Historical Heresies Alive And Well In The Church Today - A Multi-Part Message

The Bible says that it is "impossible to restore them again to repentance since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt" (Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV). However, the Bible is also very clear that those who have been truly converted and justified would never do such a thing, "Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do" (Hebrews 6:9-12 ESV). The Bible says that when a Born-Again Christian sins, they have an "advocate with the Father" who will plead their case because He has already forgiven all their sins (1 Corinthians 15:3; 1 John 2:1; Colossians 2:13).

A belief that produces nothing is no evidence that a person has become a "new creation" in Christ. Genuine conversion of the heart always produces evidence of a transformed life. Modern variations of Antinomianism are found in churches that believe a simple verbal profession of faith, while prompted to raise a hand as heads are bowed, eyes closed, and then repeating a 'prayer,' will save them. Conversion is a work in the heart and not of the hand (Romans 10:9). Many individuals take refuge in this kind of Antinomianism, which is so convenient for those who wish to go on sinning without worrying about the consequences.

"No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him, and he cannot keep on sinning because he has been born of God." (1 John 3:6-9 ESV)

"But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." (1 John 2:5-6 ESV)

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of Heaven but only he who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' (Matthew 7:21-23 ESV)

The Works of Jesus

The answer to a person who can't keep all of God's laws isn't to say that God must not actually have any laws. The truth which must be received is that God perfectly kept all His laws for them, which should cause such great joy, as it did for me, that they actually begin to want to do what is right, which the Law defined in the first place. It is not Law or Gospel, Legalism or license; it is both, which is liberty.