Legalism is one of the most dangerous distortions of the gospel, both for those outside the faith seeking salvation and for those already saved who are living under unnecessary burdens. It arises when people believe that God’s favor and salvation can be earned by following a set of rules, or when personal convictions are elevated to universal mandates for all believers. The Bible speaks clearly against such practices, emphasizing grace, freedom in Christ, and the simplicity of the gospel.
Legalism as a Means of Salvation
The foundational truth of Christianity is that salvation cannot be earned. Ephesians 2:8-9 states:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
This verse eliminates any notion that human effort or obedience to a set of laws could merit salvation. Salvation is a gift from God, given because of His love and mercy, not because of our performance. Romans 3:20 reinforces this:
“Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
Legalism, particularly in the context of salvation, often stems from a misunderstanding of the purpose of the Law. The Law was given to reveal humanity’s sinfulness and point us to the need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24). It was never intended to be the means by which people earned God’s favor.
Loving God and Honoring Him Out of Gratitude
True Christianity flows from a heart transformed by God’s love. 1 John 4:19 reminds us:
“We love Him because He first loved us.”
Our obedience to God is not a way to earn His love but a response to the love He has already shown us. Jesus said in John 14:15:
“If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
Notice the order: love for Jesus comes first, and obedience follows as the natural result of that love. This is the difference between legalism and true faith—one seeks to earn love, while the other responds to love already given.
Legalism Among Saved Christians
While salvation is by grace through faith, legalism often sneaks into the church in the form of imposing manmade rules or personal convictions on others. Jesus directly confronted this issue with the Pharisees, who prioritized their traditions over God’s commandments. In Mark 7:6-9, Jesus said:
“Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written:
‘This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me,
Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men.”
This passage is a stern warning against substituting human traditions for God’s Word. Traditions, even when well-intentioned, can lead to bondage and division within the body of Christ when they are treated as divine mandates.
Examples of Modern Legalism
Paul dealt with similar issues in the early church, particularly regarding dietary laws, holy days, and other practices rooted in the Mosaic Law. In Romans 14:5-6, he writes:
“One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it.”
Paul’s point is that Christians have freedom in Christ and should not judge one another over matters of personal conviction (Romans 14:10-13). The same principle applies today. Examples of modern legalism include:
Requiring women to wear dresses as a sign of holiness, though Scripture emphasizes modesty rather than specific clothing styles (1 Timothy 2:9-10).
Insisting that Christians abstain from certain foods, even though Paul makes it clear that all foods are clean in Christ (1 Timothy 4:3-4; Colossians 2:16-17).
Rejecting modern Christian music, despite the Bible’s encouragement to sing to the Lord with a new song (Psalm 96:1).
When such personal convictions are treated as universal rules, they divide the church and distract from the gospel.
Freedom in Christ
Paul repeatedly emphasized the freedom believers have in Christ. Galatians 5:1 says:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
This liberty is not a license to sin but freedom from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor through works. Colossians 2:20-23 warns against asceticism and manmade rules that have “an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion” but are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.
Balancing Freedom and Responsibility
While we are free in Christ, Paul also reminds us not to use our freedom in a way that causes others to stumble. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, he writes:
“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.”
Our freedom should be exercised in love, always seeking to build up the body of Christ rather than causing division.
My Final Thoughts
Legalism is a trap that distorts the gospel and robs Christians of the joy and freedom found in Christ. Whether it takes the form of earning salvation through works or imposing manmade rules on others, legalism shifts the focus from God’s grace to human effort. True Christianity flows from a heart that loves God and desires to honor Him—not to earn His love, but because we are already loved.
As believers, we must guard against legalism in our own lives and in our churches, remembering that Christ has set us free. We must also extend grace to one another, allowing for differences in personal convictions while holding fast to the essentials of the faith. Let us worship and serve God in spirit and truth, free from the bondage of manmade traditions, and motivated by His love.
