LEGALISM checklist: Mark 2:13-3:6 (SS)

LEGALISM checklist:

( from http://www.freefromlegalism.com)

What is legalism? It is any attempt to earn approval from God with our imperfect actions, rather than accepting and being pleased with the approval that he freely offers us because Jesus has earned it for us with his perfect sacrifice.

Legalism is strict adherence to law, especially to the letter rather than the spirit

Legalism is idolatrous, setting up an independent standard of law as the basis of rightness, rather than God's righteousness.

Legalism is particularly dangerous because it can look ``holy''.

In grace God is glorified, in legalism man takes the credit

Legalism makes religion a burden rather than a joy.

Legalism is trying to help God—when He doesn't need the help.

Legalism thinks that more rules are needed.
Not happy with the restrictions that are given by God, legalists feel compelled to come up with new ones.

Legalism is a religion of mere outward show. Legalism takes advantage of people's fears and insecurities to manipulate them into supporting the traditions of men. Guilt is the chief tactic of legalism.

Legalism is the basis of religion that binds people up, and ties them back, to rules, regulations and rituals, thus enslaving them to the sin of self-effort.

Legalists try to impose "matters of conscience" (or private opinions) on others.

Legalism's Effect on the Individual Believer

• It can easily cause feelings of self-righteousness
• It can cause a person to consider others as being less Christian or less spiritual if they don't follow a particular rule or list of rules
• It can and will quench joy in the life of the believer
• It can blind us to the reality of God's grace in the life of a believer.
• It can make an individual divisive and condemning.