Legalism abounds in the Christian church today. There are whole denominations that are legalistic, and within more “moderate” churches, there are legalistic individuals. You know, the ones who tell you it’s “sinful” to wear those clothes to church, or women should not wear slacks to church, because that’s men’s clothing etc.
The list of legalistic practices includes (but is not limited to):
We should not: play cards
Go to the movies
Eat certain foods
Drink alcohol
Smoke cigarettes
We should: keep the Sabbath
Practise tithing
Call Jesus Yeshua.
I am not saying we should or should not do these things. That’s up to us and our conscience. But will these things of themselves bring us salvation? Noooooooo.
It all boils down to salvation. Is it by grace, or by works? Can we bring about (even in a small way) our own salvation? What does the Bible say? Ephesians 2: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
But doesn’t it also say that works must accompany faith? Indeed. James 2: 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. James also says, 2: 26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
And there is the key. The spirit. When we come to the Lord, after He calls us, we repent. And then we are filled with the Holy Spirit, and made a new creation, and given a new heart. BECAUSE we have the Spirit, we produce works. HIS works. Notice the order. He calls, we respond. He fills us with His Spirit, we produce His works. It is not we do such and such and therefore God gives us salvation.
What sort of works do we do? GOOD works! We love each other. We love our enemies. We care for the unfortunate. Selfless acts of unconditional love, just as He has loved us. Not look at me works, because I’m so good. Look at me wearing my best clothes to church, but I won’t give my old clothes to the old lady down the road, she’s a bit smelly. I won’t help her take her old dog to the vets, because the dog might be sick in the car.
Do you see the difference? Selfless as opposed to selfrighteous? Do you see the difference in the type of spirit behind the works?
And then we come to what we do (or don’t do) will hasten Christ’s return! Really? If we can’t save ourselves by our perfection, what iota of difference can we make to the Second Coming! Yes, I think it will be soon. The Bible lists lots of warning signs, and this world is in a mess! But NOWHERE does the Bible say what we do will hasten His coming.
So, dear reader, live each day for the Lord. Do His good works. Matt 5: 16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so thatbthey may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
And live as though He will come today. I’m ready. Are you?
Light of Christ 