Legalism: a Smokescreen
(The following is from a booklet written by DR. MIKE ALLISON)
Is the term "LEGALISM" used as an excuse to circumvent the Bible doctrines of separation?
Is the term "LEGALISM" used to intimidate those who preach and practice a valid scriptural principle?
Many sincere Christians feel the matter of holy living is strictly between the individual believer and God, and no one should set standards of dress and conduct.
Other equally sincere Christians believe it is right and necessary to maintain definite standards.
One group calls the other "compromising", while the other group answers with the tag of "legalist".
In this booklet, Dr. Mike Allison discusses the problems. He clarifies the issue of Biblical definitions and gives guidelines for proper Christian attitudes.
Legalism: a Smokescreen
We have an interesting but sad thing that has happened among evangelical churches these days. An exodus from standards for living has taken place. Preachers now preach that standards are a matter of "personal conviction." "If you think something is wrong for you, it is wrong. If you think it is all right, then it is all right."
It has become a common occurrence to hear preachers denounce those who preach standards by calling them 'legalists." A preacher from California recently cried out, while preaching on Galatians 5:1-5; "I hate legalism" (referring to those who preach about standards for living). Another chided preachers for making such a big deal over "regional convictions."
If I am against something they are not against, I am branded a legalist. If I am against something they are also against, we are "separatists."
Legalism has become the compromiser's excuse to circumvent the Word of God. This is a phrase often used by those who think right and wrong is simply a matter of personal choice. "I'm not convicted about it yet." Statements like this sound spiritual; they please the ears of those who have been wanting to indulge in things Christians have stood against for years, but demonstrate a lack of Bible knowledge concerning the law and its importance to the child of God.
Webster's New World Dictionary defines legalism as a "strict adherence to the law." However, theological legalism would have a different definition. Theological legalism is a strict adherence to the law as a means to be saved or keep salvation. Simply, any addition of works by man to the finished work of Christ to bring or keep salvation is legalism.
I. THE PROBLEM WITH THE LAW
The book of Galatians was written to combat theological legalism. Following Paul from place to place were groups of men who taught that simple faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ was not enough to be saved. They taught that circumcision and strict adherence to the law were essential to salvation. Many in the Galatian churches had…
Questions for Bible Believers (updated, clarified & revised)
In this verse, the Bible tells us clearly that Christians are to "be not drunk with wine". I have several questions to ask ourselves.
1. If this means it is OK to drink so long as we don't get intoxicated, how can we follow this command without actually breaking it? Would we not have to first get intoxicated to find out where the line was?
2. Who would be more strict about drink? God or the government?
http://www.askaboutalcohol.ie/alcohol-and-driving/
3. Since this verse specifically says "wine", Does that mean it is OK to be drunk with hard liquor or beer? Would this apply to marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs or not?
4. According to this verse, can a Christian be "filled with the Holy Spirit" while they are drunk?
Email your comments… [email protected]
Read the rest of the article…
Will We Repeat History?
Is a “Little Anger” OK?
I had given my message on “ANGER THE DESTROYER” at a church and was standi
Wow! Where do I start in answering that?!
I assured him that I knew what it was like to use anger when… Read the rest of the article…
Jesus Did, or Didn't, Do Enough On The Cross?
When approaching a verse like this, one must first realise that there are difficult verses in the Bible. The Apostle Peter stated in 2 Peter 3:16, "As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” So there are going to be… Read the rest of the article…
Is the Septuagint a Corrupted Text? Answer: Yes
(Read more about the Septuagint here)
The Septuagint is a Greek version of the Hebrew Old Testament text, translated between 250-160 B.C. Modern scholars believe that this is a superior text and used by Jesus and the Apostles, but these are all assumptions. What do the facts truly say? Read the rest of the article…
Brilliant Bible Reading System
Read the rest of the article…
Only One Life...
Two little lines I heard one day,
Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart,
And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, twill soon be past,
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, yes only one,
Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet,
And stand before…
Modern Day Pharisees
Read the rest of the article…
Depressed Christians
The following quote by Charles Haddon Spurgeon is from the Metropolitan Tabernacle Pulpit, 1881, vol. 27, p. 1595:
"I know that wise brethren say, 'You should not give way to feelings of depression.'...
