Monday, December 7, 2020

Beware of Legalism


By Andrea Merrell

For it was only through this wonderful grace 
that we believed in him. Nothing we did could ever 
earn this salvation, for it was the gracious gift 
from God that brought us to Christ! 
So no one will ever be able to boast,
for salvation is never a reward for good works
or human striving. Ephesians 2:8-9 TPT

 
“I just don’t understand,” the man said. I’ve done everything required of me. Followed all the rules. What more does God want from me? What do I have to do to get His attention?”

Raised in a legalistic church, the man believed he had to “work” his way to heaven. He tried to live up to the standards set by the leaders and made it a point to dot every i and cross every t. But he still questioned his relationship with the Lord. Even his salvation.

Just like the Ten Commandments, legalism has it’s own set of thou shalt nots. The problem is these rules are man-made, not God-ordained. And God’s grace is missing from the equation.

We are not saved or rewarded by rule-keeping. And there is no way we could ever earn our salvation. God’s acceptance is not based on our performance. It’s not what we do or don’t do, it’s a matter of the heart. It’s saying yes to God’s invitation to become part of His family, then spending time building a relationship with a loving Father.

Rules are good but not when they go against the Word and cause guilt and condemnation. Receive God’s grace. And don’t allow legalism to keep you bound.

Draw close to the Lord. He's waiting for you.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)




No comments:

Post a Comment