Legalism is derived from the word “Law” and prescribed of law by “customs” or by “statute”. The word custom is known as the unwritten law Ex: the Constitution of U.K. and the word statute is known as established, or the written law by a state and set up as the standard for administration of justice in a nation. Ex. The written Constitution of Sri Lanka.
Religion is defined as “trying to reach the divine, appease the divine and communicate with the divine”. Hence “Legalism” is known as accessive adherence or a formula, dependence of Moral Law rather than personal religious faith. And “Religiosity” is known as accessively religious.
In the bible we read the people of legalism were the Pharisees and the Sadducees. They always came against Christ all the time because they were bound by customs and religion, and never saw beyond.
People under the spirit of legalism would like to keep all ordinances, customs and traditions up to the mark, without even knowing why they are doing so, that is why Jesus said to the disciples “ take heed and be aware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” When we read through the gospels we see Jesus was confronted by the Pharisees almost for everything He did, and so was is followers.
Religious people are self righteous and they think their deeds take them to heaven. If we look to the story of the Pharisee and the Tax collector, we understand that the Tax collector was more God fearing than the Pharisee. But, people who has a relationship with God knows their righteousness is filthy rags and we can’t earn it with anything we do. (Rom 3:21-23).
Religious people not only live under legalism they live in always in past and believe they can achieve everything because they are paying for it, that is why they make vows, give alms, that is why Jesus said to do things to please God (Matt 6:1-4), but people who has a relationship live in the present looking for a better and glorious future, all they offer God is their lives as a living sacrifice (Rom 12:1-2;).
Legalism is a stumbling block to others, because they always criticize, condemn and judge others,(Matt 7:1-6; Luke 6:37-38;41-42; Rom 2:1,5-6), for that reason they come against the Spirit of God and the Work that God has started in a person’s life. True Christians are connected to the Holy Spirit and they help encourage and build others.
Religious people always teach, preach, and command others, they never live or practice what they say. (Matt 23:1-36; Luke 11:37-54) is a classic chapter to understand their character. True followers of Christ live exemplary lives and they are not fearful to ask others to follow them. (1Cor 11:1; 4:16; Phi 3:17)
Legalism keep you in doubt and is very sensual, while when you are in liberty don’t doubt live in faith and not sensual (2Cor 10:2-6; 2Cor 3:17).
People under legalism and religiosity are selfish and partial, they think only about themselves, their families and friends, and want everyone to love and care for them, but never and care for other people other than their own (Mat 5:43-48: Luke 6:27-28:32-36; Rom 10:12; James 2:1-4;). That is why Jesus gave a whole list of doings, while selfless people think about the brethren, love and care for one another. (Acts 10:34; Rom 12:16,10; 1Cor 9:19-20).
Religious people love with ulterior motives and their love is conditional (2Cor 13;5; 1Cor 3:13-15: James 4:2-3) they will always try to find what they can get from the other person, but those who have a good relationship with God love with pure motives and their love is unconditional. (Heb 13:2; 2Cor 5:20) and they try to do the best to make someone happy, they will visit the poor, care for the aged, the sick and orphans.
Religious people never forgive easily, their hearts are very hard. They will want the whole world to forgive them but they won’t. They are blame shifters and blame everyone for their wrongs and never take blame for their wrongs. (Matt 6:12-14; 18:21-35; Gen 3:12-13; Ephe 4:30-31) But true believers forgive easily never take grudge, don’t blame others for their faults and move on with the love of God (Pro 10:12; John 14:15,23: Rom 13:8).
Religious people do everything according to customs, they will pray kneeling, closing their eyes, very selective with their words hence they will not allow the Holy Spirit to flow freely, they will keep to their times and rituals, nothing is done by the leading of the Holy Spirit, it is the same old rituals, while the true sons of God is quite opposite, they are known as the crazy people and the unholy ones.
This is why our churches don’t grow to the level they should. Let us ask ourselves “am I religious and legalistic in the way I run things in my life? If so God help me to change”.
Therese Fernando
