Antinomian Proclivities by Christian Standard and Home Journal

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 13, 1914

Antinomian Proclivities

By Christian Standard and Home Journal

WE are not a little concerned, when in our experience meetings we hear persons saying: "If I wish to know I am saved, I do not pay any attention to what or how I feel. My salvation is not in me, but it is in Christ." In a very qualified sense, the expression may, perhaps, be correct. But as generally used, we deem it a most pernicious error, and without warrant from Scripture or experience. The word of God abounds in suggestions upon this point, which must be entirely overlooked by those who adopt the sentiment quoted above. Frequently in the writings of St. Paul, such expressions as "Christ in you, the hope of glory," and "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus," will be found, indicating the glorious fact that salvation is a work wrought in us, as well as for us. Love, peace, joy, long-suffering, gentleness, and other fruits of the Spirit, are found in the hearts of those who are the true disciples of our Lord. Salvation is a great and glorious fact, or a state of mind which appeals to human consciousness, and is a delightful experience, as well as a merciful and wondrous provision. Christ being imparted to us, received by us, and dwelling in us, is made unto us "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption."

Many of the hymns sung are well calculated to foster this heresy. Take, for instance, the utterance:

"Nothing either great or small Remains for me to do," etc., etc. This idea is supported neither by Scripture nor by experience. It still remains for men to repent and believe the gospel, if they would be saved. Holy Writ abounds in commands and promises, which indicate, on the part of those who are saved, the greatest possible activity. The true believer is as one laboring for his meat, and is instructed to "work while the day lasts." Then again he is compared to a soldier, and is admonished to "war a good warfare," and to "fight the good fight of faith." Elsewhere he is spoken of as on a journey, and walking in the King's highway, and is commanded to be "faithful unto death" in order to "win a crown of life." Surely, then, there remains much for us to do, if we would avail ourselves of the merciful provisions of grace. It is therefore right that what our hands find to do shall be done "with our might."

— Christian Standard and Home Journal.