
Freedom From Legalism

1. LEGALISM concerning SALVATION- REGENERATION! (Before we are saved)
(Gal 2:16)
“16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
And again to the Church of Rome!
(Rom 10:3,4)
“For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”
And again to Titus.
(Titus 3:4-7)
“4But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Even though we do not say it, today it appears that people profess to be saved but when pressed on how a person is saved, “GOOD WORKS” & not being a “BAD PERSON” seem to be the answer. The trust is secretly in SELF….Self righteousness instead of Christ righteousness. Unfortunately, living in the Bible Belt, most people have either heard some Scripture relating to salvation or can quote verses or at least partly quote verses. This artificial and superficial SALVATION leads to a lifestyle not measuring up to the New Testament description of one who is BORN AGAIN with a New Nature.
Has there been a CHANGE?
Do you have assurance?
Is God’s Spirit bearing witness with your spirit that you are a child of God?
2. LEGALISM concerning SANCTIFICATION! (After we are saved)
(Gal 2:21-3:4)
“1I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
“…O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? 2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?”
Conclusion: Have you embraced LEGALISM and just did not know it? Why not now bow your head and confess it to the Lord? Trust Jesus. And Him alone. Have you failed to recognize that the person of the Holy Spirit wants to express His life THROUGH you? Why not right now surrender to His POWER? Then thank Him for His mighty work! Any one of us can be caught in a LEGALISTIC trap at any time.
Love y’all,