📖 Biblical Definition
"Exemptionism" names the implicit assumption that some persons — by office, race, wealth, or charisma — are exempt from God’s moral law. Scripture refuses the premise. "For there is no respect of persons with God" (Romans 2:11; cf. Acts 10:34; Ephesians 6:9). David was confronted and judged despite being God’s anointed king (2 Samuel 12:7-13). Priests who violated God’s law were judged more severely, not less (Malachi 2:1-9). "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). No celebrity Christian, no famous pastor, no political ally is exempt. The same standard runs through every office. Christian men must be alert to exemptionist instincts in themselves — and refuse them.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The belief that certain persons or groups are exempt from the moral standards binding upon others.
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Not in Webster 1828. Related to PARTIALITY and ANTINOMIANISM. Exemptionism is the practical application of both: granting oneself immunity from standards applied to everyone else.
📖 Key Scripture
• Romans 2:11 — "There is no respect of persons with God."
• Romans 3:23 — "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
• 2 Samuel 12:7 — "Nathan said to David, Thou art the man."
• James 2:9 — "If ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Exemptionism thrives whenever leaders or movements claim immunity from accountability.
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Celebrity pastors who live above accountability, politicians who exempt themselves from their own laws, and movements that apply standards selectively — all practice exemptionism. The gospel demolishes every claim of exemption: all have sinned and all need the same Savior.
Usage
• "Nathan's confrontation of David is the death of exemptionism: not even God's anointed king is exempt from God's moral law."
• "The gospel is the great leveler — it destroys every claim of exemption."