How to recover yourself from Legalism pt 1.

DeepWater

Just The Truth
Aug 6, 2011
508
358
Israel (usually)
✟16,539.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
In Relationship
The good news is, Legalism is not a life threatening condition, but it is a spiritual and mental health issue.

So, lets get right to it, so that if you have been infected with this heresy, you can begin to find your way out of its theological darkness.

What is Legalism?
Lots of Christians have random ideas about what it could mean, but here is what it is.......This is NT legalism as found within the belief system of any believer, who is a legalist.
Its simply that they believe, that, the Cross and the Blood Atonement, began their salvation, but didn't complete it. So, they take it upon themselves, to finish their salvation by :

Works.
Keeping Commandments.
Presenting an attempt to live a holy lifestyle.
Holding unto their faith, in their minds.
Obsessive confession of Sin.
Chasing with their lifestyle some idea of what they believe "enduring to the end", means.

Legalist's are trusting in and counting on their " religious behavior", to finalize what Jesus began and finished already for them on the Cross, which God gave them for Free, when they BELIEVED... ("Justification by Faith, without the deeds of the law")

So, all of this SELF EFFORT, is denying The Blood of Jesus its FULL CREDIT DUE for saving them and keeping them saved.

So, how did you get into this circular reasoning mind trap?
Well, the main culprit is that you are involved with teachers and other believers who are also lost within this self righteousness maze, and so, because you are surrounded by them, you dont realize your situation.

Let me now ask you a question. Do you believe that Jesus The Christ deserves FULL Credit, for saving you and keeping you saved? ?????
If you said "yes", then why do you believe that you can undo what you can take not credit for, which is the Cross?
Its because you have been taught to think of your Salvation as : 1 part Jesus... and the rest you have to do, to finish the job.
You have been lied to, by people who also believed the lie.

So, to be free from this..... what do you have to resolve within your belief system....what do you have to get the revelation OF, so that you can see what you have been believing, so that you stop giving the Cross some credit for your salvation, and your commandment keeping and works, all the rest?
How do you stop taking some of the Credit for your Salvation for yourself, which insults God's Grace, and God's Son?
How do you stop trying to make yourself right with God, by self effort, and realize and begin to trust in Christ Alone, now and forever, to be the only and sole reason you will end up in heaven after you die. ???
And THAT, is what you have to first realize you are doing, as until you realize it, you won't understand the depth of the insult you are committing against the very Blood of Yeshua.

So, here is how you start the recovery.
First.....you have to come to a full understanding of your position as God's PROPERTY, "bought with a Price", that has recreated your eternal Identity as, "IN CHRIST".
In other words, you have to begin, TODAY, to see yourself ONLY as God sees you, and not as you see yourself, regarding your Born Again status.
You have to learn to accept how God views you, and let go of how you see yourself.
When you read....>"as Jesus IS< so are YOU in this WORLD".....you have to believe it.
So...
Start here:

Colossians 2:10. "And you are COMPLETE in Him, (In Jesus)."

Now do you see that word COMPLETE? Do you understand this word?
Does it mean , partial, or, a work in progress, or nearly? ?
And who are you complete in?
And who is complete in Jesus?......= Its every born again Person......is that you?
And why does the verse say you are "IN HIM"< as the context for "complete"?
Its because this is your STATUS, according to God, as a born again family member of God.
And what is it lacking, if you are COMPLETE?......
Nothing.

And how is this verse to be understood, not only as your eternal "sonship" status, but also, your eternal Salvation, as they are THE SAME THING.......
So, IF this verse tells you that you are not only IN HIM< but you are COMPLETE< in Him, "in Christ", then what verse explains how Jesus has become your SALVATION?....as Completed, as designed by God the Father?

This verse : 1 Corinthians 1:30 :

""But of God, are ye IN Christ Jesus, who of God is MADE UNTO US = wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption".

Now do see this part of the verse....>"who of GOD, is made unto us"....

Thats the key, as what this means, is that God has taken righteousness and sanctification, and REDEMPTION , itself, and MADE IT unto us".
In other words, WHO/What CHRIST IS, God has "made unto YOU".
This is SALVATION....This is GRACE.....This is the Blood Atonement, as they have recreated you as "The righteousness of Christ".
This is who you are now, since the day you were born again, and for all eternity.

In other words, it has become, by God's power through the Holy Spirit , not just a part of us, but US......... WE have become what God has "Made unto us"...... We ARE =righteousness, sanctification, and Redemption, itself.
THis is what the Cross has accomplished for us, when Jesus said ::"it is Finished"
"Let the REDEEMED of the LORD...say so."

So, Legalist..... what are all your works, all your good deed doing, all your commandment keeping, as compared to what God Himself has ALREADY made you to be, ....as COMPLETED, In Jesus?
 
Last edited:

HTacianas

Well-Known Member
Jul 9, 2018
8,459
8,967
Florida
✟321,866.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Single
The good news is, Legalism is not a life threatening condition, but it is a spiritual and mental health issue.

So, lets get right to it, so that if you have been infected with this heresy, you can begin to find your way out of its theological darkness.

What is Legalism?
Lots of Christians have random ideas about what it could mean, but here is what it is.......This is NT legalism as found within the belief system of any believer, who is a legalist.
Its simply that they believe, that, the Cross and the Blood Atonement, began their salvation, but didn't complete it. So, they take it upon themselves, to finish their salvation by :

Works.
Keeping Commandments.
Presenting an attempt to live a holy lifestyle.
Holding unto their faith, in their minds.
Obsessive confession of Sin.
Chasing with their lifestyle some idea of what they believe "enduring to the end", means.

Legalist's are trusting in and counting on their " religious behavior", to finalize what Jesus began and finished already for them on the Cross, which God gave them for Free, when they BELIEVED... ("Justification by Faith, without the deeds of the law")

So, all of this SELF EFFORT, is denying The Blood of Jesus its FULL CREDIT DUE for saving them and keeping them saved.

So, how did you get into this circular reasoning mind trap?
Well, the main culprit is that you are involved with teachers and other believers who are also lost within this self righteousness maze, and so, because you are surrounded by them, you dont realize your situation.

Let me now ask you a question. Do you believe that Jesus The Christ deserves FULL Credit, for saving you and keeping you saved? ?????
If you said "yes", then why do you believe that you can undo what you can take not credit for, which is the Cross?
Its because you have been taught to think of your Salvation as : 1 part Jesus... and the rest you have to do, to finish the job.
You have been lied to, by people who also believed the lie.

So, to be free from this..... what do you have to resolve within your belief system....what do you have to get the revelation OF, so that you can see what you have been believing, so that you stop giving the Cross some credit for your salvation, and your commandment keeping and works, all the rest?
How do you stop taking some of the Credit for your Salvation for yourself, which insults God's Grace, and God's Son?
How do you stop trying to make yourself right with God, by self effort, and realize and begin to trust in Christ Alone, now and forever, to be the only and sole reason you will end up in heaven after you die. ???
And THAT, is what you have to first realize you are doing, as until you realize it, you won't understand the depth of the insult you are committing against the very Blood of Yeshua.

So, here is how you start the recovery.
First.....you have to come to a full understanding of your position as God's PROPERTY, "bought with a Price", that has recreated your eternal Identity as, "IN CHRIST".
In other words, you have to begin, TODAY, to see yourself ONLY as God sees you, and not as you see yourself, regarding your Born Again status.
You have to learn to accept how God views you, and let go of how you see yourself.
When you read....>"as Jesus IS< so are YOU in this WORLD".....you have to believe it.
So...
Start here:

Colossians 2:10. "And you are COMPLETE in Him, (In Jesus)."

Now do you see that word COMPLETE? Do you understand this word?
Does it mean , partial, or, a work in progress, or nearly? ?
And who are you complete in?
And who is complete in Jesus?......= Its every born again Person......is that you?
And why does the verse say you are "IN HIM"< as the context for "complete"?
Its because this is your STATUS, according to God, as a born again family member of God.
And what is it lacking, if you are COMPLETE?......
Nothing.

And how is this verse to be understood, not only as your eternal "sonship" status, but also, your eternal Salvation, as they are THE SAME THING.......
So, IF this verse tells you that you are not only IN HIM< but you are COMPLETE< in Him, "in Christ", then what verse explains how Jesus has become your SALVATION?....as Completed, as designed by God the Father?

This verse : 1 Corinthians 1: 30 :

""But of God, are ye IN Christ Jesus, who of God is MADE UNTO US = wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption".

Now do see this part of the verse....>"who of GOD, is made unto us"....

Thats the key, as what this means, is that God has taken the very righteousness and sanctification, and REDEMPTION , itself, and MADE IT unto us".

In other words, it has become, by God's power through the Holy Spirit , not just a part of us, but US......... WE have become what God has "Made unto us"...... We ARE =righteousness, sanctification, and Redemption, itself".
THis is what the Cross has accomplished for us, when Jesus said ::"it is Finished"

So, Legalist..... what are all your works, all your good deed doing, all your commandment keeping, as compared to what God Himself has ALREADY made you to be, ....as COMPLETED, In Jesus?


copyChkboxOff.gif
Jas 2:24 - You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
 
Upvote 0

Halbhh

Everything You say is Life to me
Supporter
Mar 17, 2015
17,173
9,191
catholic -- embracing all Christians
✟1,152,895.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
The good news is, Legalism is not a life threatening condition, but it is a spiritual and mental health issue.

So, lets get right to it, so that if you have been infected with this heresy, you can begin to find your way out of its theological darkness.

What is Legalism?
Lots of Christians have random ideas about what it could mean, but here is what it is.......This is NT legalism as found within the belief system of any believer, who is a legalist.
Its simply that they believe, that, the Cross and the Blood Atonement, began their salvation, but didn't complete it. So, they take it upon themselves, to finish their salvation by :

Works.
Keeping Commandments.
Presenting an attempt to live a holy lifestyle.
Holding unto their faith, in their minds.
Obsessive confession of Sin.
Chasing with their lifestyle some idea of what they believe "enduring to the end", means.

Legalist's are trusting in and counting on their " religious behavior", to finalize what Jesus began and finished already for them on the Cross, which God gave them for Free, when they BELIEVED... ("Justification by Faith, without the deeds of the law")

So, all of this SELF EFFORT, is denying The Blood of Jesus its FULL CREDIT DUE for saving them and keeping them saved.

So, how did you get into this circular reasoning mind trap?
Well, the main culprit is that you are involved with teachers and other believers who are also lost within this self righteousness maze, and so, because you are surrounded by them, you dont realize your situation.

Let me now ask you a question. Do you believe that Jesus The Christ deserves FULL Credit, for saving you and keeping you saved? ?????
If you said "yes", then why do you believe that you can undo what you can take not credit for, which is the Cross?
Its because you have been taught to think of your Salvation as : 1 part Jesus... and the rest you have to do, to finish the job.
You have been lied to, by people who also believed the lie.

So, to be free from this..... what do you have to resolve within your belief system....what do you have to get the revelation OF, so that you can see what you have been believing, so that you stop giving the Cross some credit for your salvation, and your commandment keeping and works, all the rest?
How do you stop taking some of the Credit for your Salvation for yourself, which insults God's Grace, and God's Son?
How do you stop trying to make yourself right with God, by self effort, and realize and begin to trust in Christ Alone, now and forever, to be the only and sole reason you will end up in heaven after you die. ???
And THAT, is what you have to first realize you are doing, as until you realize it, you won't understand the depth of the insult you are committing against the very Blood of Yeshua.

So, here is how you start the recovery.
First.....you have to come to a full understanding of your position as God's PROPERTY, "bought with a Price", that has recreated your eternal Identity as, "IN CHRIST".
In other words, you have to begin, TODAY, to see yourself ONLY as God sees you, and not as you see yourself, regarding your Born Again status.
You have to learn to accept how God views you, and let go of how you see yourself.
When you read....>"as Jesus IS< so are YOU in this WORLD".....you have to believe it.
So...
Start here:

Colossians 2:10. "And you are COMPLETE in Him, (In Jesus)."

Now do you see that word COMPLETE? Do you understand this word?
Does it mean , partial, or, a work in progress, or nearly? ?
And who are you complete in?
And who is complete in Jesus?......= Its every born again Person......is that you?
And why does the verse say you are "IN HIM"< as the context for "complete"?
Its because this is your STATUS, according to God, as a born again family member of God.
And what is it lacking, if you are COMPLETE?......
Nothing.

And how is this verse to be understood, not only as your eternal "sonship" status, but also, your eternal Salvation, as they are THE SAME THING.......
So, IF this verse tells you that you are not only IN HIM< but you are COMPLETE< in Him, "in Christ", then what verse explains how Jesus has become your SALVATION?....as Completed, as designed by God the Father?

This verse : 1 Corinthians 1: 30 :

""But of God, are ye IN Christ Jesus, who of God is MADE UNTO US = wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption".

Now do see this part of the verse....>"who of GOD, is made unto us"....

Thats the key, as what this means, is that God has taken the very righteousness and sanctification, and REDEMPTION , itself, and MADE IT unto us".

In other words, it has become, by God's power through the Holy Spirit , not just a part of us, but US......... WE have become what God has "Made unto us"...... We ARE =righteousness, sanctification, and Redemption, itself".
THis is what the Cross has accomplished for us, when Jesus said ::"it is Finished"

So, Legalist..... what are all your works, all your good deed doing, all your commandment keeping, as compared to what God Himself has ALREADY made you to be, ....as COMPLETED, In Jesus?

Though Paul often writes longer and more complex, requiring reading entire epistles to get all the crucial parts (such as how Romans chapter 8 is also required, not just chapter 4-5...)

There is one passage Paul wrote where it's all together in one place:

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2 NIV
---------------
I'm starting to think it's not even good to try to paraphrase this. People need to just see it as it is, so that they have a chance to hear it and accept it.
 
Upvote 0

Halbhh

Everything You say is Life to me
Supporter
Mar 17, 2015
17,173
9,191
catholic -- embracing all Christians
✟1,152,895.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
copyChkboxOff.gif
Jas 2:24 - You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Short is good often, but perhaps the most helpful single verse from James would be often --

James 2:17 So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead.
or
English Standard Version
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

And people need to be able to connect what this means to the words of our Teacher, Christ Jesus --

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not...do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”


We must do His commands then we start to realize, but what commands?

That's such a good moment to arrive at, to ask: what commands?

Just above in the same chapter the person that finally wants to hear and listen to Christ will begin to learn more:

12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."


Matthew 7 ESV

It's a start to give people the crucial truth that they must actually listen to Christ, instead of finding ways to avoid listening to Him.
 
Upvote 0

HTacianas

Well-Known Member
Jul 9, 2018
8,459
8,967
Florida
✟321,866.00
Country
United States
Faith
Eastern Orthodox
Marital Status
Single
Short is good often, but perhaps the most helpful single verse from James would be often --

James 2:17 So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead.
or
English Standard Version
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

And people need to be able to connect what this means to the words of our Teacher, Christ Jesus --

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not...do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”


We must do His commands then we start to realize, but what commands?

That's such a good moment to arrive at, to ask: what commands?

Just above in the same chapter the person that finally wants to hear and listen to Christ will begin to learn more:

12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."


Matthew 7 ESV

It's a start to give people the crucial truth that they must actually listen to Christ, instead of finding ways to avoid listening to Him.

It seems the OP is doing everything he can to do just that - avoid listening to Christ. Instead he chooses to not only refuse to listen, but to spread the worst form of heresy.

1Co 6:9 - Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1Co 6:10 - Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

The OP is claiming that all of those things are perfectly fine.
 
Upvote 0

Halbhh

Everything You say is Life to me
Supporter
Mar 17, 2015
17,173
9,191
catholic -- embracing all Christians
✟1,152,895.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
The good news is, Legalism is not a life threatening condition, but it is a spiritual and mental health issue.

So, lets get right to it, so that if you have been infected with this heresy, you can begin to find your way out of its theological darkness.

What is Legalism?
Lots of Christians have random ideas about what it could mean, but here is what it is.......This is NT legalism as found within the belief system of any believer, who is a legalist.
Its simply that they believe, that, the Cross and the Blood Atonement, began their salvation, but didn't complete it. So, they take it upon themselves, to finish their salvation by :

Works.
Keeping Commandments.
Presenting an attempt to live a holy lifestyle.
Holding unto their faith, in their minds.
Obsessive confession of Sin.
Chasing with their lifestyle some idea of what they believe "enduring to the end", means.

Legalist's are trusting in and counting on their " religious behavior", to finalize what Jesus began and finished already for them on the Cross, which God gave them for Free, when they BELIEVED... ("Justification by Faith, without the deeds of the law")

So, all of this SELF EFFORT, is denying The Blood of Jesus its FULL CREDIT DUE for saving them and keeping them saved.

So, how did you get into this circular reasoning mind trap?
Well, the main culprit is that you are involved with teachers and other believers who are also lost within this self righteousness maze, and so, because you are surrounded by them, you dont realize your situation.

Let me now ask you a question. Do you believe that Jesus The Christ deserves FULL Credit, for saving you and keeping you saved? ?????
If you said "yes", then why do you believe that you can undo what you can take not credit for, which is the Cross?
Its because you have been taught to think of your Salvation as : 1 part Jesus... and the rest you have to do, to finish the job.
You have been lied to, by people who also believed the lie.

So, to be free from this..... what do you have to resolve within your belief system....what do you have to get the revelation OF, so that you can see what you have been believing, so that you stop giving the Cross some credit for your salvation, and your commandment keeping and works, all the rest?
How do you stop taking some of the Credit for your Salvation for yourself, which insults God's Grace, and God's Son?
How do you stop trying to make yourself right with God, by self effort, and realize and begin to trust in Christ Alone, now and forever, to be the only and sole reason you will end up in heaven after you die. ???
And THAT, is what you have to first realize you are doing, as until you realize it, you won't understand the depth of the insult you are committing against the very Blood of Yeshua.

So, here is how you start the recovery.
First.....you have to come to a full understanding of your position as God's PROPERTY, "bought with a Price", that has recreated your eternal Identity as, "IN CHRIST".
In other words, you have to begin, TODAY, to see yourself ONLY as God sees you, and not as you see yourself, regarding your Born Again status.
You have to learn to accept how God views you, and let go of how you see yourself.
When you read....>"as Jesus IS< so are YOU in this WORLD".....you have to believe it.
So...
Start here:

Colossians 2:10. "And you are COMPLETE in Him, (In Jesus)."

Now do you see that word COMPLETE? Do you understand this word?
Does it mean , partial, or, a work in progress, or nearly? ?
And who are you complete in?
And who is complete in Jesus?......= Its every born again Person......is that you?
And why does the verse say you are "IN HIM"< as the context for "complete"?
Its because this is your STATUS, according to God, as a born again family member of God.
And what is it lacking, if you are COMPLETE?......
Nothing.

And how is this verse to be understood, not only as your eternal "sonship" status, but also, your eternal Salvation, as they are THE SAME THING.......
So, IF this verse tells you that you are not only IN HIM< but you are COMPLETE< in Him, "in Christ", then what verse explains how Jesus has become your SALVATION?....as Completed, as designed by God the Father?

This verse : 1 Corinthians 1:30 :

""But of God, are ye IN Christ Jesus, who of God is MADE UNTO US = wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption".

Now do see this part of the verse....>"who of GOD, is made unto us"....

Thats the key, as what this means, is that God has taken righteousness and sanctification, and REDEMPTION , itself, and MADE IT unto us".
In other words, WHO/What CHRIST IS, God has "made unto YOU".
This is SALVATION....This is GRACE.....This is the Blood Atonement, as they have recreated you as "The righteousness of Christ".
This is who you are now, since the day you were born again, and for all eternity.

In other words, it has become, by God's power through the Holy Spirit , not just a part of us, but US......... WE have become what God has "Made unto us"...... We ARE =righteousness, sanctification, and Redemption, itself.
THis is what the Cross has accomplished for us, when Jesus said ::"it is Finished"
"Let the REDEEMED of the LORD...say so."

So, Legalist..... what are all your works, all your good deed doing, all your commandment keeping, as compared to what God Himself has ALREADY made you to be, ....as COMPLETED, In Jesus?

For clear discussion, it's important to know that most people have something just like the following standard definition in mind when they see the word 'legalism' --

"Legalism, in Christian theology, is the act of putting law above gospel by establishing requirements for salvation beyond repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and reducing the broad, inclusive and general precepts of the Bible to narrow and rigid moral codes.[1] It is an over-emphasis on discipline of conduct, or legal ideas, usually implying an allegation of misguided rigour, pride, superficiality, the neglect of mercy, and ignorance of the grace of God or emphasizing the letter of law at the expense of the spirit. Legalism is alleged against any view that obedience to law, not faith in God's grace, is the pre-eminent principle of redemption." --Legalism (theology) - Wikipedia

Or, they may correctly have a sense that legalism is in practical reality all the wrong things the Pharisees are doing Christ listed in
Matthew 23 ESV

such as:
Matthew 23:4 They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.
and
Matthew 23:23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.
and
Matthew 23:28 In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.


These are such clear, striking instances of the legalistic mindset and wrong teachings -- all about rules, but not about true real redemption in the heart by Grace alone, through faith in Christ. That which enables us to begin to do the commands He commanded, clearly and repeated, and emphatically, that we must do, such as

14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6 NIV

We hear Christ Jesus our Savior telling us an absolutely required command we absolutely must obey if we want to be forgiven our sins.

And the prayer he gave us to pray just above this in Matthew 6 is so crucial for us, so that we can get aid from above to do this absolute command He commands to us.
 
Upvote 0

FireDragon76

Well-Known Member
Supporter
Apr 30, 2013
30,474
18,454
Orlando, Florida
✟1,249,390.00
Country
United States
Faith
United Ch. of Christ
Marital Status
Legal Union (Other)
Politics
US-Democrat
Yes, legalism is simply graceless religion- it speaks of grace but denies it in practice. I have encountered it several times in the past. That is why I am Lutheran today.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

com7fy8

Well-Known Member
May 22, 2013
13,649
6,108
Massachusetts
✟583,430.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
What is Legalism?
I think there are different ways of defining legalism. It is not only the keeping of rules, but there can be the motive behind requiring people to keep certain rules. There can be control seeking.

Legalism can be how ones are keeping score on themselves, evaluating if they are saved, by if they are doing certain things or not.

And, like you say, there is rule keeping which has people depending on their own selves to keep themselves saved; and of course this does not help them.

Its simply that they believe, that, the Cross and the Blood Atonement, began their salvation, but didn't complete it. So, they take it upon themselves, to finish their salvation
If they take anything on themselves, this is wrong, of course. However >

"He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of the Jesus Christ." (in Philippians 1:6)

So, yes God is still completing the good work which He began in us.

But yes Jesus did say, "It is finished," on the cross. I think what Paul says can help to make things clear >

"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." (Romans 5:10)

So, from this I get how Jesus on the cross completed the work of our reconciliation. Maybe a simple way of saying this is Jesus finished . . . completed . . . the beginning of our salvation, which was our reconciliation with God. But now His life in us is changing us to be more and more conformed to the image of Jesus our Groom. And this is an ongoing process > but of God in us working this. So, this is not self-relying and self-producing.

But God has us doing what He has us doing, in this process, so we are working this out . . . but all by means of

"God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." (in Philippians 2:13)
Do you believe that Jesus The Christ deserves FULL Credit, for saving you and keeping you saved? ?????
And God gets the credit for continuing His good work in us, of conforming us to the image of Jesus.

You have to learn to accept how God views you, and let go of how you see yourself.
And we need to submit to how God is conforming us to become like Jesus, in our character > this includes being in subjection to how our Father corrects us so we are "partakers of His holiness" in His love's "peaceable fruit of righteousness" > Hebrews 12:4-14.

This scripture says all God's children are getting this correction . . . not only of how we see our own selves, not depending on our own wills and ways of seeing ourselves, but depending on God to change us to be His way in our character. And it says we need to be "in subjection" to our Father, in order to get this correction > verse 9.

Even the obedient Philippians were told how they needed to "become" > and what they needed to do, with God working in them to do this >

"Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation" (in Philippians 2:13-16).

Now, already they were more obedient in Paul's absence; yet, still they needed more of how they could "become".

So, it is how God in us works us to obey this.

In His love we get more real so we refuse whatever in us would have us arguing and complaining. These are anti-love things; and as we more and more maturely refuse to give in to them, we also grow more in how love cures our nature, so that "as He is, so are we in this world." (1 John 4:17-18)

So, we are exercising in this which God has us doing by His grace working in us. There are ways a child needs to exercise in wholesome activities so the child grows and develops right.
 
  • Useful
Reactions: Halbhh
Upvote 0

1213

Disciple of Jesus
Jul 14, 2011
3,661
1,117
Visit site
✟146,199.00
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Single
...
So, Legalist..... what are all your works, all your good deed doing, all your commandment keeping, as compared to what God Himself has ALREADY made you to be, ....as COMPLETED, In Jesus?

So, are you saying that it is ok to murder neighbor? If the law is not valid, from what people should be saved? If law is not valid, there is no sin and then there is no need to save person from the judgment that comes because of sin.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23

I agree that there is no works that could save from the judgment, but still, eternal life is for righteous.

These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Mat. 25:46

And if person is righteous, it will be seen in his actions.

He who does righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Son of God was revealed, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because his seed remains in him; and he can't sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither is he who doesn't love his brother.
1 John 3:7-10
 
Upvote 0

DeepWater

Just The Truth
Aug 6, 2011
508
358
Israel (usually)
✟16,539.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
In Relationship
We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.

But this does not include trying to save yourself, or keep yourself saved.
There is one Savior, at its not us.
Big distinction, Gracia Singh.
As, what can you add to the Blood of Jesus, that God will accept, to accept you or keep you?
NOTHING.
So, this verse you are leaning on, is not related to Redemption, or the Blood Atonement.
It is related to Christian Discipleship....our daily walk with the Lord.

Escaping The Trap of Legalism.... pt 2
 
  • Like
Reactions: ml5363
Upvote 0

DeepWater

Just The Truth
Aug 6, 2011
508
358
Israel (usually)
✟16,539.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
In Relationship
copyChkboxOff.gif
Jas 2:24 - You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.

Twisting James, to reject Paul, is not what you need to be doing, on a Public Christian Forum.

Listen carefully, the Thief on the Cross....who Jesus took not just to paradise, but to heaven...what "works is he doing while hanging on those nails"?

We never as believers, do "works" to be accepted by God.....not Ever.
God only accepts any of us, including you, because Jesus shed His Blood, to make this possible.
So, don't insult Grace, and the Blood of Christ, by trying to misuse James to prove you are a Legalist.
Bad idea.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ml5363
Upvote 0

DeepWater

Just The Truth
Aug 6, 2011
508
358
Israel (usually)
✟16,539.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
In Relationship
Though Paul often writes longer and more complex, requiring reading entire epistles to get all the crucial parts (such as how Romans chapter 8 is also required, not just chapter 4-5...)

There is one passage Paul wrote where it's all together in one place:

1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Ephesians 2 NIV
---------------
I'm starting to think it's not even good to try to paraphrase this. People need to just see it as it is, so that they have a chance to hear it and accept it.

Thanks for all those scriptures.

Also, (other readers) Give all the Credit to God and Christ for OUR salvation.
If you are not doing this, and you are worried about losing your salvation, and are trying to maintain it by your effort.......(confessing sin, commandment keeping, doing good works), then you are not trusting Christ to keep you saved,....... you are trusting in yourself and your EFFORT.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

DeepWater

Just The Truth
Aug 6, 2011
508
358
Israel (usually)
✟16,539.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
In Relationship
Short is good often, but perhaps the most helpful single verse from James would be often --

James 2:17 So too, faith by itself, if it is not complemented by action, is dead.
or
English Standard Version
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

And people need to be able to connect what this means to the words of our Teacher, Christ Jesus --

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not...do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”


We must do His commands then we start to realize, but what commands?

That's such a good moment to arrive at, to ask: what commands?

Just above in the same chapter the person that finally wants to hear and listen to Christ will begin to learn more:

12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."


Matthew 7 ESV

It's a start to give people the crucial truth that they must actually listen to Christ, instead of finding ways to avoid listening to Him.

Nice cut and paste job.
Did you find it online?
Are you able to write an original idea or make a point without copying someone else's words?

And we do not enter the Kingdom of God by our effort or by a Straight Gate.
We enter by the Blood of Jesus, or we don't enter.
God does not accept any of your works to accept you, as all your works are a filthy rag, as compared to HIS Righteousness......so, you consider that, before you continue to run the track of the typical Legalist.

And no, i dont copy-paste what i write, not here, on in those 2 Threads, not on any forum.
I write it all.
I THINK, i commune with God, i consider, i take time, i work it out in my head, then i sit down and pour it all out, for the benefit, mostly, of those who might be sucked into the dark trap of Legalism by some bible twister that would do it to them, here, or on any Forum.
 
Upvote 0

DeepWater

Just The Truth
Aug 6, 2011
508
358
Israel (usually)
✟16,539.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
In Relationship
Yes, legalism is simply graceless religion- it speaks of grace but denies it in practice. I have encountered it several times in the past. That is why I am Lutheran today.

Its graceless religion that actually opposes Grace.
A Legalist, will argue that Grace is "a license to sin".
And that is interesting, as in Paul's day, he was accused of the same thing, for Preaching the Gospel of Grace. As he was preaching such a "its all Jesus, and none of you or your works" message, so intense was He about this, that Legalist, same as you find on this forum, or on any Christian Fourm, were saying...>"he is actually telling us to SIN so that Grace could resolve it".
Nothing new under the sun.
The same heretics vs the born again.....Till God comes for us all, in one way or another.
 
Upvote 0

DeepWater

Just The Truth
Aug 6, 2011
508
358
Israel (usually)
✟16,539.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
In Relationship
People can be legalistic about all sorts of things. They can even be legalistic about not being legalistic.

Absolutely.
But the potential mental-spiritual damage done when a Devout Legalist is allowed to stay on a Forum like this, to thereby try to ruin a real believer's faith, and their confidence in God's eternal security...can be immense.
What can possibly be more the Devil's work then misleading a Child Of God into the idea that they have to spend the rest of their life, hoping that if they perform well enough, they might just slip in to heaven after they die.
There is no joy of the Lord in a Christian's walk unless they are Free. And to teach that God wants them back into self effort to meet His approval, = this spits on the Cross..
This type of person, this Legalist, is the worst sort of heretic.
And every single one of them lives in "Matthew", Hebrews", and "James", as this is how you can always recognize them.
Paul to them, is some abstract, writer........no biggie.
 
Upvote 0

Halbhh

Everything You say is Life to me
Supporter
Mar 17, 2015
17,173
9,191
catholic -- embracing all Christians
✟1,152,895.00
Country
United States
Faith
Christian
Marital Status
Married
Nice cut and paste job.
Did you find it online?
Are you able to write an original idea or make a point without copying someone else's words?

And we do not enter the Kingdom of God by our effort or by a Straight Gate.
We enter by the Blood of Jesus, or we don't enter.
God does not accept any of your works to accept you, as all your works are a filthy rag, as compared to HIS Righteousness......so, you consider that, before you continue to run the track of the typical Legalist.

And no, i dont copy-paste what i write, not here, on in those 2 Threads, not on any forum.
I write it all.
I THINK, i commune with God, i consider, i take time, i work it out in my head, then i sit down and pour it all out, for the benefit, mostly, of those who might be sucked into the dark trap of Legalism by some bible twister that would do it to them, here, or on any Forum.
One way to know whether you need to confess and repent is to see whether or not these predominate in your life:

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
Galatians 5:23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no Law.

One great aid Christ gave to us is the prayer in Matthew 6. One should rely on Him, and pray as He said.
 
Upvote 0
This site stays free and accessible to all because of donations from people like you.
Consider making a one-time or monthly donation. We appreciate your support!
- Dan Doughty and Team Christian Forums

DeepWater

Just The Truth
Aug 6, 2011
508
358
Israel (usually)
✟16,539.00
Faith
Protestant
Marital Status
In Relationship
1Co 6:9 - Know ye not that the unrighteous.

Let me give you a quick bible lesson on that phrase so that you can begin to understand salvation.

Now, HTacianas...........do you see this phrase......"Know you not that the UNRIGHTEOUS".

That is the key.
As all the unrighteous will first go to hell, then later burn in a lake of fire.
Jesus, said of them, "depart from me, i never KNEW YOU".

now, see that "never KNEW YOU"....?

Very important that you pay attention, and get what im showing you, ok?
Now notice these 2 phrases.......""know you not that the UNRIGHTEOUS"....and "I never KNEW YOU">

So, who are the unrighteous?.......and who are those that Jesus never knew....HTacianas?

Its the CHRIST REJECTOR.
Its the person who is not BORN AGAIN......... and this can't be a Christian, HTacianas.
And why can you know this, and why dont you, is a better question..

Every born person is "the righteousness of God, In Christ".....so, there is every Christian....so, this verse you posted can't be talking about a born again believer, who is "in Christ", and has BECOME the very "righteousness of Christ".
And also.......Jesus can't say to a born again believer that He does not know you.
It would be impossible for God to accept you as a Son, and then Live inside you, and "Christ in you the hope of Glory", ...and then later him tell you that He never knew you.

Think.
 
Upvote 0