If one knows me at all, it’s pretty clear that I’m anti-legalism and that I uphold the concepts of GRACE, as well as living by FAITH, as the true essentials for abundant, successful Christian living.
I’ve held this theological position since I was a very young man in ministry, due to my study of scriptures, godly men that I considered my mentors, and my experiences within the framework of western religion / churchanity, as well as with genuine Christ followers.
“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Galatians 2:21
For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Galatians 3:21-22
Here’s why I stand so decisively and resolute:
- Legalism promotes unbiblical standards, leading individuals to self-ordained, self-recognized convictions, self-authorized permission, as well as personal mandates that may even be imposed on others!
- Legalism is performance based, promoting and even authorizing self-righteous attitudes and the ungodly, extremely biased judgment of others!
- Legalism creates, and ultimately embraces division!
- Legalism downgrades and actually works to devalue Jesus Christ and His preeminence, His righteousness, His victory over sin / death, and His sufficiency for all genuine believers!
These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.
Colossians 2:23
As our current teaching series, “Complete In Jesus Christ” (Sunday AM and Wednesday PM), is so plainly revealing . . . legalism is a hazardous and treacherous system as the Lord Himself warned in Mark 7:9.
He was also saying to them, “You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition.”
Any type of religious legalism, which is appealing to humanity’s fleshly nature, can be quite attractive. However, in it the Lord’s sheep are hurt (spiritually, mentally and emotionally damaged) and manipulated, as the redeeming, life-giving, good news of Christ’s Gospel is veiled, Jesus Christ is marginalized, and human efforts, along with the philosophies of our world with practices birthed in paganism, become exalted
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. When He had disarmed the rulers and authorities, He made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Him.
Colossians 2:8-15
Perhaps, even right now, as you read this article, please stop for a moment, bow before our gracious and glorious Lord, join my life pursuit, making the TRUTH of the following passage a life-long purpose / intent, which you can mentally, emotionally, and spiritually firmly cling to forever!
“For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor. “For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Galatians 2:18-21
How else then shall we live?
His & Yours, Because of GRACE (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense)
PF
