I hear the cry (from within and without) that the church is far too legalistic. And I
suppose to some extent there may be good argument. But as I write that previous line, I also
would suggest that perhaps when the cry goes up that we are too legalistic, we should re-evaluate
the reason for such argument. It is not my intention in this brief article to “prove” the argument
of “legalism” as faulty, but rather to draw attention to the need for us to spend more time
understanding God’s grace, works (legalism?) and God’s holiness.
We live at a time when “religious” folks are quick to point to God’s saving grace. “For
by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not
as a result of works, that no one should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). The other side of the argument is
from the letter written by James, “Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself...You
see that a man is justified by works, and not by faith alone” (James 2:17, 24). The apostle Paul,
arguing the need to live a “faithful” life in spite of grace, penned this, “What shall we say then?
Are we to continue in sin that grace might increase? May it never be! How shall we who died to
sin still live in it” (Romans 6:1-2)?
Which brings me to God’s holiness! God’s law (rules and regulations) was never for the
purpose of “earning” the blessings from God, but for the purpose of describing a “holy life” in
His presence. His laws of sacrifices and feast days helped His people to understand their
dependence on Him for all of their wonderful blessings. His laws helped His people understand
proper relationships within society which would only serve to bless them in their daily living.
Even relationships with “aliens” would serve to bless God’s people. Yes, we may argue the
“legalistic” side of these 600+ laws, but they were for the ultimate purpose of blessing God’s
people (Lev. 26; Deut. 28). Yes, the laws may have limited the people in some ways, but richly
blessed them in the long term. In fact, when the people chose to ignore these “laws”, the end
result was destruction!
I am thankful for the wonderful grace of God, through which we are saved by the blood
of Jesus Christ. But I also recognize the need to follow God’s Word written for our edification
and safekeeping in our walk with Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 4:1-4). I want to follow God’s way
because I know His way will lead me in the paths of holiness, and ultimately into a closer walk
with God. I pray that we may all strive to live more faithfully according to God’s will and enjoy
His marvelous grace; one day hearing the words, “Enter in good and faithful servant!”

~P. Mowrer