Many Christians know the Bible, attend church and do the work of the ministry, while for the core of the gospel.
They can quote Scriptures about what Christ did for them, but they still feel that they have to work to earn their love, and often end up feeling unworthy and separated from God.
Even though Jesus died on the cross so that we would not have to be judged according to the law, many Christians still live in the Old Testament. They have never accepted the reality of New Testament faith. They are slaves to the religion based on performance.
The apostle Paul wrote the epistle to the Galatians to challenge us to make sure that we remain in the grace of God. Do you struggle with legalism? These are the most common symptoms of a legalistic spirit:
- The lack of true joy. Jesus did not forgive us our sins so we could be sour and sad. However, I have met hundreds of Christians who looked like they were attending a funeral when they came to a religious service. Why? Legalism kills joy. When someone has an encounter with the mercy of God, his heart will always overflow with praise and gratitude. The apostle Paul wrote: "The kingdom of God is ... righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17). There is no such thing as Christianity without joy.
- The true victory over sin. All Christians struggle with temptations. But a person with a legalistic mentality has difficulty receiving the grace of God to overcome sinful habits. Are you struggling to free yourself from a particular sin in your own strength? You can not do this on your own! Admit our weakness and invite the Holy Spirit to give us a supernatural power to live a holy life. It is the indwelling Spirit of Christ who gives us the victory, not his effort and sweat. Relax and let him live his life in you!
- Unhealthy performance guidance. God is a loving Father, and He wants us to prodigate with His affirmation and encouragement. However, many Christians do not have a revelation of God's unconditional love. They feel that they must earn their love for reading the Bible, praying and performing other religious tasks. Do you ever feel that God is angry with you because you fell asleep and lost your morning devotion? He wants you to spend time with him, but not to fulfill a duty. Relax and enjoy your love!
- A critical attitude, lack of love towards others. People who do not understand the grace of God can not extend grace to anyone else. That is why some Christians are hateful toward unbelievers. When you understand how much mercy from God extended to forgive you, it is easy to show mercy to other people who do not deserve it! When you hear Christians who use harsh language to condemn Muslims, atheists, liberals or homosexuals, only one legalistic spirit has been identified.
- Little or no security of salvation. People with a legalistic mindset often doubt their salvation because they rely on their own obedience instead of Christ. When you receive the grace of God, the Bible says your heart will cry out: "Abba, Father!" (Rm 8,15). A true encounter with Jesus will cause you to know that God has-and has adopted that He will never abandon you
The apostle Paul wrote:
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17). If you have not experienced this freedom, asking the Holy Spirit to fill all areas of legalism has distorted your understanding of God.
Do not fall into a Christianity without grace. If you see any of these warning signs in your life, invite the Holy Spirit to free you from legalism. Stop struggling, repent of pride and ask God to open your eyes to the reality of His amazing grace.