Series:  Modern Day Heresies

Holiness is Unnecessary

Ephesians 2:8-10; Romans 6-7

Grace is the distinguishing factor of Christianity.

Grace is dispensed through faith alone.

challenges to grace

·      Reverting to a legalistic mindset

·      Neglecting good works

In the early church, the Docetists claimed God only saved the spirit; the body was not worth saving.  They taught that striving for personal holiness was unnecessary.  Docetist beliefs were confronted and condemned by all New Testament writers.  

modern expressions:

Secularism/Liberalism –Standards are determined by the culture.  The word of God is antiquated and needs updating. 

Antinomianism – There is no need to observe the law.  Holiness is optional. 

Why this is attractive? 

·      People have tried and failed to be holy.

·      Working on holiness can seem judgmental.

·      People love people who have never given evidence of salvation.

·      Christians want to highlight “the gift” of salvation. 

Romans 6-7

The purpose of your salvation is sanctification.  

The call to holiness is a blessing, not a burden. 

Holiness is a consequence, not a cause of righteousness.

Becoming holy is a lifelong process.

God loves obedience attempts.

Sanctification is the work of Christ.

supporting evidence

·       The presence of conviction of sin

·       A desire to keep God’s commands

·       A desire for faith and life to match 

·       A repentant heart

Today’s Takeaways:

1.    Grace is not a license to sin.

2.    We do not have to be slaves to sin.

3.    If grace does not impact us, we should wonder if grace is in us.