There are many places in the Bible that we are warned about legalism, though the authors do not use the word “legalism.” The Bible warns against relying upon the law and “good works” for justification, versus trusting in the saving work of Jesus Christ. Legalism can be visualized on a spectrum, with “licentiousness” on the far other side.
Key Characteristics of Legalism
Legalism often involves adding human traditions or interpretations to God’s law, treating them as equally binding.
Focus on Rules Over Relationship:
Legalism prioritizes following rules and regulations over fostering a genuine relationship with God. It often reduces faith to a checklist of dos and don’ts.
Works-Based Righteousness:
Legalism is associated with the belief that salvation or God’s approval is achieved through human effort or good deeds, rather than by grace through faith.
Judgmental Attitude:
Legalistic individuals may harshly judge others for not meeting the same standards, often creating a spirit of condemnation rather than love and grace.
Neglect of the Heart:
It places emphasis on outward behavior rather than inward transformation. The focus is on appearance and compliance rather than motives and intentions.
Man-Made Rules:
Adding to Scriptural requirements or interpretations, or treating your interpretation as better than the convictions of another believer.
Role of Fear:
Legalism focuses on fear of man versus fear (respect) of God. Fear of being ostracized by your community, fear of losing friends, fear of faith leaders retribution.
Biblical Context of Legalism
In the Bible, Jesus and Paul confront legalism, especially as practiced by the Pharisees and others who misinterpreted the purpose of God’s law:
- Matthew 23:23-24: Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, focusing on minor laws while neglecting the “weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”
- Galatians 2:16: Paul writes, “A person is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ.” This emphasizes salvation through faith, not by strict adherence to the law.
- Romans 10:3-4: Paul explains that Christ is the fulfillment of the law, meaning righteousness comes through Him, not through legalistic efforts.
Difference Between Legalism and Obedience
While legalism is excessive rule-following for the sake of earning merit, obedience stems from a loving response to God’s grace and the desire to honor Him. Obedience is motivated by faith and love, not fear or self-righteousness.
Legalism distorts the gospel by replacing grace with performance. Christianity, by contrast, teaches that salvation and righteousness come through faith in Jesus Christ, who enables believers to obey God’s commands out of love and gratitude, not obligation.
Each of us must guard our hearts against becoming self-righteous and legalistic, just as we guard our hearts against sin and temptation. It is tempting to judge each other’s hearts and motivations, but only God can truly know what is in the heart. That should give us pause to reflect upon our own hearts, and give each other as Christians the benefit of the doubt.
When we are reminded of our own mortality – of our own fragility – our best choice is to turn to God for our hope. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow, so if it is possible to restore your relationships today, starting with your relationship with Christ.
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”
I believe whole heartedly that I have done, as far as it depends upon me, my best. The rest is in God’s hands.
