Legalism Is Anti-Biblical
"See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." - Colossians 2:8
One reason fundamentalist Christians are so resented is because some fundamentalists have added to scripture. Throughout the years, we have seen certain legalisms permeate many demonations. There have been zealous Baptists who declared dancing and all use of alcoholic beverages by adults to be evil; even going to Disney World (due to their endorsement of gay pride days in Central Florida).
You see, every denomination grabs hold of certain legalisms with the best of intentions. Some Methodists make "being nice" the supreme virtue; some Episcopalians have redefined tolerance as the ultimate value; some Presbyterians legalistically embrace Calvinism over the Bible; some Pentecostals insist that speaking in tongues for all believers is required; Catholics have a whole boat-load of legalisms; and Lutherans have their "red door." Of course, there are no greater legalists today than the secular legalists who espouse political correctness. They have become the Gestapo when it comes to enduring select legalisms of their choice. Well-intentioned people feel there is a need to add to scripture and not trust scripture to be enough.
Understand that man-made legalisms are an insult to God and to His Word. It's like saying the Bible is incomplete and we have the knowledge to correct the scriptures on what is right and wrong. In fact, we are getting into some very scary territory when we do that. God's Word plainly says, "Every word of God is pure; he is a shield to those who put their trust in Him." Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar (Proverbs 30:5-6).
Whew! That's strong! The Word of God is enough.
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7 Comments
Wow ! This is so true. My family has come out of a very fundamental church that had a lot of "rules", even some regarding certain items of clothing, etc. What bothered me more than the "rules", was the haughtiness of those that followed the "rules" toward those that did not. The "rules" become their idols and they basically worship them. But, they would never see it in that light. Only after we were out of that church, could we see it. - JM
So very true. The Word is sufficient. We don't need man's rules. I really believe those rules can hinder people from experiencing the grace of God. I don't know why people like rules so much? - Austin
The major thing I felt about being a Lutheran was there was more interest in fighting over traditions than studying and following God's Word. I also felt we had a tendency to put Martin Luther almost on the same level as Jesus Christ. We can all get so caught up in worrying about denomination over the pure basics...worship, the Bible, love of others. - Melanie
Thank you for this addressing this. It is man's nature to want to make things his way instead of His way. When we add to His word we are trying to put ourselves on the same level with God. - leila
I hope this devotion goes around the world because it is so true. Many people need to see this because they are caught up in their own little rules of how things ought to be to be included as one of God's children. A long time ago my husband told me he had noticed how certain denominations were accepting of certain vices of people so people just gravitated to a church on that basis. If a person drank, they might become a Catholic instead of a Baptist, etc. This is all based on the effects of legalism. It would be interesting to see the change of faces in the churches if people imposed rules took a back seat to God's true word. - Janice
Legalism is a slippery slope usually entered by well meaning Christians. Most of the legalism(rules) are indeed founded on scripture. Sometimes the legalism is founded on a shred of scripture instead of the entire intention of the "Word". Paul's writings can even be made to contradict themselves if you only use shreds of his scripture instead of understanding his writings in the context of who and when they were writtten. In fact, although I agree with this message, I feel that the verse this message is based on is addressing fending off "rules of the world" rather than well intentioned legalism wrought from scripture. - Bobby
My dear friends in christ i donot believe in denomnation because they man made.My believe is in our LORD JESUS CHRIST.He gave HIS life for my sins and died on the CROSS taking all my sins upopn him and rose on the third day and sitted at the right of GOD THE FATHER interseding for me.I was also told by a pastor that i cannont go to other CHRIST believing chucrh because they are different denomnation and i will be lead in wrong path.I had a pastor saying out and saying a scripture all wrong.Instead of saying 2or3 are gathered in MY name there HE is,pasator was saying where 1or 2 are gathered.When i corrected the pastor he got angry at me.YOU GOTTA KNOW THE words of GOD and know it right. - jesse singh