2. Are we “Legalists”?

3. Are we “Legalists”? Nobody likes to be called names. We get defensive sometimes when it happens. Members of the Church especially cringe at this one. It implies: >that we lack love and are devoid of emotion, >that we have no compassion, and are >more concerned with “Laws instead of people”.

4. Are these things true, or... is it only retaliation remaining to those who have abandoned the “Book, Chapter, and Verse” authority of the Scriptures? Are members of the “Church of Christ” really “Legalists” ?

5. Is “Legalism” misunderstood? From “theological” sources: Somewhere around 1995, a book came out entitled “The Teaching of Jesus” in which the supposed theologians and religious leaders who wrote and published it claimed that we should obey no law and keep no rules, but rather just cultivate a new spirit. This should help us understand why those who side with Biblical Authority are called “Legalists”!

6. Is “Legalism” misunderstood? From the Bible: This charge usually assumes that the N.T., as opposed to the O.T., sets aside the keeping of ordinances in favor of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Certainly the N.T. does teach and require these things, but are all laws done away with to accomplish them? Consider:>Matt.5:21-22 release or further restrict? >Matt.5:27-30 release or further restrict? >Matt.5:43-48 release or further restrict?

7. Is “Legalism” freedom from “Law”? The N.T. teaches that Christ gave us a “Law”: Gal.6:2 1Cor.9:21Heb.8:6-10 Remember also: >that where there is no law, there can be no transgression, Rom.4:13-151John 3:4 >and the N.T. warns against disobedience, 1John 2:3-4; 3:24 Acts 3:22-23 Luke 6:46 Conclusion? Jesus gave laws and commandments- if “legalism” is keeping Jesus laws, then may we all become such!

8. “Legalism” more correctly understood: First, consider the source of the accusation. >If the charge comes from one who has departed from the authority of the N.T. in belief, practice, and/or teaching, then this is all he has left in which to hope. >He no longer has any basis in righteousness, Matt.7:20-27. >In short, if you aren’t willing to play by the rules, then you either: (1) accept the “just” consequences of your disobedience, or (2) endeavor to change the rules!

9. “Legalism” more correctly understood: Second, understand the correct definition of the term. >Although “legalism” is not a biblical term, the idea certainly is present- but not according to common usage today! >Biblically, legalism is the belief that one can be saved by keeping a law, or set of laws, perfectly. -The Law of Moses was “legalistic” in that the only way it could save was to keep it perfectly. cf. 1Pet.2:21-25 -Since mortal man could not do so, that Law did not bring about his justification/salvation, Heb.7:11, 18-19.

10. “Legalism” more correctly understood: The problem arises in passages like Gal.2:16 and Rom.3:20,28 when we view them as releasing man from law-keeping. But these passages refer to the “Law of Moses” rather than the “Law of Christ”! Gal.3:10-14 should help resolve the issue: >v.10 is the key. Failure to keep “all” resulted in condemnation. >Man didn’t keep “all” of that Law, so it could not save, Rom.3:23.

11. “Legalism” more correctly understood: So, Man was released from a Law which could not save him (because he didn’t keep it), and put under a Law which could save him by providing the provisions of Grace and Forgiveness through Jesus Christ! Thus, the Law of Moses was Legalistic- the Law of Christ is not despite requiring obedience.

12. Our hope is in Christ! It is not based on perfect law-keeping, but Perfect Law! >Christ expects diligence be giving to obeying His laws, for this shows faith and love, Lk.6:46; Gal.6:2. >He also realizes that imperfection is impossible, 1Jn.1:8-10. >While cannot earn salvation, there are things required by His law to gain and maintain it, Eph.2:8-10; Titus 3:5; John 3:3-5.

13. We really do understand this concept- if we’ll admit it. Consider this illustration: You are “let off” from a traffic ticket. Did the Law save you? No, grace did! Does this allow you future violations without consequence? Nope- it demands the opposite. Does it condemn the obedient? Certainly not!

14. Summary: Ephesians 1:7 “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace…” *Galatians 5:1-13*