Form

 

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim 1:13

In recent years, there has been a great disruption caused by some over the term “pattern theology.” There have even been some, otherwise faithful brethren who have been caught up in an idea that we are under grace and not under law. To clarify, the Word affirms we are saved by grace through faith (cf. Eph. 2:8-9). However, that is not an excuse to live lawlessly. In fact, in the early days of the church, there were some men known as Antinomians (lit. against law) who advocated that Christians were free from moral law because of grace outlined in the Gospel. The Scripture teaches otherwise.

The form, or pattern of sound words, indicates that there is a law. This is not the Mosaic Law of Commandments which was nailed to the cross. (cf. Col 2:14). We are now under the law of Christ (cf. Gal. 6:2): the perfect law of liberty (cf. Jam. 1:25). We must never use the excuse of no longer being bound to the law as a justification to live in rebellion (cf. Rom 6:1-2). We must check the Scripture and compare our practices to those written in the Word.

The Word of the Lord has encouraged us to follow the form that God has set forth. We can know the truth and the truth sets us free (cf. Jn 8:31-32). Paul told the church at Thessalonica this, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle”(2 Thess. 2:15). Brethren, there is nothing wrong with pattern theology, and there is nothing wrong with tradition as long as the patterns and traditions are Scripturally sound.

Grace and Peace,

Ryan