Forms of Legalism

 Forms of legalism.


It is critical to understand that legalism and obedience to the Law are not equal. Biblically speaking, legalism isn't using the law, but the wrong use of the law. Just like antinomianism (anti-law), legalism can take many forms.  


  1. Justification based on works of merit or obedience to the Law

This is the error of the Pharisees and Pelagianism (Humans can obtain perfection without divine grace). The semi-pelagian view that grace mixed with works can justify (Roman Catholics, Mormonism) would also fall into this category.

Response: All men are sinners and have broken God's law (Rom 3:10, 23). Because of this, the Law cannot save them, it can only condemn them as lawbreakers who deserve the full penalty under the Law. (Rom 3:19-20, Gal 3:10) The only hope for transgressors of God's Law is salvation by grace in the work of Jesus Christ.  


  1. Stressing the letter of the Law, while neglecting the spirit in which it was given

This attitude usually stresses observing the minute details of the Law, (which is what Christ commands) but neglects the “weightier matters of the Law” (Mat 23:23). This legalist fails to give mercy to others, fails to give true justice and does not love God from a heart of faith. This also was a Pharisaical error. 

Response: We must stress careful obedience and conformity to God's standards, and call all men to serve God from the heart in the spirit of love and submission. True obedience requires both outward conformity and inward submission. (Psalms 119:34) Purely outward obedience fails the test of true obedience. (Matt 5:17-6:18) True obedience begins in the heart and is motivated by love. 


  1. Failure to emphasize the centrality of the Holy Spirit in sanctification

In this view the law is given the power to sanctify; all one needs to do is apply himself to keeping the law and he will become righteous in all his actions and attitudes. 

Response: However, the law as a written code of moral conduct, does not have the power to sanctify the believer. The Law can command the way of righteousness, but it cannot supply the motivation or desire to walk in righteousness. (2 Cor 3:6, Rom 7:6-26) It is the Holy Spirit alone who can enable the believer to fulfill the requirements of the Law. (Rom 8:2-4) The law is critical in our sanctification, but only as the instrument of the Holy Spirit to reprove, correct and lead us in righteousness. 


  1. Adding human traditions to God's Law

Traditions which are supposedly based on God's law, set up human standards of righteousness, yet they actually nullify God's standards, leading men to transgress the true commands of God. (Mat 15:1-9) These commandments of men are used by the self-righteous to exalt themselves and condemn others who do not abide by their traditions.

Response: Human traditions either add or take away from the righteous standards of God's Law. All such meddling and tampering with God's Law is strictly forbidden. (Deut 4:12, 12:32)
Christianity has no place for legalistic tradition, the commands of God should be the final standard

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