First Baptist Church of Manteca ©
Article: What is Legalism?
INTRODUCTION
Christians of all generations often find themselves in disagreement with one another when trying to discus what is
proper Christian behavior. “What is ok and what is not ok” in the eyes of God? (Habits, music, appearance, friends).
Many proclaim that there is too much “gray area” in the bible in order to say one way or the other if Christians should
or shouldn't act a certain way or maintain certain preferences in music, appearance or lifestyle. In response to that we
should refer to recent poles and surveys that have been done in Christian circles in the United States to obtain
accurate results in how well we Christians, as a whole, conduct ourselves and how effectively we project our personal
declarations of being a “bible believing” group. As Christians we are to be “the salt of the earth” and ‘a light unto the
world.’ However, the findings of the surveys leave much doubt in our capability to project a positive image. One
commonly publicized pole result showed that the divorce rate for the average Christian couple is nearly 50%. Another
showed that only 2% of professing Christians witness to people on a regular basis. Another concluded that less than
15% of Christians maintain a regular personal time with God reading their bible outside of Sunday services. These
three facts alone are enough to clearly spell out the condition of modern Christianity in the United States. Perhaps this
is what is generating all the “gray area” and debate in regard to Christian “do’s and don’ts”? Considering this
important clue, wouldn’t it be safe to assume that a number of problems, subtle or obvious, might be noticed when
observing the general attitude and overtones of many Christians around us from day to day? Can all of us rely on what
we feel is true obedience? What about problems with identifying the differences between Legalism and obedience? Do
we really understand what legalism is? What about identifying disobedience in it’s many forms? Are popularized
modern concepts of Christian behavior based on biblical studies and attained knowledge, or are they based on
generalized knowledge and feeling?
The article, “What is Legalism? Works of Law or Exhortation of Obedience,” written by Tony Warren, (no relation to Rick
Warren) is a very well written and scriptural explanation on the true meaning of legalism and how to distinguish it from
obedience. The word “legalistic” has become a kind of weapon to be used about as frequently as it is misunderstood.
Christianity, for a large cross section of saved people, has slowly transformed from a bible knowledge-based
foundation to a modern, feeling-based foundation set teetering on snippets of bible truth. Christians are relying less
on bible knowledge and more on “their own understanding.” According to the statistics mentioned above, only 15% of
the Christian population is equipped to proclaim, or even understand the difference between, a legalistic act or an act
of obedience. There is an overwhelming spiritual difference between choices founded in obedience, and choices
founded in legalism. We need to recognize that sin works subtly in the flesh and that the flesh always finds a way to
justify itself and make sense in any situation when not measured by bible truths and doctrine. Labeling someone's
actions as being “legalistic" is a difficult prospect. It requires specialized knowledge of the persons heart and
understanding. Although it might be true in some cases, it also may be a simple lack of understanding in terminology,
or it may indicate a need for a deeper understanding and growth in the accuser. It is our job to defend our faith and
declare the truth……even if it means having to take a conservative stand with our Christian brothers and sisters.
Defending the faith means being equipped to explain the difference between legalism, and obedience out of love for
God.
Christians of all generations often find themselves in disagreement with one another when trying to discus what is
proper Christian behavior. “What is ok and what is not ok” in the eyes of God? (Habits, music, appearance, friends).
Many proclaim that there is too much “gray area” in the bible in order to say one way or the other if Christians should
or shouldn't act a certain way or maintain certain preferences in music, appearance or lifestyle. In response to that we
should refer to recent poles and surveys that have been done in Christian circles in the United States to obtain
accurate results in how well we Christians, as a whole, conduct ourselves and how effectively we project our personal
declarations of being a “bible believing” group. As Christians we are to be “the salt of the earth” and ‘a light unto the
world.’ However, the findings of the surveys leave much doubt in our capability to project a positive image. One
commonly publicized pole result showed that the divorce rate for the average Christian couple is nearly 50%. Another
showed that only 2% of professing Christians witness to people on a regular basis. Another concluded that less than
15% of Christians maintain a regular personal time with God reading their bible outside of Sunday services. These
three facts alone are enough to clearly spell out the condition of modern Christianity in the United States. Perhaps this
is what is generating all the “gray area” and debate in regard to Christian “do’s and don’ts”? Considering this
important clue, wouldn’t it be safe to assume that a number of problems, subtle or obvious, might be noticed when
observing the general attitude and overtones of many Christians around us from day to day? Can all of us rely on what
we feel is true obedience? What about problems with identifying the differences between Legalism and obedience? Do
we really understand what legalism is? What about identifying disobedience in it’s many forms? Are popularized
modern concepts of Christian behavior based on biblical studies and attained knowledge, or are they based on
generalized knowledge and feeling?
The article, “What is Legalism? Works of Law or Exhortation of Obedience,” written by Tony Warren, (no relation to Rick
Warren) is a very well written and scriptural explanation on the true meaning of legalism and how to distinguish it from
obedience. The word “legalistic” has become a kind of weapon to be used about as frequently as it is misunderstood.
Christianity, for a large cross section of saved people, has slowly transformed from a bible knowledge-based
foundation to a modern, feeling-based foundation set teetering on snippets of bible truth. Christians are relying less
on bible knowledge and more on “their own understanding.” According to the statistics mentioned above, only 15% of
the Christian population is equipped to proclaim, or even understand the difference between, a legalistic act or an act
of obedience. There is an overwhelming spiritual difference between choices founded in obedience, and choices
founded in legalism. We need to recognize that sin works subtly in the flesh and that the flesh always finds a way to
justify itself and make sense in any situation when not measured by bible truths and doctrine. Labeling someone's
actions as being “legalistic" is a difficult prospect. It requires specialized knowledge of the persons heart and
understanding. Although it might be true in some cases, it also may be a simple lack of understanding in terminology,
or it may indicate a need for a deeper understanding and growth in the accuser. It is our job to defend our faith and
declare the truth……even if it means having to take a conservative stand with our Christian brothers and sisters.
Defending the faith means being equipped to explain the difference between legalism, and obedience out of love for
God.
