Antinomianism - Who Needs the Law

I had an interesting conversation with a good friend the other day. We were discussing a passage from Matthew 24.

“At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:10-14

In particular, verse 12 caught his eye. He was listening or reading, can't remember which now, to R.C. Sproul as he talked about modern American evangelical thought and its disdain for the law (antinomianism) as described and lived out in the Old Testament. This is an age where the law is seen as a HINDERANCE to the proclaimation of the gospel. We are all about grace but don't want to challenge each other with truly changed lives. I guess its easier to throw out everything that doesn't indicate God is love (which is a false conclusion but another topic for another day).

Here's a definition of antinomianism from the dictionary:
Antinomianism is the position that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation.

What I find fascinating is that if we take a look at what Christ said about Himself and the law (and the prophets) in Matthew 7:12 and Matthew 5:17 (thank you Pastor Bill!) and place that in context of Matthew 22:36-40, we can begin to see what leads to the lack of love in the world at the end.

Here are the verses:

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matt. 7:12

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. Matt. 5:17

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’ “This is the great and foremost commandment. “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40

The fulfillment of the law IS loving Christ. The Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4-5 clearly shows man's purpose. When we don't value Christ as the ultimate end to be valued the love for EACH OTHER disappears. In fact, without loving Christ we cannot love each other. Love for each other is based on love of Christ. Of course only God's sovereign grace can reveal that truth.

“The LORD kills and makes alive; He brings down to Sheol and raises up." 1st Samuel 2:6

Back to Matthew 24:12...love grows cold because Christ is not treasured above all things. I don't know about you but that is what I see in our world.