LEGALISM IS LETHAL
Legalism has several serious problems: (1) pretending that we can measure up to God by keeping rules we have written, (2) trying to create morality from the outside rather than the inside, (3) Focusing on cultural conformity instead of biblical spirituality. and (4) judging others because they don’t fit rules. Legalism also promotes dogmatism. We tend to turn our experiences into convictions, and our convictions into impositions on others. Legalism may become so strong that almost every issue becomes divisive. Sermons and articles on legalism usually cite ridiculous examples, such as standards on chewing gum. That’s because emotions about alcohol, dancing, theater, and smoking run so strong that many of us can’t get past the examples to discuss the biblical principles that govern our choices. From The Trouble with Legalism, by Leith Anderson
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