HER FAITH INSPIRES 223: Legalism in the church: Break free from the do’s and don’ts of Christianity

Season: 10 Episode: 150

Listen to episode 146 in Spanish:

Summary:

Is Christianity a bunch of do’s and don’ts? Shanda received a question from a listener on Facebook about the guilt of working out and going to the gym. After futher discussion, the listener revealed she grew up in a legalistic church and struggles with false guilt. In today’s episode, Shanda address the listener’s concerns by defining what legalism is and how to identify it. You will learn how to break free from legalism and how to think biblically about guilt, shame, and condemnation. Are any of these from God? What can we do when we struggle with these emotions tied to do’s and don’ts? This episode will encourage you and point you to Bible passages to study. 

Quotables:

Recommended Resources:

Cross Examined Article: Is Teaching Your Kids About God Child Abuse?

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What is legalism in the church and how do we break free from it? Is it a sin to get tattoos, drink alcohol, believe that women can’t teach men, or believe that women can teach men, or that women cannot work outside the home, or that you can’t gamble? How do we distinguish legalism from God’s commands? 

I recently got a comment on a FB post from a follower that said: Can you do a podcast on healthy workouts? I used to be obsessed with working out and my body. Then I feel like God took away my ability, I got saved (I didn’t understand the gospel before) and now I have my ability back to workout. I know I need to workout for my health cause I have health issues  and I do workout now as of a few weeks ago. But I feel kinda bad taking the time away from my family to workout, it’s hard as a mom to take time away. For me, it feels selfish.

So I need to learn healthy balance, God’s way, any advice? 

I responded by saying, “I think the issue is probably less about healthy workouts and more about a healthy mindset toward the body and working out. I understand the struggle to want to workout and to want to look a certain way or spend a lot of time in the gym and I had to limit how much time I spent in the gym as well and prioritize my day. 

She went on to say, “I grew up in a legalistic church environment, so the idea of women going to the gym was taught as a sin to me, so I think that’s where it stems from. I know its not a sin now, but I still have lies attached to that old mindset that I’m working on, so I know it’s false guilt I’m dealing with and I think just understanding biblically what taking care of your body looks like would be helpful if you do end up talking about it on a podcast.” 

I am so grateful for this listener.

Trisha, if you’re listening, thank you for asking this question because you are not the only one struggling in this area. I have not recorded an episode on legalism at all and you would think that with over 200 episodes I would have at least touched on it. But nope! We are taking on this topic today. 

Before we get into it, if you are in the Georgia area the last weekend of February, consider joining Cornerstone Baptist Church for the Anchored In Truth ladies conference. It’s Friday night, February 23 to Saturday February 24th. I’m looking forward to joining these ladies and talking about how to be anchored to truth in this current cultural moment. You can go to shandafulbright.com/events to get more information and to register for the conference. 

Boy Mom Bible Study

I want to let all of you Boy Moms about an 8 week Boy Mom Bible study I’m hosting beginning in March. It’s $49.99 and includes the book (it will be mailed to you) and it also includes 8 LIVE zoom sessions with me. You will get the PPTs from our zoom sessions once the class is over so if you want to lead a study with other moms of boys, you can do that. Go to shandafulbright.com/shop to register. I’m only taking 25 ladies so the class isn’t too full. 

Alright, today we are going to ask and answer some of these questions: 

1. What is legalism and how can you identify it? 
2. Is Christianity a bunch of dos and don’ts? 
3. How do we break free from legalism and what’s the difference between condemnation, guilt, and shame? 

What is legalism? 

First, the word legalism is not in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean the Bible doesn’t talk about it or warn us about it. You just won’t find that word in the Bible. 

The simplest way to say it is that legalism is adhering to rules of do’s and don’ts and if you break the rules you’re called a sinner or a heretic. It is in contrast to the doctrine of grace. If you’re thinking of this in terms of a spectrum, you could say that legalism is way over to one side  of the spectrum because it’s extreme adherence to the rules saying you can’t do this, this, and this or you’re not a Christian.

The other end of the spectrum is to say you can do anything at all and God will still accept you, trampling on obedience to God’s word. So what we have to do is understand why legalism is a false doctrine – because it disregards grace and tells you to follow the rules in order to be saved rather than put your trust in Christ’s free gift of salvation. 

As Christians, we want to adhere to essential doctrines.

In fact, in order to be a Christian you must believe and hold to the essential doctrines which are: 

1. Christ is the Son of God.
2. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again 3 days later for the sins of the world.
3. The trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
4. Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone.
5. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and we need salvation.
6. The Bible is the inerrant and inspired word of God. 

1. Once saved, always saved.
2. Speaking in tongues.
3. Being a member of a specific Christian denomination rather than being a Christian.

Here are some things people who hold to legalism might say you have to believe or you’re not a Christian: 

Legalists often make their convictions rules for other Christians.

For example, legalists might believe that: 

1. Drinking is a sin.
2. Tattoos are a sin.
3. Gambling is a sin.
4. Wearing certain clothing is a sin.
5. Watching TV or movies is a sin.
6. Dancing is a sin.
7. Smoking is a sin.

The list can go on. But Paul calls these disputable matters in Romans 14:1 and he tells us not to quarrel over them. Disputable matters are matters that are not established as a fact. In other words, they are not essential doctrines of the faith. 

Now there are things on this list that go against my convictions.

There are things on this list that might not be good for you if you don’t practice self-control. That’s not the point. You identify legalism by asking this: Is this a sin? Show me where it says that in the Bible. If it’s not a sin and someone is telling you that you’re not a Christian because you’re doing the thing they say is a sin, that’s legalism. 

But when you ask them to tell you where it is in the Bible, you’re likely to hear things that come from the OT. There are things in the OT that say tattooing your body is a sin or piercing your body is a sin. Leviticus 19:28 says this, “²⁸ “ ‘Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the Lord.” The New Testament does not say anything about getting tattoos but it does talk about how the inner man (character, spiritual aspect of humanity) is more important than the outward adoring of the hair, how you dress, etc.

The command in Leviticus is likely condemning pagan practices and idolatry.

So getting a tattoo is a gray area that falls into the category of using wisdom. You have to ask, “Why do I want a tattoo? Why do I want this particular tattoo? Am I more concerned with how I look on the outside than I am with how I look on the inside?” Those things will help the person getting one. But those who say tattoos are a sin are being legalistic and they are not looking at the historical context surrounding the OT. A good way to know if what was mentioned as a sin in the OT is a sin today is to read it in the NT. If it is not there, it is under Christian liberty and we must use wisdom. 

You won’t find drinking to be a sin in the Bible.

Getting drunk is a sin. It doesn’t say gambling is a sin but it does say to be a good steward of all God has entrusted you with. So we have to be careful when calling these gray areas sinful when the Bible doesn’t. We must use wisdom in these areas. 

Is Christianity a bunch of do’s and don’ts?

It seems as though it is. I mean, look at the Ten Commandments: “Thou shalt not …” But just because you say do this or don’t do this does not mean it’s all about do’s and don’ts. What we have to ask is why does God tell us not to do certain things? For the same reason parents tell their kids to do the right thing and not to the thing that will harm them. I guess you could say parenting is a bunch of do’s and don’ts.

We are constantly guiding our kids, right? And for what reason? So that they don’t get hurt. Any good parent is going to tell their kids to stay away from things that will harm them. If you see a Don’t Do This or a Don’t Touch That in the Bible, understand that it comes from a loving Father who wants to keep you from harm. John the apostle said this in 1 John 1:3-5:  “In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, 4 for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”

John said God’s commands are not burdensome.

A burden is a heavy load. That means they do not bog us down but they keep us free from the chains of darkness. Everything God asks of us is good. And if you love God, you will love His commands. That comes with an understanding that what God asks of you is for your good. 

So yes, there are sins. We cannot do what we want and not reap the consequences of it. Proverbs tells us not to expect to take fire to our bosom and not get burned. But Christianity is also about freedom in Christ. Not freedom to sin but freedom from sin. Frank Turek often talks about the difference between freedom from and freedom to. In America, we are all about our freedoms. We don’t want anyone to tread on us. But God’s kingdom is a monarchy and He is the ruler. We submit to His will. Why is that? Because we have the freedom to live our lives in Christ from the bondage of sin but we do not have the freedom to do whatever we want and still call Christ our Lord and King. Monarchies don’t work that way. 

How do we break free from legalism? 

Legalism is a vise that grips the mind. It can be really difficult to break free from the weight of feeling like if you don’t do these things you are not saved. Because even though God gives us commands and wants us to keep them, He does not toss us to the side when we break them. His grace reaches farther and wider than any human being can possibly go. I have been bound up by legalistic thinking before and it’s terrible. But I did not come from a legalistic home or church so I cannot even say that I understand how bad it can be. 

We are seeing some people who deconstruct from the faith come out of a legalistic church environment. Not all of those who deconstruct come out of this. Some don’t like the “dogma” of Christianity or religion in general and say they are more free now because of it. Again, what do they mean by free? Are they free in Christ or are they saying they’re free to do what they want without feeling bad about it? Because we should feel regret over sin if we have a relationship with Christ. Just because you feel regret or shame does not mean Christianity is bad. That retreat should lead us to repentance. But it also does not mean you are bad or wrong. That kind of regret leads to condemnation that will drive you away from Christ. When we talk about guilt, shame, and condemnation later, that will hopefully make more sense. 

I’m going to share a few things you can do to switch your mindset from a legalistic mindset to one to freedom in Christ.

Because it is a mindset. But if you’ve been in a legalist home or church environment for a while, understand that this is going to take time. It’s part of renewing your mind in Romans 12:2 and that is a process that the Holy Spirit leads us through as we seek Him by the word of God. 

And before I get into the things you can do to switch your mindset about legalism, I was thinking about this today, I talk a lot about spiritual disciplines and making time to read the Bible and pray, and sometimes those things can make you feel like you’re not doing something right when you don’t do them perfectly or when you don’t get to them in a day. The enemy will even use things like reading your bible and praying to make you feel like you’re a sinner or a bad Christian and you can easily turn those disciplines, really good things, into tasks or boxes to check just so you turn it into works rather than nurturing a relationship with God. 

So here’s the first thought to be aware of that you can recognize as legalism:

Anytime you think to yourself, “I’m not saved because I didn’t do __________” you’re off. Capture that thought and bring it under the authority of Christ. There is nothing you can do to earn your salvation. As soon as you think it’s about do’s and don’ts then your foundation is not Christ, it’s you and you cannot save yourself. 

Second, don’t call something a sin if Christ has not called it a sin. Colossians 2:20-23, “Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: 21 “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? 22 These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. 23 Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” 

There are two ways in which Christians allow the world to influence their walk with Christ:

1. We indulge in the activities of the world – sinful pleasures and we compromise Christ’s commands and condone those things, letting the world into the church. In other words, we don’t hold to the standard that Christ set forth – to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.

2. We use the world as a reference point to measure our growth and say – we do this, this, and that, so we must be saved. Or we can say – we don’t do this, this and that, so we must be saved. Are Christians supposed to be different and stand out as peculiar people in the world? Sure, but that comes with the natural process of sanctification as we live this life in Christ. We don’t use our deeds to show that we are saved. 

There are so many verses in the Bible I could have chose to illustrate grace, works, legalism, etc.

I mean, the best way to renew your mind is to properly interpret Scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify you, but I was thinking about this episode and what I’d add to it the other day as I was getting ready and putting on my makeup – honestly, it’s when I do some of my best thinking. 

And I thought of what Christ said when He said this in John 15:1-11, ““I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.

Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Let’s take a few points from this passage and I encourage you to study this passage for yourself. 

Point #1: Christ is the vine. What does that mean? He is the life source of every believer. Just like a branch gets its nutrients from the vine and is then able to produce fruit, so are we to remain in Christ so we produce fruit. Once we try and do anything to declare ourselves righteous, we are no longer attached to Him because we’re saying we don’t need Him. We can produce fruit on our own. Jesus said you won’t produce fruit without Him and the fruit we produce is how others recognize us as belonging to Him. 

Point #2: When we are attached to Christ, we will keep His commandments. Does that mean we’ll be perfect? Absolutely not. If we could be perfect and keep every command, the law would still be in effect and Christ did not need to come. So what happens when we do fall short? We abide in Christ and when we abide in Christ, we abide in grace. He covers us with His righteousness. We repent and we put it under the blood of Jesus and we do not condemn ourselves. 

Recognize when the enemy is condemning you and stand firm in the word of God. That is how you abide in Christ. The funny thing is, to abide in Christ is to recognize that when we fail, He forgives and extends grace. And when we abide in Him, we have the power to keep His commands. Keep Christ at the center of everything you do and if it does not align to His word, toss it. 

What’s the difference between guilt, shame, and condemnation? 

When we identify what these are and what the Bible says about them, we can better identify how we should handle them when we feel guilt, shame, and condemnation. And you will see all of these words in the Bible. 

Let’s start with condemnation because the Bible makes clear that God never condemns anyone. In fact, Jesus said, “I did not come to the world to condemn the world but to save the world through Him.” In the next verse, He said, “He who does not believe in the Son is condemned already.” (John 3:17-18). Why doesn’t God condemn us? Because if we’re not in Christ, we’re already condemned. We were all on our way to Hell without Christ so if you choose to remain outside of Christ, you’re condemned – that’s the natural state of humanity as a result of the Fall. But if you are in Christ, there is therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus for the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made us free from the law of sin and death -as Romans 8 tells us.

So if you feel condemnation, which is an extreme feeling of disapproval – that is not from God if you are in Christ.

That is from the enemy.

Recognize it and don’t lean into the feeling, lean into the Word of God that reminds you that Christ has set you free from the law. 

Ok, shame. Let’s go back to Genesis 3 for a moment and observe the first time we see shame. Genesis 2 actually ends with, “They were naked and not ashamed.” Then sin came and shame came with it. Shame is a natural result of sin. It doesn’t feel good. No one likes it. And a lot of times people will shy away from talking about sin because it might stir up feelings of shame. The shame is what we’re supposed to feel when we do wrong so we can go to God and make it right. But shame that says, “I am wrong” rather than, “What I did is wrong” is more like condemnation than shame.

But first understand that just because you feel shame does not mean that you cannot go to God and ask for His forgiveness. When you do, forgiveness removes the shame. And second, don’t think that just because you feel shame that it’s somehow Christianity is wrong. Some of those who deconstruct from the faith do so so they can live their lives however they want without feeling shame over their choices. But again, we already talked about freedom from and freedom to and legalism is just as dangerous as using grace as a license to sin. So shame, when it is a result of sin, is so that we are moved to go to God and make it right. 

Finally, we have guilt. What is guilt?

It’s always tied to wrong doing. But we have to be careful with this because not every feeling of guilt is because of a wrong doing. When someone places their standard of right and wrong on you, you might still feel guilty when you get a tattoo or drink or (fill in the blank), in order to know if that feeling of guilt is valid, it must align to God’s word. I can’t say it enough – is it in God’s word? No, it’s not a valid feeling of guilt. Is it in God’s word and you violated His command? Then you are guilty and you can go to God and He will declare you justify in Christ as you put it under the blood. 

Close: 

Last week I heard that Alastair Beg, a great bible teacher and solid biblical influence, was being kicked off the radio for some advice he gave to a grandma about attending her gay grandchild’s wedding. He told her to go, as long as her grandchild understood where she stands from a biblical perspective on gay marriage and to bring a gift. Now, I don’t agree with this advice. It’s in the wisdom area we talked about earlier. My first question is, “What is the purpose of attending any wedding?” Isn’t it so you show your love and support of the two getting married? So when you attend a wedding, you are saying you support that union.

Second, what is the definition of marriage and who instituted it? It’s not the culture. We see as far back as Genesis 2 where God instituted marriage between one man and one woman and the two become one flesh. Ok. So that’s my biblical take on it. From what I’ve read and heard, Alastair Beg does not apologize for his advice, nor will he walk it back. But do I think he should be banned from ever teaching on the radio again? Conversations surrounding this incident need to be had but by wise leaders in the church behind closed doors. I think this is getting close to legalism in a way because there’s no room here for grace or working with someone on this very cultural issue that is affecting the church. 

I bring this incident up because on one hand, I see where the radio station might be coming from.

There are plenty of heroics out there and false teachers and they seem to continue to stand behind their pulpits and mics and spew their nonsense. But Alastair Beg is not one of those heretics. He gave, in my opinion, advice that I do not see supported biblically, to a loving grandma in a dilemma. I’m sure that is difficult and emotions are out in front. But to cast him out is a bit much. We can have differing opinions about this but even our conclusions must be backed up with biblical truth. 

My point is – there are som things that are not black and white, cut and dry.

Some things, many things in this world require, the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and we must be able to come together and converse around these issues. 

But if you are bound by legalism and struggle with guilt and shame because of “laws” you have to go back to the fundamentals of the faith. There is nothing you can do to earn your salvation. 

Now, if you place that kind of burden on someone else, you are not the Holy Spirit and you are not communicating the gospel accurately. You are placing a burden on these people that they cannot bear, so don’t. You cannot sanctify anyone. If what you are telling them is a sin is not declared a sin by God and His word, that is your conviction and is a non-essential issue. 

Now, for the rest of us, we do have to remember that as Christians we are to bear one another’s burdens and confess our sins to one another. That means we will at times call out sin in each other’s lives. Just make sure the motivation is love for your brother or sister in Christ and see it through, meaning, be there for them and walk with them through it. 

Look, these are hard things.

There hard conversations. But Christianity isn’t easy. Shoot, life isn’t easy and it’s harder without God. So be willing to look into these things and have hard conversations. Your relationships will be more genuine as you do.

I hope that helped and shed some light on what legalism is and how to deal with it. If you have any questions for me you can email me at hello@shandafulbright.com. Please leave a 5 star rating and review if you enjoy the podcast and I’ll catch you on the next one.

https://www.gotquestions.org/false-teachers.html