What Is Legalism?

Legalism is a part of human life and all pervasive in our culture. Most of us experienced or experience it in our families of origin. Churches often are guilty as well.

Legalism, for the purpose of this site and ministry,  is trying to gain God's love and acceptance by: 1)"obedience"; 2) tithing; 3) prayer time; 4) "law keeping" or anything other than faith and the personal relationship with Jesus which will follow.

Legalism is a current problem today and most of us have been touched by it. As stated in the Life Application Bible note on Colossians 2:23 "Legalism still attracts many people today. Following a long list of religious rules requires strong self-discipline and can make a person appear moral, but religious rules cannot change a person's heart. Only the Holy Spirit can do that."

By helping people move out of legalism and recover from its wounds, we are helping add joy and peace to their (our) lives. Again from the LAB, the note on Galatians 4:15 "Have you lost your joy? Paul sensed that the Galatians had lost the joy of their salvation because of legalism. Legalism can take away joy because (1) it makes people feel guilty rather than loved; (2) it produces self-hatred rather than humility; (3) it stresses performance over relationship; (4) it points out how far short we fall rather than how far we have come because of what Christ did for us. If you feel guilty and inadequate, check your focus. Are you living by faith in Christ or by trying to live up to the demands and expectations of others?" Note: The book of Galatians is devoted entirely to the subject of legalism. Romans and Hebrews and other books of the New Testament address it as well.