In the life of the church, there has always been a subtle and dangerous teaching that twists the glorious grace of God into a license for sin. This ancient error is called antinomianism—the belief that Christians are under no obligation to obey God’s moral law. While this idea may sound liberating to the flesh, it is deadly to the soul.
Let’s examine this doctrine, its biblical refutation, and a key example the Lord Jesus Himself uses in the book of Revelation: Jezebel.
The Meaning of Antinomianism
The word antinomianism comes from two Greek words:
- Anti – meaning “against”
- Nomos – meaning “law”
So, antinomian literally means “against the law.” Theologically, it refers to the belief that because we are saved by grace, Christians are no longer accountable to God’s moral commands. In other words, grace cancels out the need for obedience.
This idea falsely assumes that since Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17), we are free to live without moral restraint. But the New Testament clearly rejects this notion:
“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? God forbid.” (Romans 6:15)
- Add to your faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love
- The same Holy Spirit who inspired the Bible will guide your understanding of the Bible
The Jezebel Connection: Antinomianism in the Church at Thyatira
To see how serious the Lord is about confronting this error, we turn to Revelation 2:20, where Jesus rebukes the church at Thyatira:
“Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols.” (Revelation 2:20)
The name “Jezebel” here is symbolic, rooted in Old Testament history. According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, the Greek term Ἰεζάβελ (Iezabel) corresponds to the Hebrew אִיזֶבֶל (Izebel), a name that likely means “unchaste” or “not exalted.” Jezebel was the wicked wife of King Ahab who led Israel into Baal worship, idolatry, and rampant immorality (read 1 Kings 16:31–33).
The woman at Thyatira who claimed to be a prophetess was teaching a kind of Christianized lawlessness, which leads believers into sexual immorality and participation in idolatrous feasts under the guise of spiritual liberty. In short, she was promoting antinomianism inside the church.
As with the original Jezebel, this New Testament counterpart led God’s people away from holiness and into spiritual compromise.
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False Freedom vs. True Liberty
This modern Jezebel spirit (cloaked in prophetic language and claiming deep insight) seduces the church into believing that grace means freedom from God’s standards. But Scripture teaches the exact opposite:
- Grace teaches us to deny ungodliness (Titus 2:11–12)
- Faith produces works (James 2:17)
- True liberty is the power to obey God, not to indulge the flesh (Galatians 5:13)
Jezebel’s doctrine might have sounded enlightened or even inclusive, but Christ saw it for what it was: moral and doctrinal rebellion against His Lordship.
- Obedience to God’s commands always leads to blessings and rewards
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The Root of the Error: Misunderstanding Grace
Antinomianism arises when grace is divorced from holiness. Yes, we are saved by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8–9). But the very next verse says:
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” (Ephesians 2:10)
Grace is not a loophole for sin; it is the power of God unto righteousness. The same grace that justifies also sanctifies.
- A form of godliness (show of religion, piety, holiness, outward righteousness)
- Growing from spiritual infancy to maturity in Christ
God’s Warning to the Church
The Lord’s warning in Revelation 2 is not just about an ancient problem, it’s a message for today. Modern forms of antinomianism downplay repentance, excuse sin in the name of grace, and tolerate unbiblical teaching in the name of love.
But Christ’s message is clear: tolerating Jezebel-like influence is sin. The church at Thyatira was not judged just for what Jezebel taught, but for allowing it to continue.
Call to Faithfulness
The solution is not returning to legalism but walking in Spirit-led obedience. As Jesus said:
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Let us be a people who embrace biblical grace—grace that redeems, transforms, and empowers us to live godly in this present world. Let us not tolerate the Jezebel spirit of antinomian compromise, but rather, stand firm for truth, holiness, and sound doctrine.
- Stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
- Add to your faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love
Conclusion: Grace Is Not Lawlessness
Antinomianism is not a harmless theological position; it is a corruption of the gospel. Whether it comes through a false prophetess like Jezebel or through a popular teacher with smooth words, the end result is the same: compromise, corruption, and judgment. So, if you are confused by this concept or trying to help someone else who is, remember the following common and beloved verses:
- Titus 2:11–14 “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world…” – Grace not only saves but trains us to reject sin and live holy lives now.
- Romans 6:1–2 “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid…” – Paul strongly refutes the idea that grace gives permission to sin.
- Romans 6:14 “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” – Grace delivers us from the power of sin, not from the call to righteousness.
- 1 John 2:3–4 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments…” – True salvation produces obedience. Claiming to know God while living in sin is self-deception.
- Matthew 7:21–23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father…” – Obedience, not mere profession, proves genuine faith. Jesus rejects lawless lifestyles.
- James 2:17 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” – Faith without obedient action is spiritually useless and not saving faith.
- Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh…” – Christian freedom is not a license to sin, but an opportunity to serve in love.
- Revelation 2:20 “Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel… to seduce my servants to commit fornication…” – Jesus rebukes the church for tolerating false teaching that promotes sin under spiritual pretenses.
- 2 Timothy 2:19 “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” – Anyone who claims to follow Jesus must actively turn away from sin.