SATURDAY February 20, 2021

Legalism and the Law

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14

Today the orthodox Jews obediently keep the Mosaic Law. They believe they are doing what is necessary in order to win divine approval for salvation. Understand, to be under the curse of the Law is to be subject to God’s wrath and condemnation. To continue in the Law will bring forth death. The letter of the Law kills, but the grace of God gives liberty. A person would have to obey every single commandment in order to become perfect. No one can do that! Someone who fails to obey the Law perfectly becomes the recipient of God’s divine wrath.

When people are trying to keep the letter of the Law through tradition, they live a life of legalism and bondage. I have found that churches that are legalistic bring people into bondage with their rules. People want to be free in Christ, but some teachers and pastors teach their congregations the letter of the Law. They do not teach them Christian liberty––sad. Legalism will turn people away from God. This is exactly what the Jews were doing to the believers in Galatia. Paul had to step in and defend the doctrine of grace and justification by faith.

I honestly feel sorry for people who are constantly trying to work for their salvation. They cannot be saved by works because salvation is all of faith! Faith brings us to the same place as Abraham, to a faith that “accounts us righteous” before God. Remember, it is not our righteousness, but Christ’s righteousness that saves us!

What is another purpose of Christ’s coming? That through faith, the Gentiles might also receive the promise of the Holy Spirit. God baptizes us with His Holy Spirit by faith. His Spirit dwells in us.

The heart of the gospel is redemption, and the essence of redemption is the substitutionary sacrifice of Christ.
~C.H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!