Heidelcast Best Of: Neonomianism & Antinomianism in the Marrow of Modern Divinity (1645)
Jan 5, 2025
A lively tour of debates about law and gospel in The Marrow of Modern Divinity. Clear definitions of legalism and antinomianism and their historic examples. Close readings of Paul on justification, baptism as union with Christ, and how sanctification follows. A look at the Marrow controversy, Thomas Boston’s gospel method, and critiques of moralistic approaches like Baxter’s.
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Gospel Frees Yet Law Remains
- The gospel declares free acceptance by God through Christ's obedience credited to believers.
- Christians remain bound to God's moral law as the norm of life, not for justification but as grateful obedience.
Why Legalism Undermines Christ's Work
- Gnomism (legalism) makes obedience part of the ground or instrument of acceptance with God.
- Any claim that we are accepted in part or whole by our law-keeping undermines Christ's complete saving work.
Present Yourself To God For Righteousness
- Do not treat justification as a basis to continue in sin; present yourselves to God as instruments for righteousness.
- Rely on union with Christ and the Spirit's work to pursue holiness, not law-keeping for acceptance.
