The Doctrine of the Antithesis
and an Antithetical Walk:
Introduction
"Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." II Corinthians 17,18.
The doctrine of the antithesis and the antithetical walk which arises out of it, is of great importance in defining the Christian life and walk. The Christian life is one of spiritual warfare in a fallen sinful world. We are called to put on the armor of God and to fight the battle of faith, Ephesians 6:11ff.
How that battle is understood and the doctrinal view one takes of that battle of faith in a sinful world frames the whole of the Christian calling unto godliness. That view necessarily rests upon one's view of sin, the world and its development, the nature of sanctified holiness and godliness, and the work of grace and salvation. How one vies the calling to separation from the world, and in what way are we to be in the world but not of it, frames both the Christian walk and personal piety.
The Reformed view is best defined as one of spiritual warfare, of a spiritual antithesis which embraces every area of life. This view is grounded in the Reformed world and life view, the doctrines of man's depravity and of God's sovereign grace, and the doctrine of the covenant. The Reformed view is neither one of world-conformity and compromise nor one of anabaptistic world-flight. Rather our calling is to spiritual warfare in a world of sin.
The material linked on this page is taken from a Special Issue of the Standard Bearer on the subject. The material is both doctrinal, devotional and addresses practical issues. It is intended as an introduction to the subject.
To the material from the special issue has been added some important older material, referenced in the special issue, which deals especially with the doctrine of the Antithesis. This doctrinal truth, which is part of the Reformed heritage has been largely lost in the modern world of synthesis and compromise. This discussion must be seen in close connection with the doctrine of the covenant and the organic view both of the covenant and a world fallen in sin.
The cover introduction to the Special Issue:
December 1 1985 volume 62
SPECIAL ISSUE THE ANTITHESIS
This issue is devoted in its entirety to the subject of the Antithesis, a term and an idea which was formerly a watchword among believers who are of Reformed persuasion, but which today has in too many instances fallen into disuse and disrepute., To revive an understanding of the concept, to emphasize its importance, to kindle in God's people a renewed awareness of their antithetical calling, and to furnish guidelines in some important areas of life for the fulfillment of that calling –these are among the goals of this issue. It is our prayer that our readers will find this special issue instructive and helpful.
Antithesis
Contents of the Special Issue
Articles referenced
in the Special Issue
Important and related
doctrinal principles