The Carnal Christian: A Horrible Oxymoron - (With Off Site Link)

There are a number of camps within Christianity that endorse the notion that one can be saved without having to live a life that is indicative of their salvation. This notion, often published in tracts and accompanied by an explanatory drawing of a throne with the 'believer' on the throne instead of Jesus, assumes that a regenerate Christian can live like the old self - as his or her own bond-servant - denying Christ His rightful place as Master. Apparently this 'Carnal Christian' just has not yet begun the sanctification process (like the Holy Spirit is too busy) - if that process is still deemed necessary - and is for all intents and purposes indistinguishable from the non-believer. That this idea is unbiblical - and dare I say heretical - should be easily discerned from a simple reading of the Word of God and yet many Christian leaders go as far as printing tracts that carry this teaching.

I read a great article at ReformedOnline.com that details this oxymoronic attempt at removing the necessity of sanctification as that which follows the believer's justification. This article is quick to identify two of the major problems that have plagued Christianity for 2000 years: 1) the combining of justification with sanctification as a life-long process; 2) the notion that sanctification is not necessary - or is 'optional' - as an expected outworking of the 'new man'. The first of these tramples on the biblical truth of justification being declarative - an instantaneous declaration of God whereby the righteousness of Christ is imputed to the believer. Combining justification with sanctification depreciates from the perfect righteousness of Christ - and ultimately His ability to perfectly save His elect - while, perhaps not intentionally, implying that we contribute in some sense to our salvation. The second problem completely misses the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in the believer and walks the line of antinomianism, reducing the grace of God to a license for immorality or in the very least creating an unhealthy disdain for God's law.

Anyway, the author of this article can speak much more intelligently about this topic then I can...click to read.