For our working understanding of legalism, I'm going to defer to Chuck Swindoll and his take on legalism...excellent!
Chuck Swindoll defined the legalism problem as:
...when we get into areas that are not set forth in Scripture, either in precept or even in principle. These may be such things as length of hair, tattoos and other body piercings, skirts or pants for women, makeup or no makeup. Those are not scriptural issues. Sometimes these issues are cultural, and you do have to address them when you are in that particular culture. But I think legalism begins when you do or refrain from doing what I want you to do or not do because it's on my list and it's something that I am uncomfortable with.
Then, Chuck gives his blunt advice:
The problem with legalists is that not enough people have confronted them and told them to get lost. Those are strong words, but I don't mess with legalism anymore. I'm 72 years old; what have I got to lose? Seriously, I used to kowtow to legalists, but they're dangerous. They are grace-killers. They'll drive off every new Christian you bring to church. They are enemies of the faith. Other than that, I don't have any opinion!
So, if I am trying to force my personal list of no-no's on you and make you feel guilty if you don't join me, then I'm out of line and I need to be told that.
And everybody said: AMEN!
2 comments:
So it would seem that Moralism is practiced by Legalists!
BUT.....
Was God a Moralist or a Legalist when He struck down the 70 who had looked into the Ark of the Covenant (I Sam 6:19) and when He struck down Uzzah (2 Sam 6:6) for reaching out and touching the Ark to 'save' it from following while the people were celebrating its return?
Where was His Grace? Where was His Mercy? The heart of Uzzah, for sure, was only for the good, was it not?
Thanks for your comment Heartspeak. Where was His grace with His chosen people, the Israelites, seems his grace, patience and love were all over the OT stories. His judgement was too, as you point out. Now we live in the wake of the Father's ultimate display of grace and mercy, displayed in Jesus, the living Word. He went to the Cross for us, that we might not only experience salvation but also LIFE in living. Love, grace and truth is who He is, and who He is in you. The punishment for our self-centered thinking and being has been dealt with once and for all. It is finished. Rest my friend in this truth. You have been set free.
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