Lawbreakers

I've heard some believers describe trying to obey God’s rules as “legalism”. This is funny and sad. True legalism is believing you can obtain salvation by following God’s laws. If this was possible Jesus Christ died for nothing. (Galatians 2:20-21) Clearly, we are saved by His righteousness not our own. But does that mean we ignore God’s laws? Acting as though we don’t have to follow laws is lawlessness and Jesus is pretty clear that lawless people will not enter his Kingdom (Matt 7:21-23).

Say a certain believer decides to kill someone. Maybe a neighbour that is really, super annoying. You might confront him and say, “Brother you can’t kill your annoying neighbour the Bible says ‘Thou shalt not kill’” and then this individual turns to you smugly and says “that’s legalism, we’re under grace” in a sort of patronizing hiss. Before you turn around with your tail between your legs feeling like you just said something really stupid. You might want to remind said individual that Jesus did not come to do away with the law but to fulfill it and wilfully sinning is to trample Him underfoot (Hebrews 10:26-29). I’m pretty sure being “under grace” doesn’t mean we can go around whacking our neighbours and sending them for a dirt nap in our backyard.

I certainly don't claim to understand it all. I don't know why we don't have to avoid unclean food or wear four tassels on our clothes anymore but I dislike hearing people using legalism as a crutch for sin. The bottom line is of course you can’t earn salvation by following laws, you receive it through faith (Romans 4:20-25) and if you have faith you will show it by your works and the fruit you bear.

“But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?" - Luke 6:46