In Galatians 5:2-6, Paul says, “Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.” What Paul is speaking of is a legalistic viewpoint of religion. In context, circumcision is referring to the Old Testament law as given to the nation of Israel.
Coming from a legalistic church upbringing, I can smell a legalist a mile away. But my approach to a legalist is changing. I don’t want to change their mind by arguing scriptural text, as much as I desire to affect their heart.
It is so easy to get caught up in the perceived do’s and don’ts of religion. What Paul calls, “the law.” It’s easy for us to think in these terms, as it is the way of human nature. Do the right thing, get rewarded. Do the wrong thing and get punished. And let’s face it; God has his hand in furthering this belief.
His hand in the Old Testament dealings with the nation of Israel point this out. Israel transgresses against God, and the next thing you know they are taken captive and enslaved for 40 years. While this may be historical and biblical fact, we must of course remember the special relationship that God had with the nation of Israel. God made a deal, a covenant with the Israelites assuring them that this is the way things would happen. In a moment of spiritual weakness thinking that their will power and intestinal fortitude might be enough to carry the day, that within their own strength that they (the Israelites) could easily follow those rules and regulations (and having little or no intent to be lead by the Spirit), they agreed to God’s terms.
As believers today, God has offered us a new deal. A New Covenant if you will. This deal is not one of legalism based on rights and wrongs, but one of, “Love and be loved,” in spite of any baggage or sin that you show up with, you can find rest in him.
There is also another offer. You may also choose to do things exactly the way you want to, and, with a guaranteed no interference clause from God. In the end, contrary to some points of view, you make the decision, not God. Scripture refers to salvation, redemption and our eternity with God (in whole or in part) as a gift (Luke 11:13, John 4:10, Acts 2:38, Romans 1:11, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 9:15, Ephesians 2:8, Hebrews 6:4, and more). A gift is not a gift if it is forced upon someone or if an individual is not given the choice to take it or leave it. In that case it is a mandate. Freely it has been given (I Corinthians 2:12).
To me not only understanding, but accepting and living in that gift that God has given us through his son, that gift that is salvation, is easy to wrap my brain around. Again, our human nature sometimes fights against this because it understands the good rewards for good behavior theme. However, I find hope and rest in taking God’s gift for what it is – a gift. Once I progressed spiritually, and began to understand this, to make the mental transition from legalism to grace, I know that not only is this where God meant me (and all of us) to be, but it is where I want to be! I revel in the fact that I, in an incomplete state of sanctification, and still in this fleshly body that at times overcomes my spirit, he still accepts me, knowing my failures, and beckons me to his side. Onto his lap, arms wrapped around me. What could be better than that!?
Paul however, knows that we are weak. That a simple understanding based on reward and punishment is appealing to some, and the only way of life that many know. Paul also knows that this appeal is universal, and will attract even those who have already committed their lives to Jesus.
In his heart of hearts, Paul knows this is not only a problem, but that it can be ruinous to our faith and to our future. He knows that many will still be attracted by legalism, buried under the burden of rights and wrongs, and also knows that many others will be attracted to pointing out the failure of others in judgmental fashion. This is perhaps even a bigger concern and what Paul truly addresses here.
Here Paul rightly points out something that I had not understood prior to a recent devotional study on this text. We know we can wrongly judge people who still choose or seem to choose to live under the law. Living in such a way that their good deeds, or their ability to follow a set of rules and regulations are what makes them acceptable and appealing to God is a dead end. It cannot be done. Our works are like filthy rags to God when compared to his perfect holiness. But when we judge people for this theology in their life we join them in their legalism.
Being a judge over someone is to be part of a legalistic system. Judges are part of the legal system, are they not? There is but one righteous judge, and it is not you or me, or any other person living today. It is God in Heaven waiting to have us join him by invitation. Remember, this invitation is a free gift. In the same manner, the person who chooses to live worrying about their good deeds outweighing their bad deeds, regardless of what they want to call it, is in a legalistic system of faith. Funny thing is, legalism requires no faith at all, just a cerebral understanding of something humanistic and temporal, which is why it is rejected by God.
It is wrong to get caught up as Paul describes in legalism. When you do so, be you the willing participant or the judge, you are estranged from Christ! This is a warning that cannot be given enough credence. If we do so, we have fallen away from grace, and find ourselves estranged from Christ. Us, who are seeking to win others to Christ, instantly find ourselves in the legalistic system He so abhorred.
We must be filled with grace, and balance that live with a desire to see people grow in Christ. As Christians we need to invite people to Christ, regardless of their station in life or any real or perceived sin they may be struggling with. We simply need to make sure that invitation gets delivered, and introduce them to the author of it. After that, we love, encourage, and remind them as they grow in faith that much is to be expected – including a changed life for Christ.
