Legalism is Not True Faith

Legalism is Not True Faith

"There shall be one standard for you; it shall be for the stranger as well as the native, for I am the Lord your God." - Leviticus 24:22

Legalism is described as obeying laws in a very strict and exact way. People from all faiths, including Christianity, have been led astray by being legalistic in their interpretation of religious rules and regulations.

But, folks,  legalism is not true faith. It’s often confused with dedicated faith, but real faith is not about obeying well-intentioned, man-made rules. In other words... "don't put on makeup, don't wear pants, don't put on jewelry, or earrings, cut your hair above the ears (men), don't cut your hair, (ladies), don't play sports, or jump rope,  or if you don't come to prayer meeting we will sit you down and not allow you to work in the church, and so on and so on.  I can't begin to tell you some of the things I have heard over the years and tried to live under.  That only leads to frustration, resentment, and unnecessary guilt. In today’s world, there are not only religious legalists but secular legalists. The “tolerance police” and “politically correct Gestapo” are intensely passionate about enforcing their well-intentioned, man-made rules. Resentment and frustration result.  Most legalist are uptight.(wound up - brought to a state of great tension wound up - brought to a state of great tension; "all wound up for a fight"

tense - in or of a state of physical or nervous tension). When you can't live to the exact letter of all of the man made rules, you will start to feel condemned!  And that's not what God wants you to feel like. 

DOESN'T THE BIBLE HAVE ENOUGH THINGS IN IT FOR ALL OF US TO FOLLOW?

Relax!!  Righteousness is a GIFT.  Rom. 5:17,

But even greater is God's wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus ...

You are not going to be more righteous if you don't wear makeup, or if you do wear makeup, or if you wear pants or if you don't wear pants, or jewelry, or don't wear jewelry.  It's not about that at all.

Righteousness is a Gift from God. 

If you suffer from well-intentioned legalism, I have great news for you. Jesus battled legalism throughout His ministry. He understands your pain. He wants to save you from it, just as He wants to save you from sin.