We live in a world that is governed by laws. When a law is broken, there will be consequences for breaking the law, whether it is a fine to be paid, service to perform, jail time, or even death. In a very similar way, God has always had laws for those He created. When His law is broken, there are consequences that follow. For instance, when the angels chose to sin (breaking God’s heavenly law) they were cast down to Torments (2 Pet. 2:4). When Adam and Eve chose to break God’s law in the garden, they brought death into the world and were driven out of the garden and away from the tree of life (Gen. 3:6,24). Furthermore, when Nadab and Abihu broke God’s law in worship, they were punished with immediate death (Lev. 10:1,2). All the wicked kings of Israel and even Judah who forgot God’s law came to ruin and even made God’s people to suffer the consequences of sin (1 Kings 16:19-31; 2 Chr. 28:2; 33:2-22). Then, when Jesus came, He brought a new law (Heb. 7:12; 8:7-13). As with all laws, the Law of Christ (Gal. 6:2) has consequences when it is broken—spiritual death (1 John 3:4; Rom. 6:23).
With this in mind, the church of Christ is sometimes called, “legalistic.” The idea is that there is too much of an emphasis on keeping God’s law rather than grace and love. Some would say the church should focus more on “getting along” with other religions than emphasizing the importance of keeping God’s Law in worship, fellowship, and personal life. But, how can anyone expect to receive God’s blessings without being loyal to His commands? It is clear that God only blesses His people when they are obedient (Deu. 28:2; Rev. 22:14). It is also clear that the New Testament is a law (Rom. 8:2; Gal. 6:2; James 1:25). Therefore, when a person obeys the commands of the New Testament Law, that is when he will be blessed. If not, the eternal consequences of punishment will follow (John 12:48; Luke 12:43-48).
In the end, legalism is not looking to the Scriptures for authority and using the New Testament for doctrine and practice—that is simply “holding fast the faithful word” as God desires (Titus 1:9). However, if a person is making laws for God and acting as a modern day “Pharisee” then a true legalistic mindset has taken over (Mat. 23:23). A righteous person will see that God has a law to follow, under His grace, and carefully follow after Him in loving obedience (John 1:17; 14:15; Mat. 5:20; Rom. 6:14).
~Derrick Coble
With this in mind, the church of Christ is sometimes called, “legalistic.” The idea is that there is too much of an emphasis on keeping God’s law rather than grace and love. Some would say the church should focus more on “getting along” with other religions than emphasizing the importance of keeping God’s Law in worship, fellowship, and personal life. But, how can anyone expect to receive God’s blessings without being loyal to His commands? It is clear that God only blesses His people when they are obedient (Deu. 28:2; Rev. 22:14). It is also clear that the New Testament is a law (Rom. 8:2; Gal. 6:2; James 1:25). Therefore, when a person obeys the commands of the New Testament Law, that is when he will be blessed. If not, the eternal consequences of punishment will follow (John 12:48; Luke 12:43-48).
In the end, legalism is not looking to the Scriptures for authority and using the New Testament for doctrine and practice—that is simply “holding fast the faithful word” as God desires (Titus 1:9). However, if a person is making laws for God and acting as a modern day “Pharisee” then a true legalistic mindset has taken over (Mat. 23:23). A righteous person will see that God has a law to follow, under His grace, and carefully follow after Him in loving obedience (John 1:17; 14:15; Mat. 5:20; Rom. 6:14).
~Derrick Coble