Christian Legalism

Legalism means rules and regulations set up for church followers to strictly observe.

Legalism is a big problem in many churches, who make their own rules which are not there in the Word of God. Those who are under this bondage think that if they follow such rules they will inherit the kingdom of God by their efforts. We inherit the kingdom of God not observing any set of rules but by believing in Christ, dying to sin, crucifying our bodies and taking on the new transformation through the Spirit. The spirit of God helps us overcome sin.

As Christian we cannot be able to please God unless we subject ourselves to His will, which is the will of the Spirit of God. Therefore, when a Christian has subjected to the Holy Spirit he will be controlled by the Holy Spirit who will enable him live righteously  by doing  the will of the Holy spirit. 

Christians should be taught how to love God, so that the Spirit of God will help them overcome sin. Jesus died not for a religion but He died so that we can have an intimate relationship with Him. Jesus died so that the human race would no longer use set of rules of dos and don'ts, but to entirely depend on Him to overcome sin.

Legalists are usually critical, they are separatism; They are too high to be in a certain group. They are judgmental towards others.

Christians should be taught on how the love of God works. The bible says that our own righteousness is like filthy rugs before God. There is no way we can work hard to attain the righteousness that God requires of us and that is why He gave Jesus as solution for our deliverance.

Don’t be quick to tell people what is wrong with them, but give them time to be able to handle the truth as you speak it. Let the spirit of truth guide that person to all truth and transmit everything to the person from God. This is because if we tell people what is wrong with them, they may take it the wrong way or even hate salvation, but the moment we let truth enter their hearts, then they will be set free because the bible says that you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.

So, instead of using legalism as way to trying to justify ourselves before God or trying to judge others, let love be used as the only weapon to win people to Christ and even to help sustain Christians in Christ.

Legalism is dangerous because it traps the victim into a vicious cycle, whereas the victim thinks he is doing the right thing. Christians should vigilantly read the Word of God so that they are aware of what the word of God says about every situation.

John 1:17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
This verse shows that Christians should not allow themselves to be under slavery of the law because Jesus delivered us from the curse of the law. Instead, Christians should receive the grace and the truth that came though Jesus Christ under the new covenant. The only way Christians can obey God fully is by following the law of the Spirit of God and not the laws set by human beings