Dictionary of Bible Themes Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8700 Threats to the life of faith » 8774 legalism The belief that salvation demands or depends upon total obedience to the letter of the law. Examples of legalism include an excessive concern for minute details of the law coupled with a neglect of its funadmental concerns, and a preoccupation with human legal traditions. Legalism represents a fatal misunderstanding of the purpose of OT law Romans 9:31-32 See also Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:10-11 Legalism is contrary to the gospel Galatians 2:16 See also Matthew 23:13,15; Romans 3:20-24; Philippians 3:8-9 Paul: example of a Jewish legalist Philippians 3:4-6 See also Galatians 1:14 The ugly effects of legalism Lack of love Matthew 23:23 Legalism actually contradicts the spirit of OT law. See also Hosea 6:6; Micah 6:7-8; Matthew 23:14 fn; Luke 10:31-32; John 7:49 Spiritual pride Luke 18:11-12 See also Matthew 6:1-2,5,16; Matthew 23:5-7; Luke 16:15; Romans 10:3 Formalism Isaiah 29:13 See also Mark 7:6 Degeneration into man-made rules Isaiah 29:13 See also Mark 7:7-8 Hypocrisy Matthew 23:27-28 See also 1 Samuel 15:19-22; Matthew 15:3-9 pp Mark 7:9-13; Matthew 23:25-26; John 7:19 Spiritual blindness Warnings against legalism Matthew 16:6 pp Mark 8:15 See also Matthew 16:12; Galatians 4:10-11; Galatians 5:2-4 The burden of legalism Acts 15:10 See also Psalm 130:3; James 2:10 The answer to legalism: the grace of Jesus Christ Acts 15:11 See also Matthew 5:17; Galatians 3:13; Galatians 4:21-31; Ephesians 2:8-9 See also
5108 Paul, life of |
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