1 Timothy 1:8-11
8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
One of the known errors if not carefully watched over in Christianity is the culture of antinomianism. Antinomianism is a religious principle in which salvation is by faith and by divine grace and that one who are saved are no longer bound to abide in any moral laws, i.e the ten commandments.
Faithful Christian denominations rebuke this principle as it does not corresponds to the command of one who is saved in reflection or manifestation of the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Paul’s letter to Timothy is one of the reference used to backed up antinomianism, saying that the just are not bound to any law because of this passage which shows that law is for lawless and not for just.
Now we have to be careful in interpreting this passage as it may leads us to errors if we deal this antinomianism principle. The Bible clearly rejects, for sure, that anyone who were saved by grace through faith in Christ is predestined for every good works that we should walk in them (Eph 2:8-10) and the scripture is given to equip the believers for every good works (2 Tim 3:16-17).
Ephesians 2:8-10
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Christians are not saved by obedience of the laws of God, otherwise, we are legalist. However, the means of our salvation is through the perfect obedience of the one who were sent by God, our Lord Jesus Christ, which is the finished work of Christ. This covenant of works of Christ encapsulates the covenant of grace, which is the perfect gift of God to anyone who comes to faith in Jesus as their Lord and Saviour (Messiah or Christ).
Paul is giving this apostolic advice to Timothy to deal with the issues of spreading speculations rather than a sound doctrine. One that is being challenged is the purpose of the law and whether Christians should abide or not to the law including those laws of Christ being entrusted through the apostle.
To clear the basic principle of law giving is to instruct the lawless and disobedient that they may not say, I am not sinning. This is what explained by Paul in Romans epistle as well,
“for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.” -Romans 5:13
Therefore, if laws were given, there is no exemption to backup the claim of any righteous person that they are not bound of any of the moral laws of God because this is according to scriptures, as this is what completes us to equip in every good works (2 Tim 3:17).
What is our position on antinomianism?
I hope that none of us are going to fall in this error. We all believe that we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ according to scriptures for the glory of God alone. This core belief never fail.
Our justification is by faith alone, but faith is not alone when operates. Faith was formed part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. It produces good works which transcends for being a new person in Christ. You cannot just claim to be saved and no fruit of the Holy Spirit. It is produced by the sanctifying works of God, the Holy Spirit, in our lives.
When our Lord Jesus Christ made a promise that He will be with us wherever we go, the triune God works through the end to keep us away from sinning.
The saving is done when all law’s necessary for men to know their corruption, that one who will come to save us from our sins (Matt 1:21) fulfils them all (Matt 3:15) and that all who called themselves follower of Christ, will do the same as well.
Law operates effectively when it is uses lawfully. Therefore, God’s way to preserve the people is to write the laws in the tablet of their heart, that in their volitional aspect brings out the transcending image of Christ predestined for those God has called. The laws that embedded in the hearts of God’s people is the promise of God to preserve His people to the end of this age.
"This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds," -Hebrews 10:16
If law, then, was etched in our (disciples) hearts, it is not for no purpose. We just have to naturally incline to it as the Spirit of God directs our ways!
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