IN HIS BOOK, Paul, the Apostle of God’s Glory in Christ, noted New Testament theologian, Dr.
Thomas Schreiner, walks the careful line between antinomianism on the one hand, and legalism on the other. A legalist believes that he earns salvation. On the other hand, antinomians believe that works are irrelevant to the Christian life.
But true grace always produces change. True grace produces growing holiness. True grace produces confidence in God’s love, but it also promotes the fear of God. If these are absent it is likely that saving grace is lacking. Here is how Dr. Schreiner sums it up…
“Indeed, such holiness is imperative to obtain eternal life on the day of the Lord (cf. also Eph. 5:27; Col 1:22; 1 Thes. 3:13). Those who succumb to sin as its slave will experience not eternal life but death (Rom 6:23). God’s vengeance will be inflicted on those who despise his “Holy” Spirit and live unsanctified lives (1 Thes. 4:8). Thus, the imperative to live holy lives can never be dismissed as secondary, nor can the indicative of God’s grace swallow up the imperative so that it no longer exists.” (Kindle Edition, Locations 2883-2886)
What is the appropriate conclusion? Don’t presume upon the grace of God. Rather, apply yourself to godliness, holiness, and obedience, but do so in the context of God’s infinite grace and love.
