Legalism (Part 2)

The last time I wrote on this issue I attempted to define legalism and draw some conclusions as to what it is and what it is not. I reiterate that hen most people use the word they do not really know the meaning behind it. I like what Professor Leroy F. Forlines said in The Quest for Truth:

“A person is not a legalist simply because he has deep convictions or because he may have a list. What makes it legalism is when he attempts to turn his list into laws and let the laws do the work. He does not ground them in substance.”

Bro. Forlines pointed out in his book Biblical Ethics, that this type of legalism is soteriological which simply means depending on our works to save us. In other words, the actual do’s and don’ts are viewed as the source of righteousness. Of course, Christ Jesus is the source of our righteousness. Any other foundation is insufficient.

In this issue I want to expand into the area of ethical legalism that branches off into long-list legalism and short-list legalism. Both varieties are common. Ethical legalism has to do with how we view and express righteous action in our lives. What is the basis of our ethical obligations as Christians?

Long-List Legalism

I well remember a good friend of mine telling me about his aunts who were of another denominational persuasion. They both were committed Christians and dedicated to the Lord. He said not only would they ask the blessing over their meals, but even if they got a drink of water during the day. The number of things on our list, or the rigid nature of the particular things on our list does not define New Testament obedience. In other words, when we start doing things or not doing things just to show we are obedient, with no biblical principle guiding our actions, then it is ethical legalism. There is little or no substance to our actions. Our motivation should be an expression of gratitude and love for Jesus Christ and a deep desire to worship and honor Him. But ethical obedience is more than motivation; it is also a spiritual, wise understanding ,and practice of true discipleship.

Short-List Legalism

Let’s say a group of children are playing a kid’s game. Things are going well until one of the children kicks the ball in an odd way or executes a play in an abnormal fashion. Anyway, the result is that he makes a point for himself or his team. Now, the other team challenges his actions. I can almost hear them yell, “That’s not legal! That’s not fair! That’s against the rules!” The child then turns and says very firmly, “Show me in the rules where it says I can’t do it that way!” In essence, that is short-list legalism. When someone has to have a stated regulation against something or a specific command to carry out an act of obedience, it can rightly be labeled short-list legalism.

This variety of legalism perverts the biblical view of Christian liberty. It fails to operate in the realm of principled New Testament Christianity. Short-list legalism usually seeks to justify sins not specifically stated in the Bible. Also, it has been my experience that short-list legalists tend to be the most vocal critics of people who hold to convictions and standards. They cry, “Show me where in the Bible is says I have to do that!” or “Just take me to the verse where Scripture says I can’t do what I am doing.” In my opinion, this type of legalism is the most prominent in Christian circles today. It is very destructive.

Both types of legalism, to whatever degree they are manifested in the lives of people who call themselves Christians, frustrate those who would consider Christianity. I also believe that these issues can affect Christians. They rob us of a true focus on Christ Jesus. They wrench the joy that comes from obeying Christ. One side plunges us into a self-centered compliance into an unforgiving ethical system. The other leads us to careless and permissive behavior that is equally as self-centered but in a different way.

I am reminded of the words of the ancient prophet who foretold of the day when through Christ, God would enable His people to be set free from any form of legalism and would offer them the privilege of living an abundant life of principled obedience.
“But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. ” (Jeremiah 31:33)

I have presented the outward poles of two aberrant views that plague the Church. There are those who fall into the extremes of either type of legalism. But I also believe that many of us can be tempted to lean in one way or the other. I certainly don’t know all the answers, but I do think that foremost protection against legalism is first an unbridled love for Christ and secondly, an accurate understanding of what it means to be justified and sanctified through union with Christ Jesus. May God, through Christ, write His law and His will in our hearts so that we ourselves may know, and other may see, that He is our God and we are His people.