Legalism (New York, NY)

Legalism

Question What does the Bible say about legalism How can a Christian avoid falling into the trap of legalism Answer The word legalism does not occur in the Bible. It is a term Christians use to describe a doctrinal position emphasizing a system of rules and regulations (rules made by men do s and don ts) for achieving both salvation and spiritual growth. Legalists believe in and demand a strict literal adherence to rules and regulations. Doctrinally it is a position essentially opposed to grace. Those who hold a legalistic position often fail to see the real purpose for law especially the purpose of the Old Testament law of Moses which is to be our schoolmaster or tutor to bring us to Christ Galatians 3 24 (KJV). Even true believers can be legalistic. We are instructed rather to be gracious to one another Accept him whose faith is weak without passing judgment on disputable matters Romans 14 1 (KJV). Sadly there are those who feel so strongly about non-essential doctrines that they will run others out of their fellowship not even allowing the expression of another viewpoint. That too is legalism. Many legalistic believers today make the error of demanding unqualified adherence to their own biblical interpretations and even to their own traditions. For example there are those who feel that to be spiritual one must simply avoid tobacco alcoholic beverages dancing movies etc. The truth is that avoiding these things is no guarantee of spirituality. The apostle Paul warns us of legalism in Colossians 2 20-23 (KJV) Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world why as though you still belonged to it do you submit to its rules Do not handle Do not taste Do not touch These are all destined to perish with use because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom with their self-imposed worship their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. Legalists may appear to be righteous and spiritual but legalism ultimately fails to accomplish God s purposes because it is an outward performance instead of an inward change. To avoid falling into the trap of legalism we can start by holding fast to the words of the apostle John For the law was given through Moses grace and truth came through Jesus Christ John 1 17 (KJV) and remembering to be gracious especially to our brothers and sisters in Christ. Who are you to judge someone else s servant To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand for the Lord is able to make him stand Romans 14 4 (KJV). You then why do you judge your brother Or why do you look down on your brother For we will all stand before God s judgment seat Romans 14 10 (KJV). A word of caution is necessary here. While we need to be gracious to one another and tolerant of disagreement over disputable matters we cannot accept heresy. We are exhorted to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints Jude 3. If we remember these guidelines and apply them in love and mercy we will be safe from both legalism and heresy. Dear friends do not believe every spirit but test the spirits to see whether they are from God because many false prophets have gone out into the world 1 John 4 1 (KJV). Romans 3 20 (KJV) Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (The law is our schoolmaster). Galatians 2 16 (KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Food for thought When asked the difference between Christianity and all other religions a prominent preacher answered by saying You spell all other religions DO. You spell Christianity DONE. All religions except Christianity require the believer to meet the requirements of righteousness through religious acts and habits you must do certain things to earn your way into heaven. In Christianity God has DONE all that is required for us to be righteous and to have eternal life through His Son Jesus the Christ a gift if we accept it and truly repent (see Psalm 145 18 in a KJV Bible). Don t be a legalistic hypocrite. Hypocrite 1. Anyone who feigns to be what he is not. As far as religion is concerned it is one who has the form of godliness without the power or who assumes an appearance of piety and virtue when he is destitute of true Christianity (true knowledge of God s word true belief and action) they are just playing church. That person is a play actor that is the definition of hypocrite. They tend to drive people away from God instead of towards Him. Our hypocrisy doesn t fool God.Luke 16 15 And he said unto them Ye are they which justify yourselves before men but God knoweth your hearts for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God. (You can t con God by putting on a show (playing church) see Psalm 145 18). Man-made traditions cannot substitute the commandments of God. Being a Christian is more than just professing you are - true love honor and worship come from following His Word.Mark 7 6 He answered and said unto them Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites as it is written This people honoureth me with their lips but their heart is far from me.Mark 7 7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.Mark 7 8 For laying aside the commandment of God ye hold the tradition of men as the washing of pots and cups and many other such like things ye do. What we are on the outside is meaningless if our hearts are unconverted.Matthew 23 27 Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees hypocrites for ye are like unto whited sepulchres which indeed appear beautiful outward but are within full of dead men s bones and of all uncleanness.Matthew 23 28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Practice what you preach it should be apparent by our deeds and not our words alone that we are true believers.Matthew 23 23 Woe unto you scribes and Pharisees hypocrites for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin and have omitted the weightier matters of the law judgment mercy and faith these ought ye to have done and not to leave the other undone. True followers of Christ will find it is a joy to do God s will.Psalm 40 8 I delight to do thy will O my God yea thy law is within my heart.