There are some now, as there has been before, who teach that Christians are not under the moral laws of God. Theologians have called this doctrine "antinomiansim.” This is actually a very accurate and Biblically based term to describe this teaching.

To be "anti" we all know means to be against. Nomianism is a theological term that comes from the Greek word for "law.” Literally, antinomianism means to not be subject to the law.

The Greek word anomos (#459) is a compound word that means this very thing. The 'a' prefix is a negative particle that changes the word nomos (law) to mean 'not subject to law'.

Or, it could read, 'no law'.

Those that think we're no longer under the law but under grace, are saying that very thing: "we're saved and therefore no longer subject to the law." And by this they mean they have no obligation to keep the law of God.

It is interesting that the Greek word anomos (#459) as well as all related words (anomia #458 & anomoos #460) are all translated in negative ways. For example, anomos is translated as "without law," "lawless," “transgressor," "unlawful," and "wicked." While anomia (#458) is translated as, "iniquity," "transgress," "transgression of the law," and "unrighteousness". Basically, everything that is against God and His Word the Bible is described by these Greek words whose literal meaning has to do with not being subject to the law.

We should immediately see the problem with any doctrine that comes along and tells sinners something that agrees completely with their fallen nature. That is, sinners in their fallen sinful condition are naturally against the law of God. They naturally act as if they are not subject to the law of God. They naturally live their lives as if there is no law of God. So, of course, when someone comes along and says to the sinner who has lived his whole life 'anomos' against the law—"look, once you're saved you're then no longer under law but under grace. Therefore you do not have to keep God's laws concerning the Sunday Sabbath, or smoking, or drinking, or lying, or cheating, or anything else." That's music to the sinner's ears. It would be no problem at all for a sinner to live their lives this way—because that's how they've been living in the time past of their life. There would be no change needed whatsoever. They could live this kind of a 'Christian' life very easily.

Of course, that's not how it really is for the Christian after salvation. Yes, the elect child of God is saved by grace and no longer subject to the law of God—in the sense that the law can no longer condemn him/her. But, the elect child of God is given a new heart and a new spirit that desires to do the will of God. And what is the will of God? It is the law of God found in the Bible. So after salvation the elect live by the law. They follow God in all things lawful. Always knowing that if they fail to live up to any law, that sin too is paid for by Christ (thus knowing they are not under the law); yet, they show forth their love for Christ by keeping His commandments. And they follow Christ and take up their cross also by keeping the commandments of God as directed by the Holy Spirit. The elect child of God is NOT anomos (anti law) in any way. We love the law of God. We follow the law of God. And as the Lord moves within us to will and to do His will we keep the law of God. This pleases God.

To be lawless or without law, does not please God when the sinner in his sins lives his life according to that way. Therefore we can be certain that for someone who calls themselves a Christian to live their life anomos (without law) is most definitely displeasing to God. Anyone doing so really needs to ask themselves why they so desire to live their lives without any recognition or obligation towards the law of God? Is it perhaps that they desire a doctrine that allows them to remain in the same condition as the sinners of the world are in?

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