Legalism vs. Lawlessness

Legalism is a word you will not find in most dictionaries. However, it is used by many people in the context of Christan living. Lets consider a break down of its parts to understand its true meaning.

Legal is that which is permitted or established by law, and -ism is a suffix used to identify or imply a practice, theory, doctrine, system or principle. Legalism is then, the practice, theory, doctrine, system or principle of permitting or establishing law.

With this definition in mind, we can safely say that legalism is something which all religions and politics are at sometime involved in. In fact, one cannot think of a religion or political system which does not rely on legalism, as defined. The word legalism is used out of context and without definition by many. Many times, legalism or legalistic is used to maliciously label another person or organization. Often, this happens when one person does not know how to counter or explain the belief system of another person or organization. Most often it is used against that belief system which commits the seemingly "unpardonable sin' of not agreeing with another belief system.

It is common sense to look around and see that society and religion all depend on the rule of law. There is no organization which does not. A safe society is a legalistic society according to the proper definition of legal-ism. The problem comes when what I believe differs with what you believe.

Among Bible believers there is, generally speaking, just two ways to look at the relationship of God's law to mankind. Either His law is permanent or it is not. Either God changes or He does not. All Bible believers take one of these two positions. Those that believe that God's law is not permanent are prone to think that the ones who do are following legalism. Really not a bad label, but it is clear that it is meant to put down or hurt.

Those who believe God does not change His mind, are apt to esteem those who think He does as being lawless. However, those who believe that God changes are not really lawless, as in "having no law," because they do have a legal system. It is not God's system but one created by mankind. Both views are legalistic.

All Bible believers believe in some law, that is, a system of rules and regulations. They differ on what rules and regulations they should follow, but they all have rules and regulations. On this basis, with a better understanding of the proper definitions of legalism and lawlessness, we should retire both words. Neither really have any relevance to the issue of whether or not God's law changes.

It's time those who believe the Bible start taking a mature and caring approach toward the discussion of it. It is time that our understanding of God is once again worthy of Him.

As for us here at RCCF, name calling will not be engaged in or responded too. Whatever anyone is maliciously labeled bears no relevance to the truth of the matter.

We believe in the eternal relevence of every Word which has come from Yahweh’s mouth. We DO NOT believe that anyone can be perfect enough by their own actions to attain to His glory. We hold that in all history, Israel has relied solely on His mercy and His grace to receive the promises. We understand that we are no longer strangers to the covenants.