Grace vs. Legalism

September 16, 2007

Grace and Legalism?

The believer motivated by grace and the believer embracing legalism frequently appear identical as their similarities bring them together on many issues.

The differences between these two believers are critical as they affect fellowship with God and other believers.  To the degree a believer embraces legalism his understanding of the origin of his salvation is affected and therefore the assurance of his salvation is always in question.

It has long since been my position that a believer who does not confess a belief in eternal security and salvation by faith alone can not consistently profess assurance of salvation.  This believer is forced to establish a merit system (works) to determine his condition.  I once asked a fellow Christian, who holds the works-based position, “What are you going to do when you stand before God if your works have not been sufficient?”  He said, “That is where grace comes in.”  I replied, “So, grace is like a hold card in you back pocket.”  He agreed.  Fortunately, we do not have to understand grace in order to benefit from it.  But, our benefit is enhanced proportionate to our understanding.

I have struggled, particularly in recent years, with the inability to formulate my thoughts to reconcile what appears to be contradictions between these two positions.  First, there is the knowledge that man has a part and responsibility in his relationship with God.  Second, there is the awareness that God is sovereign and it is only by His grace that a relationship is known.

For the purpose of discussion, please consider what I call the pendulum affect.  Picture, if you will, a pendulum similar to one in a tall grandfather clock.  The far right swing represents Legalism.  The far left swing represents Grace.  I submit to you that truth lies somewhere in the middle and we call that Obedience.

Could it be that the only difference between Grace-based theology and Legalism is motivation?  The grace-based believer is motivated by a love for God the Father.  The legalistic believer is motivated by fear of condemnation.

You may be asking, “What difference does it make?”  In this life, the difference can affect every aspect of your daily walk.  Your fellowship with other believers can be affected to the degree you see them as heretics (a position commonly held by legalist).  Your effectiveness as a witness may be affected as nonbelievers would surely never knowingly embrace a legalistic system.

In an attempt to place my bias aside,  I acknowledge that when grace is abused it can become a license to sin.  The believer who knowingly uses grace as a license to sin should consider whether or not he is a professor but not a possessor of the Holy Spirit of God that lives within every believer.  It is my opinion that the Holy Spirit within the true believer will not allow him to remain in a state of abusing grace without conviction.  

Legalism is driven by the power of the flesh and is therefore weak.  When the legalist grows tired he eventually quits.  The grace-based believer lives in a constant state of dependence on God's strength and simply submits to the control of the Holy Spirit to be used by God.  The grace-based believer grows tired and weary to the degree he allows the pendulum to swing toward legalism and he walks in his own strength.

The personal application is, “My weariness and frustrations in life are directly proportionate to my inability to let go and release my expectations to God. I must realize I may never see my hopes and dreams realized, regardless how noble they may be.

I have found no indication in scripture that I can submit a detailed request to God, as if I am placing an order at the drive-thru, expecting God to fill it to my satisfaction on my time schedule.  Instead, I must remember God is sovereign and He is more concerned with who we are rather than where we are.

Bro. Wayne Roberson