Are Christians Legalists?
Joe R. Price

Some say we are “legalists.” Properly defining terms is crucial to correct understanding, not straying from God’s truth, and the fair representation of others. Legalism must be accurately defined, not prejudicially applied.

Webster defines legalism as “strict, often too strict and literal, adherence to law.” Some use the word to describe people who believe God has revealed conditions that must be met to be saved and faithful to God. They charge any required obedience nullifies God’s grace and attempts to earn salvation. The charge is false and unsustainable from the Scriptures.

Sinners cannot earn salvation. Scripture says the only way one earns (merits) salvation is by the work of never sinning (never violating God’s law). That is the “work” in Romans 4:2-5 that results in salvation as the payment of a “debt” in which one can “glory.” Yet, this is not possible since “all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23; Gal. 3:10-11). Earning salvation demands nothing less than sinless perfection (Eph. 2:9). Correctly defined, legalism is salvation based on sinless law-keeping. No one teaches such a false doctrine.

New Testament Christians are called legalists because we affirm God has made salvation conditional. God has placed us under His commandments, and we are obligated to obey Him to receive His grace. One passage teaching the conditional nature of salvation is Hebrews 5:9: “And having been perfected, He (Jesus, JRP) became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Jesus only saves those who obey Him (Matt. 7:21-23). Do they earn their salvation? No. It is His gift to the obedient (Eph. 2:8-9).

Obeying Jesus is not earning salvation. Since we have all sinned, none of us can ever earn salvation. It is our “duty” as a servant to obey our Lord because we are saved “by grace through faith” (Luke 6:46; 17:10). Obedience is not the basis of our salvation; It is the condition upon which God saves us (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:37-41).

Some brethren charge us with being legalistic because we teach we must have a Bible pattern (authority) for all we believe and practice. Many churches of Christ support human organizations, arrange themselves into sponsoring churches, and practice and promote the social gospel. It is not legalistic to ask for the Scriptures that approve such things (Col. 3:17). Some respond with, “We all do many things for which we have no authority.” (This is supposed to justify unauthorized activity?) If one continues to press for Bible patterns, he may find himself labeled a Pharisee, legalist, or “anti.” To some, the requirement for Bible authority in all things is legalism. That is a false definition and application.

It is not legalism to have Bible authority for all we believe and practice. We must do all things with the approval of the word of Christ. Unfortunately, Christians have strayed from the narrow path of authorized activities to walk the indefensible path of human innovations (Jer. 6:16-17; Matt. 7:13-14). We will continue to call fallen brethren back to the “old paths.”

Jesus taught obedience in the strongest terms (John 8:51; 14:15, 21, 24; Luke 6:46). He has all authority (Matt. 28:18). His authority is established by direct command, an approved example, or a necessary implication. Only then is one’s teaching and practice approved by the Lord. (See Acts 15:7-18 for these ways to establish divine authority.) It is not legalism to require what the Lord requires (2 Tim. 3:10).

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