TGC Part 16: Michael Horton Drama, “Evangelical Heretics”
In this clip, Horton clearly says that Christians should merely “sit down and receive” [only]. He also employs the usual GS technique for devaluing biblical imperatives by referring to them as do’s and dont’s, living by lists, etc. You can refer to the every word that comes from the mouth of God that we live by (Matthew 4:4) in that way; it’s just not advisable to do so. Horton also uses the GS tactic of comparing orthodox evangelicals to Joel Osteen and pop-psychology. And Dr. Horton, by the way: the only fog creeping through Christianity is your Sonship theology.
Paul's Passing Thoughts 
Paul,
I like your comment about “devaluing biblical imperatives.” Like imperatives associated with the word “MUST.” Most are not passive mental ascent. We should do these things not because we must but because we are willing. The devil from the garden has been devaluing what God says (“you surely won’t die”). He’s the one who takes people “captive to do his will.” Small sampling:
1JN 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him MUST walk as Jesus did.
1PE 3:11 MUST turn from evil and do good.
EPH 4:17 MUST no longer live as the Gentiles do.
TITUS 1:6 An elder Must be blameless
1TIM 3:9 MUST keep hold of the deep truths of the faith.
Arkansas Bill
LikeLike
Bill,
To your point–I believe ” legalism ” is a misnomer. Legalism is really just back- door antinomianism because it trades the word of God for the traditions of men. This was Christ’s beef with the Pharisees–not that they were really really good at keeping the law as a way to earn righteousness. http://wp.me/pmd7S-p9
LikeLike
Paul,
you got it right. “They did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own (Ro 10:3).” And obedience in not legalism. We are told “test yourselves” be sure you are in the faith. 1 Peter says this call is about the pledge of a good conscience toward God (3:21). Committing ourselves to the faithful Creater (4:19) and chosen…by the Santifying work of the Spirit FOR OBEDIENCE TO JESUS CHRIST.” Notice how Horton throws our pledge and responsibility away by pointing away from ourselves to the external. How deceitful. Throwing out do and don’t is what lawless antinomianism is.
Arkansas Bill
LikeLike