Legalism It’s sort of strange, every time someone speaks a hard truth from God’s Word, we want to declare the speaker to be a fascist of legalism. Why is it we contrive to see only the worst of situations and people, rather than looking for the good in things and people? One would think, we’re afraid of change and being exposed for our evil ways, and too often, whoever is speaking has discovered our secret, and is trying to demean us on a personal level. For the most part, todays prophets are a joke in God’s kingdom. Why would I ever say anything to bold and brash, probably because I’m not here to make friends and influence people, I’m here solely to do the will of God, and prepare people. What am I preparing them for? The inevitable loss of life with and in the presence of God! Question: What does the Bible say about legalism? How can a Christian avoid falling into the trap of legalism? Answer: The word “legalism” does not occur in the Bible. It is a term Christians use to describe a doctrinal position emphasizing a system of rules and regulations for achieving both salvation and spiritual growth. Legalists believe in and demand a strict literal adherence to rules and regulations. Doctrinally, in accordance with man’s thought process, it is a position essentially opposed to grace. Those who hold a legalistic position often fail to see the real purpose for law, especially the purpose of the Old Testament law of Moses, which is to be our “schoolmaster” or “tutor” to bring us to Christ. Gal 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Gal 3:25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Though true believers may appear to be without grace, especially towards the babes in Christ, that ideology and philosophy, is still based on man’s means of interpretation. I’m not referring to those who constantly beat others up, on a personal face to face level, I’m talking about those who speak what God wants spoken, not singling anyone in particular out. Man is incapable of seeing the heart, the thoughts and intent of others, unless it’s through God’s eyes. So man in and of himself, has not right to make judgment over others faith. Rather than judging from an uninformed level, we should be seeking God and His kingdom, before we point fingers. If we look at God, and we see He has demands for our lives that will set us free, through the truth of His Word, then we might just understand, God has standards, and to live those standards, does not make one a legalist, or walking in legalism. If God sends one of His mouthpieces out to speak a specific word to the masses, that doesn’t make the person a legalist. It does however bring the question; why is it necessary to have man deliver such a strong word. I asked that question and this is the answer God gave me, “men no longer seek truth from the Holy Spirit, but they do expect the Spirit of God to jump through hoops for them.” I pondered God’s response to me, and I had to ask Him what hoops, mainly because I do not want to be guilty of doing that. This is what God said; “people want to be rich, or famous, or loved by all, they’re seldom concerned with the needs of others.” “Legalism” is a term frequently used to describe Bible-believing Christians who are zealous for pure doctrine and who desire to maintain holy standards of living in this wicked hour. I am called a “legalist” solely because I care about others, around me, who I know for a fact, do not read or study their Bibles, I don’t want anyone to go to hell. 1Ti 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 1Ti 2:4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: So is it really legalism when someone speaks God’s truth? Remember, Jesus Himself spoke truth and He was not received either, the Pharisees especially thought Him a legalist in His day. God Himself set a standard for all; Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Isa 49:22 Thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people: and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders. God’s standard in men’s eyes, may be seen as legalism, but it is that same legalism that saves lives and souls! Isa 59:18 According to their deeds, accordingly he will repay, fury to his adversaries, recompence to his enemies; to the islands he will repay recompence. Isa 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him. Isa 59:20 And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the LORD. It is time we stopped looking at things from such a narrow perspective, repent and open our minds and hearts to all that God has to say. It’s time men stopped going to men for answers, and started seeking God’s truth from the Holy Spirit, who can only teach us truth, as the Spirit of God is not liar, satan and men are the liars, Amen!!!
Posted on: Fri, 31 Oct 2014 13:47:21 +0000