CONTRAST: LEGALISM VS. GRACE
By Steve Behlke
Just a quickie. Consider the following contrast between Law and Grace. Which side do you live your life on? Which side do you naturally think from? From which side do you live out your relationship with God?
LEGALISM // VERSUS // GRACE
Sin leads to guilt and shame —> Sin leads to the cross and forgiveness
Law condemns sinners —> Grace justifies sinners (opposite of condemnation)
Law forces sin to hide in the dark —> Grace invites open and hopeful dealing with sin
Law promotes hidden behavior —> Grace promotes integrity
Law inflames sin —> Grace breaks sin's mastery
We control sin by force (will) —> God overcomes sin through relationship (grace)
Rules/willpower restrains sin —> The Truth (Christ) sets us free from sin
Law depends on human effort —> Grace depends on God alone
Motivate obedience through pride —> Motivate obedience through God's love
Acceptance is conditional —> Acceptance is unconditional (in Christ)
Please God (via good works) —> Trust God (which pleases Him)
This list could go on and on, frankly. But look at the contrasts; do you see the differences? Do you comprehend the magnitude of this? For instance,
- When you do sin, especially in the area that you really want to do better in, does your sin lead to extended feelings of guilt and shame; or is your sin resolved quickly by running to the cross of Christ and to God's assured forgiveness?
- Do you fearfully hide your sins struggles from others; or do you feel drawn by God's love and grace, offered to you through godly others, to be open about them and to overcome them?
- Do you try, over and over, to control your sin by the force of your will ("I will not do this!"); or do you trust Christ, exclusively, for the power to overcome sin?
- Do you trust Jesus for God's favor, His acceptance, and His love, even after you blow it with sin; or do you feel like God is disappointed with you, maybe a little frustrated, put off, sick and tired of waiting for you to become a better person?
- Finally, are you focused on trying to please God through your good deeds and piety; or are you so aware of His already-settled pleasure with you in Christ and His desire for you to trust Him to be good and gracious to us, always, that you do just that: you trust Christ, come good times or bad, easy times or hard, failures or successes, victory over sin or even felt-captivity to it?!
May we be liberated by the Spirit of God to trust in His grace, in the settled truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
PS If you were to make your own chart based on your reading of Scripture and your life experiences, what other things might you cite to contrast legalism and grace?
So very Ortho. A living, dynamic relationship with Jesus, sin laid at His feet for healing through His Grace and mercy. Aware of our sinful nature, how much more grace abounds. How much more our Savior loves us. How much more peace and joy we have.
In the story of Zachaeus, a man short of stature (we are all short in reaching for God), he seeks out the Lord by climbing a tree just to catch just a glimpse this Love Incarnate as He walks by. Jesus knowing Zachaeus' heart and this mustard seed of faith, meets him and dines with this notorious sinner. It is in the presence of the Lord and through His acceptance, His mercy, love and grace, that divinely inspires Zachaeus in gratitude to change his life, and live for Jesus. By God's grace, what amazing changes we see this tax collector, just from being in His presence. Just think of how many more lives were touched by Jesus, through Zachaeus and this incredible, life- changing, encounter.
I thank God for you Pastor Steve, and that His light shines brightly through you. May God bless your ministry.
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Excellent bringing up the story of Zacchaeus. Great points. I think when we look closely we will see God's grace in each of Jesus' similar encounters.
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Steve, great stuff! You ask for additional thoughts, here are some of my observations (from studying the Pharisees):
The legalistic Pharisees thought that the strictest position on any subject was obviously the right one; but Jesus held to being explicitly biblical, no matter whether it was perceived as strict or liberal.
The Pharisees compared themselves with one another and made up "measuring sticks" of spirituality based on man-made rules. But Jesus taught that it's more about the heart, and that serving God is not always outwardly visible--and of course, he affirmed the few "rules" given in the Bible.
The Pharisees focused on outward behavior; but Jesus focused on the heart--on an intimate relationship of love and devotion to God, responding to his love for us.
The Pharisees focused on performing and measuring up; but Jesus focused on living under his unending and unconditional grace.
For more on the Pharisees, check out:
http://takinganotherlook.blogspot.com/2008_02_01_archive.html. Posting comments there will also help publishers take more interest in supporting books on this subject!
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Wayne,
I did check out takinganotherlook and liked what I saw. I agree with you that trusting Jesus Christ for God's "unending and unconditional grace" is essential.
Our relationship to God is through Christ now (Ro 7:4).
Christ is the end of law for righteousness to everyone who believes (Ro 10:4).
So, submitting our doubts and performance-pressures and manmade rules and culturally-determined "right behaviors" under God's grace, to Christ's cross, to His free exchange of righteousness for sin, and His promises, and His love, wow, it is essential for us to get this. For Christ's sake. For freedom's sake.
Wayne, God bless you and thanks for your comments.
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