Clarification on the Legalism Quote

by Larry Rouse

One of the current trends in churches is for brethren to use the word "legalism" to mean a variety of things. I must admit that whenever I hear the term used by a brother today that I try to ask for clarification on what he means by the term. Often brethren cannot define it or a using it in a way to condemn a biblical faith.

Because of that it is tempting to stop using the term at all. I have decided not to pursue that path but to use it in such a way to reflect Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees. The Pharisees proudly looked upon themselves as the faithful of God when in fact they were devoted to a human sect that strictly focused on the outward and mixed God's will with man-made rules. Jesus said that their hearts were "far from me" (Mt 15:8-9) and that the love of God was not in their hearts (Jn 5:42).

Whenever I address the improper use of the term "legalism" in this website, I get feedback from some reminding me that in addition to those who want to abandon God's standard, there is a very real problem of the kind of legalism the Pharisees represented in the church today.

I just received a good e-mail from a brother expressing concerns over the quote that accompanied the latest e-mail bulletin. Consider the quote:

The bite of legalism spreads paralyzing venom into the body of Christ. Its poison blinds our eyes, dulls our edge, and arouses pride in our hearts. Soon our love is eclipsed as it turns into a mental clipboard with a long checklist.

Here is the e-mail and our brief exchange:

I regularly receive and read your Auburn Beacon and find in very informative,  however, I have a question about the "Thoughts to Ponder" on the June 12, 2011 edition.  What exactly do you define as "legalism?"  What is it that "blinds our eyes, dulls our edge, and arouses pride in our hearts?"  When our Lord said "If you love me, keep My commandments," (John 14:15; 15:10) was He being "legalistic?"  And when John wrote "This is the love of God that we keep His commandments," (1 John 5:3) was he being "legalistic?"

 

Uncertain sounds like "soon our love is eclipsed as it turns into a mental clipboard with a long checklist" concern me, as well as others who have the seen the ravages of the grace/unity movement that sets aside all but one commandment, in order to have PEACE.

 

I do hope that this was merely an oversight and that nothing of this sort was meant by this posting, but I would very much appreciate hearing from you in this regard.

 

Brotherly, 

 

Gailen Evans

My response:

Brother Evans,

I want to thank you for your good response. I believe that Legalism is one of the most abused terms in the church today. Sadly, its common usage is to ridicule a careful following of God's word. It is especially used to label men as you and I who believe in having authority for our practices as being legalistic.

Here is an outline that I have preached in may places showing this false usage of legalism:
http://www.aubeacon.com/Sermons2010/Lesson1HowDoWeViewTheBible.pdf

Here is a good article on the false definition of legalism:
http://www.aubeacon.com/Articles2009/Article_LegalismTheUnSin.htm

As how I use the term legalism, I understand it to mean a system where a human standard of outward rules are used to indicate faithful service to God and the heart is left untouched. Jesus' condemnation of the Pharisees would be the Bible example of such action (Mt 15:1-9, 23:1-36). Even in the condemnation of the Pharisees, Jesus never did condemn strictness, rather He commended it (Mt 23:23).

I am very pleased to see your response and I hope to see the response of others. Please let me know if your have any further questions!

In Christian Love,
Larry Rouse

For readers that wish to continue this discussion you may e-mail me about this on any other topic at: larryrouse@aubeacon.com

 

Other Articles Larry Rouse
Turning the Grace of God into a Carnal Weapon
Two Views of Time -- God's and Man's
Why I Left the Baptist Church
 

 

 Would you like others to read this article?

                    Please share!