A word thrown around among Christians and some who critique the Church is this little term called Legalism. Some have used Legalism as a defensive excuse for not obeying and/or strictly adhering to the commands of God found in His word. They have also commonly used this word as a reason to deconstruct the Church and the Christian faith. This term often evokes strong feelings and opinions, revealing the complexities of applying theology in different ways. Now, it can become tricky to balance following the Law in light of the grace and freedom that is found in Christ. The Law, rooted in the holiness of God, serves not only as a moral compass but also serves to highlight human sinfulness, illuminating our need for redemption. While Legalism can provide necessary structure and a sense of discipline that helps believers to live out their faith, it can also devolve into a burdensome set of rules that fosters judgment and guilt, distorting God’s intentions for His followers. Thus, while Legalism offers guidance by enforcing moral standards, it risks becoming detrimental when it leads to a checklist mentality revolved around works that are devoid of grace. Yet one cannot understand the amount of freedom and forgiveness wrapped up in grace without first understanding the heaviness of the Law. Recognizing this balance is essential for spiritual maturity, as it leads to a deeper appreciation of the transformative power of grace, which, as revealed through the atoning work of Christ, invites believers to live not just in adherence to rules but in a genuine, covenantal relationship with God. This relationship underscores the shift from legalism to freedom in Christ, emphasizing the internal transformation of the heart rather than mere external compliance, while still acknowledging that a framework of accountability can help maintain the integrity of one’s faith.
*One small note while we wrestle with this thought of adherence to the law. Going forward in this article, when we mention the Law, we will only be talking about the context of the Ten Commandments. We will only be addressing the moral law that is still binding on our hearts. We will not be addressing the Ceremonial Laws nor the Civil Laws. Because as Christians, Christ is our perfect and final sacrifice; therefore, there is no need for Ceremonial Laws anymore. Similarly, we no longer live under a theocratic state/nation because Christ is our King; therefore, the Civil Laws that applied to the nation of Israel no longer have power over the Christian.
“Legalism makes men proud of their own righteousness; the gospel makes men glad in Christ’s righteousness.” – Thomas Brooks
Strict Adherence
Legalism: is a belief system or practice within Christianity that emphasizes strict adherence to laws, rules, or rituals as a means of achieving or maintaining a right relationship with God. Legalists often prioritize external behaviors and compliance with religious regulations over inner spiritual transformation or faith in Jesus Christ.
All that God does is good, including all the things He creates or institutes. The Law of God is no different, considering that it is nothing more than an overflow of His inherent character, particularly His holiness, righteousness, and will. God’s Law is good; it was then and is now. It was given to the Jewish people and now it is meant for the Christians today. However, everyone falls under the law whether they belong to God or not, for all remain subject to it. “so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God.” Now for the Christian, the Law of God still stands even though it is in the OT because Christ stated that He did not come to abolish the law but rather to fulfill it by His perfect obedience to it. Paul sought to reaffirm this statement by concluding in Romans that we are to “uphold the Law.” While we are justified by faith alone and not by the Law, the Law still serves as a guide, showing us our need for Jesus Christ and conforming us slowly into His image by obedience to the Law. Yet not perfect obedience but obedience never the less.
Now based on the definition above, we see the verbiage used as “strict adherence to laws as a means of achieving or maintaining a right relationship with God.” Most of the time in our culture today, many seem to only define Legalism as a means of achieving righteousness and relationship with God. We see this sort of Legalism found in the works and deeds of many religious groups around the globe, as they use these rules and laws as a way to earn their way into heaven and God’s grace. By this, they boast in their performance because they have lived better than others in adhering to God’s Standard, while shaming those who have not. This is known as works-based righteousness and justification, of which we abhor because it neglects the need for Christ’s death. It relays the message that we are not dead in our sins and that we can work together with God to achieve our salvation. On the other hand, we have this definition of “maintaining our relationship with God.” While this is a better understanding of applying the Law to our lives after Christ, we still need to realize that it is God who upholds us in a correct relationship. Because we have been once and for all justified through the work and blood of Christ on the Cross, not because we have upheld the Law. We will talk more below on what it looks like to adhere to the Law of God correctly.
How can we discern if our actions are motivated by true love for God or by legalism?
Do we rely on our adherence to the Law more than our Faith in Christ’s finished work?
Do we still have a place in our heart for God’s Law while relying on His grace?
Are we guilty of using Legalism as a cop out for neglecting to obey God’s commandments?
Antinomianism: is the belief that under grace, moral law is not binding on Christians, leading to the idea that faith alone is sufficient for salvation apart from obedience. The Law is not only not required in a salvific way but also in a sanctifying way as Christians.
Now I would be doing us all a disservice if I didn’t briefly touch on the other side of the fence. Antinomianism is just a fancy word to describe a Christian who tends to be anti-law; one who prioritizes grace over obedience. Because of the emphasis on grace, they tend to ignore the moral commands of God. This can lead to an abuse of grace that promotes sinning since no law is observed. Paul warned us about this: “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” Without the law, one has no need for grace. During Christ’s earthly ministry, he emphasized the importance of the law and grace together. Click here to read more “Neglected Holiness“
Many who seem to be antinomian in theology tend to have a dispensational view of the Old Testament. This means that they see the Ten Commandments as only applying to the Jewish people, not Christians. They tend to separate the OT from us while insisting that we are in Christ and no longer under the Law. This mindset not only undermines the continuity of Scripture but also encourages a casual approach to sin, leading to spiritual complacency. Consequently, this is a very slippery slope to becoming lukewarm in one’s faith and falling into dangerous sins, as individuals may become desensitized to the importance of living a life consistent with the teachings of the Bible.
Are we guilty of holding the law over people in a shameful unhealthy way?
Do you find yourself downplaying the law because it would spotlight some sinful behavior in your life?
How often do you think about the Ten Commandments compared to that of God’s Grace and vice versa?
A sincere Christian approves of all divine commands, though he cannot perfectly keep all divine commands. – Thomas Brooks
A Biblical example of Legalism
Now when we think back to the Bible in terms of Legalism, our minds tend to run to the Pharisees. They were the religious leaders at that time for the Jewish people. They prided themselves on how strictly they adhered to the Law. They delighted in the Law of Moses and shamed those who failed to uphold it. Simply put, they were snobs when it came to rules. The Pharisees were known for being hypocrites, not practicing that which they preached. They also increased the law by making it a burden to others while laying it on their shoulders. The works they did were only outwardly carried out to be seen and praised by others. They lacked a circumcised heart; therefore, all that they did was to serve themselves while appearing outwardly godly.
“The gospel doesn’t require obedience, it produces it.” -Voddie Baucham
We see that Jesus rebuked them for many things such as only doing their deeds to be seen by others (Matt 23:5). Comparing themselves against others and boasting that they were better (Luke 18:9-14) created a false sense of superiority that estranged them from the true essence of humility and compassion. Degrading and shaming sinners and those who would associate with them (Luke 7:36-39) reflected a critical spirit that failed to recognize the value in every individual, often forgetting that everyone is in need of grace. Accusing others of sin to elevate their own supposed righteousness (Matt 12:1-8) not only misrepresented their hearts but also led others to believe that salvation was based on their own merit rather than on God’s grace. Keeping up with outward appearances while neglecting inward holiness (Matt 23:25-28) demonstrates the hollow nature of legalism, where rituals override genuine faith and love. Boasting in their ties to Abraham as proof of their salvation (John 8:33;39) overlooked the deeper relationship that God desires with His creation, calling for a transformation of the heart. Using religion as a self-exaltation over others (Matt 6:1-5) perpetuated an environment of judgment rather than one of acceptance and forgiveness. How many Christians do you know that have fallen into these legalistic tendencies? Or worse, how many modern-day preachers do you know that happen to not be living according to that which they preach? It is important that one does not neglect grace for that of the Law, for the Law is too burdensome for us to bear alone. The tender invitation of grace instead calls us into a relationship where we rely on God’s strength, finding peace as we grow in our faith and understanding of His love.
‘You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law.’ – Romans 2:23
They emphasized meticulous observance of the Law of Moses and its associated oral traditions, believing that strict adherence was the only path to righteousness. In their quest for spiritual favor, they often fell into pride, neglecting the grace that was meant to complement the Law. Their fixation on ritual law became so pronounced that it overshadowed the significance of mercy and compassion, causing them to enforce regulations with an unforgiving rigidity that left no room for understanding. This fervent dedication to the letter of the law blinded them to the essential truth that grace is a gift freely given, creating a chasm between their practices and the core values of love and kindness that were designed to underpin their faith. In their actions, they sought validation through relentless observance, but at what cost? They were more preoccupied with external compliance than with embracing the transformative power of grace that true faith offers, ultimately leading them away from the very source of hope and redemption they claimed to uphold.
‘If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.’ – 1 John 1:8
A Different Route
Often times the best choice isn’t one or the other strictly but rather a middle ground or balance between the two. This is one of those cases: Legalism and Antinomianism are detrimental when left to themselves, each presenting unique pitfalls that can lead individuals astray. Legalism tends to neglect grace in an unwavering pursuit of works, fostering a mindset that equates righteousness with mere rule-following, often resulting in a heavy burden of guilt for those who feel they do not measure up. On the other hand, Antinomianism dismisses the commands of Christ in favor of the liberating concept of grace, potentially encouraging a license to sin that undermines the very heart of Christian teaching. Yet, if we combine the two in a balanced approach, we tend to discover that one can genuinely maintain a loving relationship with God through adherence to His law while simultaneously resting in the assurance of grace. This careful approach would serve to safeguard us from both abusing the law over others and neglecting its significance altogether, allowing for a faith that honors God’s commandments while fully embracing His mercy.
‘If you love me, you will keep my commandments.’ John 14:15
Many conveniently label holiness as legalism because it frees them from the heavy lifting of true discipleship. They crave the perks of Christ without the burden of taking up their cross or surrendering to His lordship. Let’s wake up to the reality that following God’s law is not the enemy; it’s that outdated notion that the Law was some kind of evil that needed to go. The Law isn’t a relic; it’s a constant reminder of our desperate need for Christ. Don’t forget, we serve a triune God; the Law is just as much about Christ’s commandments as it is about God the Father’s. It’s high time we returned to a healthy fear of God, because when we genuinely fear Him, we will obey Him. Our reverence for the Lord should fuel a robust respect for His commandments. His will and character define His Law, and it morally stands forever—no matter how uncomfortable that truth may be.
A reminder that in the end our righteousness is faith in Christ because he is our righteousness. Not our works, but let it not end there, for Christ has said that our love for Him leads to our obedience. And those who abide in Him will be given the same Spirit that causes us to walk in step with His Law. Therefore, be all the more diligent when you observe Christians throwing out the Law, for perhaps they have been led astray or, even worse, not being found with the same Spirit that comes from above. While legalism alone can never achieve a relationship with God, it can be helpful in pointing us to Christ and helping us walk with Him when accompanied by Faith and Grace.
‘And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. ‘Ezekiel 36:27
“I sometimes think our definition of legalism is: ‘Anyone who takes holiness more seriously than I do.’” — Kevin DeYoung
