What is Neonomianism?

Definition and Overview

Neonomianism is a theological term that conveys the idea of a “new law” (from the Greek “neos” meaning “new,” and “nomos” meaning “law”), wherein the message of grace in the gospel is viewed as having been altered into a form of legal obligation. In other words, it recasts faith and certain forms of obedience or repentance as conditions that effectively replace the Mosaic Law with a revised, “lighter” law. Historically, many theologians have seen Neonomianism as conflicting with the biblical teaching that salvation is by God’s grace through faith, rather than by any works of the law—old or new (see Ephesians 2:8–9: “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”).

Historical Development

Neonomianism is often traced back to debates within 17th-century Protestant theology, particularly among English Puritans who wrestled with how to articulate the role of faith, repentance, and holiness in the life of believers. Some attributed Neonomian tendencies to the writings of Richard Baxter (1615–1691), a Puritan pastor and theologian known for nuanced views on justification, sanctification, and covenant theology.

Later, the so-called “Marrow Controversy,” which emerged in 18th-century Scotland, opened further debates about perceived Neonomian teaching. Certain ministers believed that stressing “conditions” (like faith and repentance as if they were new legal obligations) undermined the free grace offered in Christ. This was countered by theologians who emphasized that Scripture presents salvation as entirely by grace through faith, while genuine repentance and good works follow as fruit of salvation, rather than prerequisites for it.

Core Theological Emphases of Neonomianism

1. Gospel as a New Law

Neonomianism teaches that the moral requirements in the gospel are somewhat lighter than the original Mosaic Law, but still a form of law in which fulfilling certain conditions (particularly acts of faith and evangelical obedience) becomes central to one’s standing before God.

2. Emphasis on Conditionality

While classical Protestant doctrine (e.g., Romans 3:28, “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”) teaches justification by faith alone, Neonomianism underscores a conditional framework that risks blurring the distinction between God’s gracious act and human response.

3. Modified View of Justification

In certain expressions, Neonomianism implies that the believer’s faith and subsequent obedience become part of the basis of justification, rather than resting solely in Christ’s finished work. This point has been strongly challenged by those who hold to the classic confessional stance that Jesus’s atoning sacrifice is the exclusive ground of righteousness before God (see 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Biblical and Theological Responses

1. Salvation by Grace through Faith

Scripture repeatedly asserts that salvation flows from God’s grace, and the believer’s works, while meaningful in sanctification, do not earn divine favor. As Romans 5:1 states, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” underscoring peace with God as a gracious gift, not a result of fulfilling a new set of legal requirements.

2. Faith as Instrument, Not Merit

Genuine biblical doctrine depicts faith as the instrument that receives Christ’s righteousness rather than a meritorious act. Galatians 2:16 affirms, “...yet we know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” Any notion of faith as fulfilling a new law or having intrinsic merit counters the Scriptural emphasis on Christ’s sufficiency.

3. Obedience as Fruit, Not Foundation

While the Christian life includes obedience (John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”), this obedience is evidence of saving faith rather than the cause of it. James 2:22 illustrates that faith and works work together, with works completing or showing the reality of faith but never serving as a ground for acceptance before God.

Pastoral and Practical Concerns

Those who caution against Neonomian theology contend that it can burden believers with the suspicion that their obedience is mandatory for salvation rather than being a grateful, Spirit-empowered response (Romans 8:1–4). Pastoral counsel instead points believers toward resting in the finished work of Christ, while pursuing holiness out of love and gratitude.

A balanced view clarifies that the moral imperatives of the New Testament (e.g., loving one another, living justly, putting off sin) are vital for spiritual growth, sanctification, and witness (Matthew 7:16–20). However, these imperatives do not constitute a newly imposed law that justifies; rather, they guide believers who have already been justified by grace through faith.

Related Historical and Theological Writings

• The work of Puritan and Reformed theologians—John Owen, Thomas Goodwin, and John Flavel—often addressed controversies about balancing free grace with the necessity of holiness.

• The “Marrow of Modern Divinity” (published in the 1640s, author Edward Fisher) and the ensuing Marrow Controversy (18th century) remain instructive sources. They address the danger of reverting to “legalism under a new guise,” a core concern with Neonomianism.

• Later evangelical scholars have revisited these themes, stressing fidelity to biblical teaching that Christ has fully atoned for believers, granting them both freedom from condemnation and motivation for holy living, without relegating the gospel to another legal yoke.

Conclusion

Neonomianism describes an inclination toward reframing the gospel as a new or lighter law, though still a law with conditions that can improperly merge faith and works if not handled carefully. Scripture, however, proclaims that redeemed people stand righteous before God solely on the basis of Christ’s atoning sacrifice, received through faith alone.

Good works and heartfelt obedience—empowered by the Holy Spirit—indeed follow true saving faith, but they do not serve as a new means of securing divine approval. Embracing this biblical perspective guards against the subtle shift toward a legal expectation that can undermine the inexhaustible grace believers have in Jesus Christ.