January 10, 2010 by Stacy McDonald
Legalism: Yours, Mine, and Ours
“For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” (Galatians 5:13)
Legalism has always been a real issue in the Church (and in our hearts); and likely, it will be until Christ’s return. But, lately I’ve seen the word bandied about like a toddler with a pocket knife. Let’s be very careful where we aim this divisive little blade; and perhaps decide whether or not we should “aim” it at all.
We all struggle with legalism to some degree. I do; and, worse than that, you do too! We try to do things in the flesh and fail to walk by faith. In the beginning, Eve struggled with legalism, choosing to do things her way rather than God’s—adding to His Word and giving ground to the Devil to deceive her.
God said to the Adam:
“Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”” (Genesis 2:16-17)
But notice how Eve adds to God’s Word:
“And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”” (Genesis 3:2-3) emphasis mine
God says in His Word that drunkenness is a sin. Man adds to that “nor shalt you ever drink alcohol.” Yes, many people have very good reasons for avoiding alcohol; but, the fact is that, biblically, they cannot call it sin.
Like Eve, we have trouble obeying God. We want our list of rules so that we can keep them—or so we think. We all battle the flesh; therefore, we must rely on His grace as we humbly walk by faith.
Legalism is a loaded word; but, as far as I can tell, there are three ways it is used, two are legitimate usages and one is just handy for shutting someone down. All Fred has to do when losing a debate on a biblical topic is accuse you of legalism and the conversation is closed. With fear and trembling, many back off—and Fred is the winner. Or is he?
Still, true legalism is a thing to detest. The two following definitions are what I would call the real McCoy:
Grace Plus Nothing
The first form of legalism is the ugliest because it attempts to usurp the very Grace of God. Most of us will agree on this one. Anything that adds works to our salvation is legalism. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s favor. Without Christ we are totally depraved, totally helpless, and totally in need of a Savior. Our “good works” are as filthy rags and we can’t do anything to earn our salvation—He did it all. I didn’t find Jesus; He found me, kicking and screaming.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
Holier Than Jesus
The second form of legalism has to do with adding rules to God’s laws (Col. 2:20-22). I have found this to be what most people are referring to when they talk about legalism. Sometimes this type of legalism is simply a matter of misinterpreting the Scriptures. Other times it is an issue of pride. Usually, it’s a poor attempt at holiness—trying to do things in our own strength and in our own wisdom, rather than in God’s.
No matter what, we can’t automatically decide that wickedness is what motivates another man. In fact, we have a responsibility to always assume the best of others. If we fear someone is walking in legalism, we should pray for him; and perhaps reason with him in the spirit of 2 Timothy 2, seeking to be patient, and correcting our brother in humility.
In fact, Paul tells us to view one who is walking in legalism as our weaker brother (1 Cor. 10:27-33) and that we should avoid carelessly harming his weak conscience (1 Cor. 8:12). Love trumps personal liberty (1 Cor. 9:19).
Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:15)
We are to walk in love toward our brother, admonishing him in love, not disdain. Rather than condemn him as an enemy, 1 Thessalonians instructs us to be patient with him—even helping to strengthen him. “Now we exhort you, brethren… uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)
There are indeed precious souls who are bound up in false teachings that keep them from living the full life that God intended. But will we ever all agree on what is legalism and what is part of living a godly life? I doubt it.
John doesn’t believe in celebrating Christmas, but he enjoys a glass of wine with dinner. His friend, Carl, believes alcohol consumption, even in moderation is wrong, but he has the most beautiful Christmas tree you’ve ever seen.
Jennifer believes in adhering to Old Testament dietary restrictions, but feels the freedom to wear modest pants. Her sister-in-law would never put on a pair or pants, but she thinks Jennifer is being legalistic about not eating pork.
Depending upon who you talk to, any of these things (and plenty more) may be labeled as legalistic.
All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being. (1 Corinthians 10:23-24)
It’s that “putting others first” thing again. Discussing, studying, and sharing our various ideas and views is healthy and good. Iron sharpens iron as we are all learning and growing, but we must be so careful of the way we treat one another—being forbearing with one another’s weaknesses and faults.
“With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
I do believe that there are extreme situations where false teachings (legalism) may have devastating effects. I’ve seen the abandoned wife sentenced (by her church) to a lifetime of obligatory singleness, forced off to work while her fatherless children are sentenced to day care.
I’ve heard of people who get so bound up in a list of man-made, superstitious taboos, that they live in fear and misery, and ultimately are unable to be a credible witness to the lost.
I’ve seen unnecessary divisions within churches and families over secondary issues that could have been solved if humility and forbearance had ruled the day (though I realize there are times when division is necessary).
Yes, it is true there are those who would burden the flock with man made rules that shackle the weak (Colossians 2:16-23). But false teachers are not simply leaders with legalistic tendencies; they are wolves in sheep’s clothing. It seems clear in Mark 13:22, and in the following verses that the false teachers Jesus talks about are not even Christians. They are wicked men who purposely lead astray God’s people for personal gain (monetarily or emotionally).
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:15-20)
Jesus said there is a clear difference between a false prophet and a true one: the fruit. Verse 20 shows us that we can examine the fruit of a Christian teacher/leader and probably get a pretty good idea of whether or not he is of God.
Then, in verse 21, Jesus talks about the false teachers who prophesy in His name, but in the end find they are not His. Interestingly, Jesus doesn’t rebuke them for their legalism; He rejects them for their lawlessness. “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:23, emphasis mine). Like the Pharisees, false teachers are hypocrites, preaching one thing and living another. (Matthew 23:1-5)
“Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:28)
The False “Legalist” Label
The third form of legalism is imaginary. If you believe in living according to God’s Word, you better be prepared for false accusations of legalism from someone, somewhere, at some time. Growing Antinomianism (anti-law) in our culture has escalated such accusations.
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
Even when you seek to obey God in faith because you love Him (not because you’re attempting to earn his favor) those looking in from the outside may make assumptions about you—especially if they are convicted by your lifestyle and unwilling to evaluate their own lives.
Typically, those who falsely accuse others of legalism have unresolved guilt or sin issues of their own. Some, because of a legalistic or idolatrous past, assume others are walking in the same sin in which they themselves have struggled.
See Sally “Used to be” a Legalist.
Recently, I received a comment from a reader on another post that hit the nail right on the head. I’ve modified it here to fit the broader problem:
Calling others legalistic based on outward appearance is itself legalistic and hypocritical. Some of those who say that they have left legalism have really just exchanged one form for another and are still judging the spirituality of others based on how they are perceived by the ex-legalist.
Our works don’t save us – our faith in Jesus does. But if we are in Christ, we must walk in those good works (prepared ahead of time by Him) for the glory of God. It’s what we were created for.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)
It is crucial as Believers to respond biblically to false accusations. When you are reproached for living out your faith by honoring the Lord, it is a personal affront to Christ Himself. Your goal must be to glorify Him in the midst of it – to honor His name.
“If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.” (1 Peter 4:14)
So, when people speak evil of you, do not return like for like. Seek to respond in a Christ like manner, so that God may use it for His own glory. We learn in 1 Peter to make sure our conduct is honorable among the Gentiles “that when they speak against [us] as evildoers, they may, by [our] good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.” (1 Peter 2:12)
We would all do well to remember God’s command to love. Read 1 Corinthians 13 and absorb it until it becomes part of who you are. Don’t attempt to teach anyone anything without keeping in mind the royal law (James 2:8). Let us speak the truth, teach God’s Word, preach against sin, encourage the brethren, reach out to the lost, care for the orphan and widow, heal the sick, and feed the poor…in love. Let us do it all in love.
When we rebuke or correct a brother or sister, may our love overshadow the temporary pain of the rebuke. And when we see a brother or sister in sin, may we see them through the blood stained lens of the Gospel.
Legalism is real because sin is real. We are weak, but He is strong. His grace is sufficient for me (2 Corinthians 12:9)—and I must extend that grace to my brothers and sisters (Matthew 6:12) as we travel together on the path of sanctification. Let us walk together in love, so that we may dwell together in unity—even as we boldly speak the Truth without compromise.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
Special thanks to R.C. Sproul Jr. for helping me to flesh out the three different ways the word legalism is used, and for leaving us with these words:
“May we all never fall into the first. May we be quick to repent of the second. And may we all be boldly guilty of the third.” – R.C. Sproul Jr.
Check out You are a Legalist for a great article that will make you think. Thanks, Sarah Mae!
Be sure to check out a fantastic little booklet called Dressed up for Church: A Contrarian Rag on Appropriate Clothing by Presbyterian pastor, Phillip Kayser. You can download it for free HERE. Don’t miss the chapter entitled “The New Legalism.”
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27 Responses to “Legalism: Yours, Mine, and Ours”
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Thank you for this wonderful and thought-provoking insight. I have been battling on both sides of this issue on and off for a couple years now. My wise husband has said pretty much exactly what you did. Somehow it helps to also read it.
I'm not sure how I got here, but I am grateful that I spent my Saturday evening listening to you. God keep you.
Excellent, Stacy. I think you have the beginnings of another book taking shape … ;o)
Thank you for your bold declaration of truth!
Stacy thank you so much for this post! It gave me lots to think about and corrected me in some areas too! Thank you for having the courage to write clearly about such a grey area to encourage your sisters in faith!
Very well-put, Stacy.
This post spoke very closely to my heart. I have dealt with some of these very issues and it has changed my thinking. This just reaffirmed what the Lord has put on my heart about legalism. Very well-said. I have linked it to my blog, because I think it would be freeing for many other people to hear these words. Thank you!
Truly helpful words, Stacy. I've only recently returned to reading blogs and yours is still a great blessing.
This is SO excellent!!! So well put together – you have communicated brilliantly and I pray that the Lord will teach and help me to communicate in such a grace-filled, truth confident way. Thank you for this!
Oh, and I second the book thing! :)
Thank you for writing this. Legalism is something that I have given alot of thought to in the last few months. What legalism is and what it is NOT. I have lived the last several years in a legalistic environment. I think the clue to true legalism is like you said, the absence of Grace.
Stacy!
This is why I keep reading your blog no matter how often I disagree with you! We clearly agree on the most important thing: Jesus has saved us by His Grace. There is nothing else that can save us and whatever else we disagree about this truth remains, just like our God, for all time.
Many blessings.
Katie
Recently found your blog. You are a very good writer and critical thinker. I love that. I have thought about the last few lines of the post the other day, "If you are a Christian, I call you sister," or something like that. Nice.
Keep up the good work.
http://www.singlehomeschoolingmommas.com
This is the first time I've read your blog, and I really only clicked on it via "Tomato Soup Cake" because of the legalism title.
My sister, bless her heart, insists upon keeping what she considers a kosher household, in spite of our famiy having been Protestant (CofE) since the Reformation. "If it was good enough for Jesus, it's good enough for me." Let's just say she and I have had some interesting conversations!
I think I may stick around for a while!
As a URCNA member, this is a pertinent topic to my heart. I only pray that I can "reason together" calmly if I am ever personally attacked like this. You have really cleared the air on this topic. One of our sermons yesterday discussed 1 Timothy 1 and we learned more about the "anit-law" crowd.
Thanks for thinking this through.
Christy – thanks for sharing.
Lisa – James and I are working on a book, but it's not on this subject. There does seem to be a need, but the though of tackling such an extensive topic makes my head hurt. ;-)
Katie, glad to see you're still around. Thanks for writing. You are one God uses to remind me of the very things you mentioned.
Kay – glad to see you back. I have prayed for you as God brought you to mind.
Stacie, thanks for the link.
Sarah Mae – your blog always inspires me. Thanks for the encouragement.
Amy – Amen!
L and Lady Anne – Welcome to my blog. Sit back and stay a while!
Thank you, Stacy, for this wonderful blog entry.
Blessings,
Merryheart
Excellent post. Just excellent!
I loved this post.
I praise God for the gift He has given to you, sister, for putting words together in light of Scripture.
I often have these same discussions with my husband and he has said the very same things you pointed out herein.
I get excited when I see a new post from you in my inbox!
I can only pray that I will be balanced in this area, and respond in a calm and peacefully Godly manner, should I ever be confronted on this topic.
The thing that I like most about your posts is that they are so informed first and foremost through scripture.
Thanks again for the thought provoking and wise post!
PS: Where can I find Sarah Mae's blog? When I clicked on her name in the comments it led me to her profile on Blogspot, but no blog!
Is it a private blog?
I'd like to read her thoughts and explore her blog.
Leanne – I am so glad you've found my blog helpful. God is so good.
Here is Sara Mae's blog address. You will LOVE it!
http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com
I think many church people today have called "personal holiness" "legalism" and said it is wrong. But, the Lord wants all of us to have a high standard of personal holiness. Sometimes personal holiness will take different forms for different Christians depending on how they were raised, or what they have a problem with (Christmas trees, drinking alcohol, etc.), like you have said, Stacy.
I live in a part of the country where ritualized religion is the norm. Many people here belong to denominations where they are taught that they are initially saved and kept saved by the keeping of rituals and sacraments — that is, they are saved and kept saved by baby baptism, confirmation, church membership, church weddings and funerals, and by doing the same for their children.This to me is "true legalism." It can have little or nothing to do with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The other things (where I go, what I wear, what I eat or drink, etc.) is "personal holiness." This may vary from Christian to Christian, depending. God wants us to have a high standard of personal holiness.
And, yes, personal holiness, when gone over the top and put on other people, can cross over into legalism, having little to do with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, if you think you earn your salvation that way.
I have discovered that what many Christians might think is "legalism" is actually convictions. Drinking a glass of wine, for me, might not be what you would do….that is an example of a conviction. I am not convicted that it is wrong for me but you might be for your self. an example of a preference would be I like a band for praise and worship and you prefer the old style hymns and an organ. Core beliefs would be the Biblical truths that all born again Christians follow such as Jesus really did die for our sins and rose again, sex before marriage really is a sin. our local church calls this the "3 circles". Core Biblical beliefs that we do not sway from, conviction areas and preferences. Core beliefs are the inner circle, then conviction, the outside circle is our preferences. To me, legalism is when one Believer pushes his convictions or preferences on to another Believer and presents it as Biblical truth.
Stacy, I think you did a superb job of laying that all out where all could understand the harmful ways that Legalism can affect the Christian.
It is so easy for us to look beyond our own faults and look straight into someone else’s life and begin our analysis without considering how we may end up hurting that person.
We are all at different points in our Christian walk; some things God has convicted me about and not you, and vice versa. This is why “Forbearance” is such an absolute attribute that we all must attain to.
Your message was timely in my life, and am positive that it will prove to be a great help to others as well. Thank you and God bless!
Stacy, I think you did a superb job of laying that all out where all could understand the harmful ways that Legalism can affect the Christian.
It is so easy for us to look beyond our own faults and look straight into someone else’s life and begin our analysis without considering how we may end up hurting that person.
We are all at different points in our Christian walk; some things God has convicted me about and not you, and vice versa. This is why “Forbearance” is such an absolute attribute that we all must attain to.
Your message was timely in my life, and am positive that it will prove to be a great help to others as well. Thank you and God bless!
Hope a bloke can make a comment here.
I greatly appreciated your comments on legalism.
Thanks for going to the trouble.
So, how do you explain your convictions to others while exhorting them to live biblically without seeming legalistic. If we say, "these are *my* convictions" then people say, that's right, they're yours, not mine, but if we say, "These are my convictions – look at God's Word" people say, you are putting your convictions on me. Ahhhh…how do you walk this line? I think my in-laws, who are faithful Christians, think my husband and I are on the legalistic side b/c of our views on daughters staying home and not going off to college, home educating, etc. I want to urge people in these best things, that we have been convicted of, without saying, you are sinning if you don't do these things. I mean, if we say, this is right, then we are automatically saying someone else is sinning, right? Help! (Sorry for the complete jumbled mess…my thoughts are a bit run-a-muck!)
John and David – Welcome! And thank you for the encouragement!
Faith – I agree with you, and I know this happens. But I would add that often the accusations of "forced convictions on others" are false. Sometimes folks are simply uncomfortable with the convictions of others who seem more conservative; therefore, they jump to conclusions about what they are "thinking" about them. The accuser superimposes their own past sins on others, assuming the very worst motives of a brother/sister.
Sarah Mae – I answered your very good question in its own post.
http://yoursacredcalling.blogspot.com/2010/01/one-way.html
Many people only keep it on the character concepts but they don’t realise we will wear that character. If we wear that character, what are you wearing now? What are we wearing when we wear that robe of heaven? If you have a beautiful character, if your heart is filled with the beauty of the kingdom of heaven and you have been born again then you have in your heart the beauty of Christ. What is the external of that?
The dress and its arrangement upon the person is generally found to be the index of the man or the woman. {CG 413.4}
If you are a godly person in the heart and if you have in the sight of God of great beauty a meek and quiet spirit, how will it be reflected externally? By a meek and quiet spirit. How do you do that? Is it in the things that you practically do and the things you wear. They are the index of what is inside. Here is the connecting link with beauty of heart and to the external manifestation. This is important to be mediated on as our heart must be converted to dress according to Gods beauty. Here is what is meant with the garments of the priesthood. They were the reflection of the internal. That is why God said make them to my instruction for beauty and glory. Every time you look at the priest hood garments, you look at what God esteems as beautiful. Look at the garment of the priest.
continued;
http://sabbathsermons.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/the-beauty-of-holiness/
more dress reform studies;
http://sabbathsermons.wordpress.com/category/dress-reform/