silence is violence.
The religious edition of this Liberal/Progressive Legalism puts the emphasis on doing as a group for a group. You can see in this:“We have to be involved in these social reforms or else.”
The primary goal is societal change, social reform, ridding people of oppression and injustice.
(As a result) Doctrine/theology is sacrificed for the sake of building a group/movement.
If the church is not seen in society then it’s irrelevant.
(Initially or Eventually) The means of grace are downplayed, neglected, and even seen as optional.
Version 2: Conservative
This version is seen in the emphasis being on individual good works and idolizing old or traditional ethics (whether they are biblical or not).
The secular edition of this version is seen through several of these sayings:Revive the “glory days”. That’s the way things must be.
You must love your country above all. That’s your greatest loyalty.
Don’t look different at all from your surroundings (even if it is biblical). If you take your Christianity seriously enough to convict legalistic conservatives then you’re rejected.
If everyone just work harder then we would be fine.
The religious edition of this version is seen this way:
Emphasis is more on doing but doing as an individual.
Personal religious maturity is the all-in-all but in such a way that it’s Christ-optional. It’s mainly about being good and doing good in the name of Christianity but not much about loving Christ. It doesn’t value delighting in the Triune God nearly as much as it does with delighting in being seen to be smart, dedicated, or strict.
Pride over one’s “growth” and treating others with contempt who don’t appear to be where you are.
A mindset of “I ought to be doing better/more/enough”.
The Problem with Legalism: It doesn’t change hearts or give lasting results.
Wrong Way #3: Antinomian
This is the approach of living however you want. The only law is No-Law. There are no obligations except personal freedom (which is following your heart).
Version 1: Theological
This version says that the Ten Commandments are of the old era only (10 Commandments; Sermon on the Mount). There is no more Sabbath observance (just a day to relax/study/work rather than worship).1 The Sermon on the Mount isn’t binding to us anymore. At worst, Sunday is “Sunday-Funday”. At best, Sunday is morning worship and then NFL and cheese dip all afternoon and evening.Version 2: Spiritual Laziness
Any commands or obligations are legalistic to you:“Since I’m forgiven it doesn’t matter how I live.”
“People who put so much time, work, effort into Christianity are legalists.”
“If I can’t be perfect then why even try?”
Version 3: Self-actualization
Self-fulfillment is most important. Being the best “me” I can be is my life motto.
The Problem with Antinomianism: This is legalism of self. You are enslaved to your own desires.
The Common Problem
Legalism & Antinomianism both suffer from being too much about us. Legalism looks at self and says, “I am capable of being good enough.” Antinomianism looks at self and says, “I am a rule unto myself.” Both are the idolatry of self.
Getting our relationship with God’s Law wrong is detrimental to our lives. It hinders the mission of Christianity. But, ultimately and most importantly, they are sinful and hurt our intimate fellowship with God.
The only cure for this is diving richly and deeply into the gospel of grace.
It is true that there are different views of the Sabbath. Nevertheless, the vast majority of Christians today are functional 9-Commandment Christians. These are who I am speaking to.