Webster
defines a legalist as one who is strict in adhering to law. I take it
that this has reference to the law under which he lives. We should think
that if the one who claimed to conform to the demands of the law, yet
disregarded it when it did not suit him, would come short of his claim.
There may
be many laws that we do not regard as so very important, and few people
may know about them. There are other laws that seem so very important
and are kept ever before us. For example: traffic laws. We are reminded
of them often all along the road. The speed limit differs in states. I
have been told by brethren who do not want to abide by it that it is
alright to exceed it if you will stay within ten miles of it. I have
never yet been told by brethren that it is resisting the power, and
withstanding the ordinance of God.
(Rom. 13:2)
We gather
from this that people do what they want to do regardless of the law. I
have often wondered how one could successfully teach men to obey God's
law while at the same time is disobedient to civil law. I wonder if
those who would add ten miles to a civil law, would not add what suited
them to God's law. I have heard brethren reason like this: "Where do we
have scripture for a meeting house?" I have tried to figure out why they
would make such a statement. I have decided that it is a way of saying
that you don't have to stay within the limits of God's law. They do not
explain that God commanded His people to assemble, and to carry out the
command necessitated a place. I have heard asked: "Where is the passage
for a microphone?" When I hear such statements without any explanation,
I decide one is trying to practice in the name of religion things not
commanded of God. Is not this the argument? If we can use a house to
meet in not commanded, why not use something else that is even more
effective?
Such
reasoning will destroy every command of God. It will place sprinkling
for baptism. It will change the worship commanded of God. We would do
well to believe God. "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of
God."
(1 Pet. 4:11)
Mary said of Jesus, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."
Other
Articles
The
Martyr Complex
Moral
Holiness
A People of Principle
A Perversion of Biblical Faith
Larimore and Tant
Mark These People
The Door of Hope
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