Question:
“What is legalism?”

Answer:

The Webster dictionary defines the word Legalism as such: “In Theology, the doctrine of salvation by good works”; and, “Strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a religious moral code.” Also, conformity to man-made moral codes, rules, or laws to remain in God’s will (Matthew 23:25). The Pharisees were more concerned about their outward appearance than true godliness. And finally, insistence that other believers are to follow one person or a group’s subjective standards and rules.

There are numerous ways that you could be legalistic, but Paul gave us a list of some of the more common ones: Fish on Friday, no radio, no movies, no dancing, no playing cards, no lipstick or earrings, no activities on Sunday, no restaurants that serve alcohol, no TV, no pants for women, King James only…. And the list goes on. Paul also made a point that the desire to do what is right does not make us a legalist.

He brought out some characteristics of a legalist. They focus on the law as a rule of life. They may conform to the letter, but not the spirit of the law; may be satisfied with a lower standard of morality than found in Christ; obey out of fear of retribution or hope of reward. They find loopholes in the law to allow more freedom of their own will. They also concentrate on their own list of rules, while neglecting the serious and Scriptural commandments. They may also have pride in their adherence to the law or set of rules. You wouldn’t need to be outwardly critical of others, but you could take pride in yourself, thinking you are better than others. They compare themselves with others. The verse he used was 2 Corinthians 10:12: “For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves, they are without understanding” (NASB). Christ should be our standard. We will always find someone who is worse than ourselves. And finally, they are often critical and fault-finding of others and may not accept criticism in return.

After learning what a legalist is, we were then shown how to respond to a fault-finding legalist, or to Scriptural reproof. Start off asking for Scripture or Scriptural principles. Listen politely, answer gently, receive genuine, Scriptural reproofs (Proverbs 10:17). Don’t respond, “You’re just a legalist!” Obey your parents (Ephesians 6:1). Don’t plead that we are “Not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14,15). Don’t use liberty as an occasion to stumble others (1 Corinthians 8:9). Do not respond by attacking his/her faults (Galatians 6:1). Don’t become a legalist yourself.

Legalism can cause a lot of harm. It produces an atmosphere of fear rather than love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22,23); it weakens the fellowship with fellow believers, even without saying anything (Galatians 5:15; Philippians 2:3). It takes fellow believers’ focus off of Christ (Colossians 2:20-23). Also, it enslaves believers to man’s ideas rather than to true righteousness and holiness (Romans 6:18-22).