Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8700 Threats to the life of faith  »  8775 libertinism

A form of abuse of Christian freedom which refuses to acknowledge any obligation for Christians to obey the law or to restrain sin.

Grace must not lead to libertinism

Romans 6:1-2,15 See also Romans 3:5-8; Galatians 2:17-21

Believers must resist sin

Romans 6:12,14 See also Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 John 5:16-18

The law remains valid for believers

Matthew 5:17-18 See also Joshua 23:6; 1 Chronicles 22:12; Proverbs 28:7; Romans 7:12; 1 Timothy 1:8

The dangers of libertinism

Falling back into sin

Romans 6:1-2; Hebrews 12:1; 1 John 1:8-10

Disobedience towards God

1 John 2:3-4 See also 1 John 3:4; 2 Corinthians 10:6; Ephesians 5:6; 1 Peter 2:8

Selfishness

1 John 3:17 See also Luke 6:32-34; 2 Timothy 2:1-4; 1 John 2:9-11

See also

6662  freedom, abuse
8703  antinomianism
8750  false teachings