It seems the word "Legalism" has been used a lot lately on this board. Perhaps it would be good for us to study what this word means and how should it be applied and when we cannot apply it.
Webster properly defines legalism in this way as �the doctrine of salvation by good works.�
Secular definition: Date: 1928
1 : strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious or moral code
2 : a legal term or rule
There are those, even on this board, who have suggested that those of us who believe and teach God's standards of right and wrong, what is acceptable to God and what is not, what God's moral principles are and how their choices do not conform to God's, we are then charged as being "Legalists". That reasoning is no surprise since it comes from secular humanism. People, including some Christians, simply do not like to be told that there is a standard of righteousness that Christ Jesus demands from His followers. But when you say that or believe that then you are labeled as being "legalistic". What it really boils down to is that there are Christians and are unwilling to submit to God's authority and prefer to abuse God's Grace. They take their Liberty in Christ as a means to sin thereby abusing liberty. Is that the fruit of a Christian? Is that someone you would want as a spouse?
This is an excerpt from a web page that hits the nail on the head in this issue. I don't agree with everything he says theologically but on this issue he is right on! http://www.baptistpillar.com/bd0367.htm
"Why is it that folk like to label us as legalists? There are two related reasons. First, the thinking of most people has been heavily influenced by the thinking of humanism. Humanism is diametrically opposed to all rules, standards, codes of conduct and moral absolutes of any kind. It believes that everyone should be free to do as he pleases. Those who disagree are labeled �Legalists.� Secondly, most people want to use their liberty for an occasion to the flesh (5:13). They do not want anyone telling them that some of the things they enjoy may be wrong so they banish all such suggestions by labeling them �legalistic.�
The real issue is this: should we teach do�s and don�t�s in Christian living? Should we preach that there are standards which ought to be maintained and deeds which should not be done? A large crowd would say �no - don�t be negative - don�t be legalistic.� But what saith the Scriptures? Every page of Scripture lists things we are not to do. The first page of the Bible tells Adam �thou shalt not� and the last page of Scripture warns not to take away or add to the words of the Book. All of Scripture has rules of what to do and what not to do. Every page is replete with �thou shalt� and �thou shalt not.� To say that rules of conduct are only found as part of the Mosaic law is certainly a misrepresentation of the truth.
The problem in Christianity today is the seeping scourge of humanism that has saturated the minds of Christians, Christian leaders, Christian authors and even preachers. Humanism maintains that the ultimate goal of man is to enjoy himself and develop his potential without the restriction of outmoded taboos and irrelevant rules. Humanism says that each one must decide for himself what is right and what is wrong�no one else should interfere. This is the thinking that causes Christians to throw off any restraints and label them as �legalism.� In so doing they open the door to the inroads of all sorts of worldliness, questionable conduct and ungodly living. Christian standards have been discarded, Christian conduct has sunk to the level of the world and all is done to the theme of freedom from the law.""
So my Friends, my Brothers and Sisters in Christ, do NOT let anyone twist your thinking as to what is legalism especially when they cannot biblically prove their point or when they are just obviously being rebellious to God's standard of righteousness. Mark that person and be ware of them.
So for an exercise can you list scriptures that would apply to someone being legalistic and scriptures that by obeying them would not be?
I agree that if you try to live a godly life people will call you legalistic. We are in a Joel Olsteen generation of no obedience to God, no repentance, and the cross has become a bloodless stick.
One problem with legalism is Jesus said their teachings were just of men. The Bible says that women should dress modestly but where does the pastor say how high up can the dress go? We must watch out for man made rules. I still believe better safe than sorry is better. I would rather preach the dress too long and be safe than to preach "liberty" in Christ and go way up and lead men into lust.
There is no reason for someone to afraid to ask any of us questions including me. No one is going to "beat them up". Everyone has a right to their opinions, but when someone bears a False Witness against someone, they will be addressed properly. If someone repeatedly teaches something that is against God's moral principles which can lead a new Christian astray, they will be addressed properly. My manner of writing is more direct and sometimes it can be perceived as being tough. It's the ex COP in me. Anyone who has gotten to know me personally knows I am a very easy going guy and have a gentile spirit. But admittedly I can also be tough when a situation calls for it too. A rebellious attitude should not be coddled as they will become emboldened if not dealt with.
"A rebellious attitude should not be coddled as they will become emboldened if not dealt with."
I love ya Walter. You are a very intelligent man and I value your opinions on matters of the Bible, but I ask that you consider our whole audience when you're "dealing" with it.
I'm leaving this in God's very capable hands. (brushing the dust off my feet)
Walter my earlier reply was short because I knew who you were speaking of.I have already spoke my mind to her and am now a neanderthal man who wishes to enslave all women.:ROFL:
I guess I am from a prehistoric age walter. It is because I believe in having kids after you get married. That is one of the issues.Hey, I have no kids and I do not try artificial hoopla to have a kid.If I get married again and have a kid so be it.
The other problem she had with me was I said Not my will, but the fathers will.
Also, the submission issue. Why do people misunderstand submission? What do you think submission is? I think it is doing somebody elses will by choice. Like gods, your spouses.
You save yourself for your future love is a form of submission to them. She disagreed with that too. Oh, Walter I am not as well versed as you are. But I can give a good arguement.I do think our sister meant 1 or 2 verses will get the same message as a 1,000
God bless you bro, I agree with you in this thread, alot of ppl professing the name of Christ call any standard legalism, event if it's from the new testament, I personally believe it's generally the result of a watered down gospel.
