Legalism––What does the Bible say? How can a Christian avoid legalism?

from the old testament

• It is important not to fear legalism to the point that we tolerate sin and lawlessness. Instead, we should all depend on God to help us walk in God’s ways—according to the truth (Micah 6:8).

from the new testament

• One of the main reasons for legalism is a misunderstanding of the purpose of the Mosaic law. Upon a cursory reading, it does seem that the Law is meant to be followed. But upon closer reading of the biblical texts, it becomes clear that the Law was given specifically to the nation of Israel in that time period. It includes provisions related to living holy lives to reflect God, worshipping Him in the tabernacle, and civil code to live as a community within that society. Ultimately, the Law is a reflection of God’s character and intended to demonstrate the need for Christ (Galatians 3:19–22). The Law itself was never able to save.
• Hebrews 10:1 says that “the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities.” Now that Jesus has come, the Old Testament law has been fulfilled (Matthew 5:17). Jesus has ushered in a better covenant, as was prophesied in the Old Testament (Hebrews 8; cf. Jeremiah 31:31–34).
• Galatians 3:24–26 explains, “the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
• The reality that the Mosaic law is not binding on believers does not mean that it serves no purpose (2 Timothy 3:16–17) or that believers are not expected to live holy lives through the power of the Holy Spirit (Philippians 2:12–13; 1 Peter 1). Galatians 5:13–14 explains, “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” Paul goes on to contrast the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, which “is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22–23).
• Jesus called out the Pharisees for legalism, saying: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). He also told them that while they were careful to tithe even their spices, they had “neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others” (Matthew 23:23).
• The early church recognized that salvation was not linked to provisions of the Mosaic law like circumcision (Acts 15).
• The New Testament epistles speak against legalism in several places (e.g., Galatians 2:11–14; 1 Corinthians 10:23–33; Romans 14; 1 Timothy 4:1–5).
• Rules against drinking alcohol, dancing, avoiding certain books or movies, or certain social activities are an especially good way for legalism to spread. This was happening within the Galatian church, and Paul reprimanded them, saying "O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:1–3). Just as salvation is by God’s grace through faith (Ephesians 2:1–10), sanctification is ultimately a work of the Spirit, not an endeavor of legalistic self-effort (Philippians 1:6).
• Intentional putting off of the sinful nature and putting on the new nature in Christ is quite distinct from legalistic rule-following for salvation or sanctification (Colossians 2:16—3:17; James 1:22). The former is done out of loving relationship with God and by the power of His Spirit (1 John 4:13–21). The latter is often done out of misunderstanding, fear, or self-righteousness.

implications for today

Legalism often becomes obvious when a legalistic person sees bad behavior in themselves or someone else. When the bad behavior is seen in themselves, they tend to be filled with shame, regret and guilt, punishing themselves or even doubting their salvation. When they see it in others, they tend to become judgmental and overly harsh. Oddly enough, this kind of person often lives a double life, indulging secretly in sin while maintaining a shiny exterior.

Legalism is caused by fear and pride—fear, when we think that Jesus' blood is not enough to save us, and pride, when we take undue pleasure in our own morality and look down on the failings of others in order to make ourselves feel better about our own failings. We should remember that "the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17) and "by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:8–10). Legalism is pointless, as rules like "Do not handle" or "do not taste" or "do not touch" and other regulations have "an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh" (Colossians 2:20-23). In the end, legalism does nothing to improve a person's moral state, and often leads to hypocrisy.