Errors to Avoid
Neonomianism
Law and Gospel · 6 verses
Neonomianism is the subtle error of presenting faith and repentance themselves as the new law, the new works that God requires for salvation. It transforms gospel grace into gospel requirement, making faith a condition we must fulfill rather than a gift we receive. This error maintains the vocabulary of grace while reintroducing the principle of works, suggesting that God accepts imperfect obedience (faith, repentance, etc.) in place of the perfect obedience He originally demanded. It thus obscures the sufficiency of Christ's righteousness and the freeness of grace.
Scripture References
“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;”
“And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:”