labeled legalist

[CaptainToad]

Hi all, former SDA here. I think Jesus came and showed that the Law was the barest minimum we could do to show our love for God and our fellow mankind. The problem of the Pharisees was not legalism, as it is often assumed, but rather hypocrisy. They appeared to keep the law outwardly but were just as crooked as anyone else, lying, committing adultery, coveting, etc. But they made a big show by tithing herbs, praying loudly, making themselves obvious when fasting, and generally looking very religious.

Unfortunately my personal experience matches up with your statement concerning a lack of love. Some members are very warm in church but none of the SDA churches in my area have much going in terms of outreach, feeding the hungry, etc. When my mom (she was SDA) was dying of cancer 1 member took the time to visit but spent most of the time trying to convert visiting family. It was very off putting. In contrast, the local Catholic priest showed up multiple times after my step-father, a very lapsed Catholic, indicated there was a need of prayer. He came just talked to her, asked to pray with her, and was generally supportive. The SDA pastor never showed up. Very sad.

This lack of love thing is generally prevailing on the world. A church should be like a beacon for the world to see. A church should be a loving family, and not a mere organization. Probably easier said than done, but still thats my opinion.

 

[BobRyan]

That sounds very nice!

I just wonder if this definition is truly sound. Its more in line what SDAs say it could theoretically be.

The thing is, love is something more IMHO. When Jesus was around in physical body - I think the pharisees clearly understood what keeping the law is - and I think they went much further, and yet, they crucified HIM.

Not according to the actual Bible.

In Romans 2 they are declared to be in violation of the LAW of God.

In Mark 7:6-13 they are declared to be in violation of the LAW of God.

In Romans 8:4-9 we are told that the saints keep the LAW - but the wicked/lost do not and indeed "can not" submit to the LAW of God.


Rom 8:4-9 -- the wicked are at war with God and His Law. They do not “submit to the Law of God neither indeed CAN they”

–Gal 6:13 “13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.”

the lost Jews who claim to keep the Law – live in violation of it.

Rom 2
21 Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
22 Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
23 Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
25 For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.

Many will argue for more blasphemy - by more law breaking as if this is what God wants. But clearly that would be forcing the text to speak its opposite. Give me the Bible "instead".