Antinomians have always been and always will be with us...

I'm currently working on editing the translation of Gerhard's locus On the Gospel. Here is a fantastic quotation regarding the relationship between repentance and the Gospel. And here is a link to the schedule of upcoming volumes and how to order them at 30% off the cover price.

Thus although the message of the Gospel is universal, only those who believe in Christ become active sharers of the goods promised and offered in the Gospel; serious contrition comes before this faith and its handmaid is good works. Thus they who are influenced by no feeling and hatred of sin but go on in sin securely and yet still have the conviction that the Gospel promises belong to them commit a kind of sacrilege. About these someone might, and not without merit, declare that the Gospel is preached as a witness against them. This is a very shameful abuse of the Gospel in these last times of the world. Alas! This attitude is so strong that almost all hope for a remedy has been removed, although all Scripture declares the Gospel message pertains only to those who experience true repentance, who grieve steadfastly over their sins, and seek anxiously to be freed from them “Those who are well have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Matt. 9:12 and Mark 2:17. Luke 5:31). “The poor have the Gospel preached to them” (Matt. 11:5) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). Thus John the Baptist, Christ, and the apostles always gave the message of repentance before they preached the Gospel. Christ does not enter into people’s hearts through the grace of the Gospel unless John first prepares the way for Him through repentance. God does not pour out the oil of His mercy except into a contrite vessel.

+HRC