Watch the vid by Steve McVey, Christian Religion lie#30:”legalism is only salvation by works”and my comments follow…
Some Christians think that the only definition of legalism is “salvation by works”.
But there’s a more important definition of legalism that’s VERY important for those of us who are already saved.
There’s legalism on both sides of salvation…
Paul makes this abundantly clear in his letter to the church in Galatia. He’s talking to Christians and letting them know that they’re being legalistic by trying to make progress in their spiritual walk by their works.
Paul says in Galatians 3:1-4 (The Message, emphasis mine)…
1 You crazy Galatians! Did someone put a hex on you? Have you taken leave of your senses? Something crazy has happened, for it’s obvious that you no longer have the crucified Jesus in clear focus in your lives. His sacrifice on the cross was certainly set before you clearly enough.
2-4Let me put this question to you: How did your new life begin? Was it by working your heads off to please God? Or was it by responding to God’s Message to you? Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God. If you weren’t smart enough or strong enough to begin it, how do you suppose you could perfect it? Did you go through this whole painful learning process for nothing? It is not yet a total loss, but it certainly will be if you keep this up!
And Paul even continues to tell what happens to the Christian who tries to “follow the law” and be legalistic (emphasis mine) verses 9-10…
9-10So those now who live by faith are blessed along with Abraham, who lived by faith—this is no new doctrine! And that means that anyone who tries to live by his own effort, independent of God, is doomed to failure. Scripture backs this up: “Utterly cursed is every person who fails to carry out every detail written in the Book of the law.”
Don’t be like the Galatians!
So don’t let anyone fool you with this lie that Legalism only refers to getting salvation by works. Legalism is also being a Christian and trying to grow closer to God by works!
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Fadeke 05.14.09 at 3:41 pm
This is absolutely true.Trying to please God on our own makes a nonsense of the grace of God.Many well intentioned Christian gatherings are not helping matters.Oh that we all be simply found in him always not having our own righteosness which is of the law but that which is of God by faith.
God deliver your church from religion so that the world will be able to see Christ clearly in us