A word often hurled at conservative Christians is “legalism.” If a believer adheres to certain standards and encourages others to do so, he is branded a “legalist.” If one opposes loose living among Christians, he is considered a “legalist.” Obedience to, and faithful applications of, the New Testament are called “legalism.” Yet none of these things is true legalism at all.
Legalism, properly understood, is a strict adherence to the Law [of Moses] as a means to be saved or keep saved. It means that by doing certain good works or being a “good person,” the individual will earn his or her way into God’s favor. This attitude is found among many so-called Christians who say God will weigh their good deeds against their bad ones and (of course) their good deeds will outnumber their evil ones and God will welcome them into Heaven.
However, the Bible nowhere teaches this way of “earning” salvation. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 1 4:6/NIV). Christians recognize that no amount of good works is good enough to earn salvation. Isaiah 64:6 says, “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.” To think that our good deeds, or avoidance of certain evils, merit us eternal life with God–is the height of folly. Salvation is God’s love gift.
Legalism has no place in the life of a Christian. It leads to pride in our own “spiritual” accomplishments and makes us judgmental of others’ actions and motives.
Yet, the New Testament is abundantly clear that God expects the loving obedience of those who voluntarily confess His name. “Make every effort…to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). This obedience-from the heart–is possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit residing within us. We obey God’s Word, not to be saved, but because He has saved us and we love Him. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15), and “Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21).
–Craig Alan Myers