Legalism came up in a conversation today so I just wanted to share what the difference is between being Legalistic versus being obedient.
The word Legalism or being legalistic is nowhere to be found in the Old or New Testament of the Bible but ti doesn't have to be. The word Legalism refers to someone who views the law as the way to heaven. They would say that being obedient to the law is more important than faith in Christ. One can see this rampant in the Catholic church, where sacraments and laws are more important than obedience and faith in Christ. Also, Pharisees in biblical times were very legalistic. Most of them were hypocritical too.
Now on the other hand you have Obedience. Jesus came to fulfill the law, not to destroy it. So the law is important. The Ten Commandments are God's own words and shouldn't be look passed. As believers in Christ, we are no longer under the law.
Check out what Paul says in Colossians, "If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— "Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch" ( referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh." - Colossians 2:20-23.
"Legalists may appear to be righteous and spiritual, but legalism ultimately fails to accomplish God’s purposes because it is an outward performance instead of an inward change." This is so true! That is the danger of legalism. The law was given to Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
As believers, we are to test the spirits (1 John 4:1) so we do not fall into heresy. Let's not forget, salvation through Christ is the only way, not through works.
