Holiness Is Not Legalism

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Sep 6, 2016
273
2
0
#1

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

HOLINESS IS
NOT LEGALISM.


A sermon by
John Wesley


Without holiness no man shall see the Lord." Nothing under heaven can be more sure than this; "for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." And "though heaven and earth pass away, yet His word shall not pass away." As well therefore might God fall from heaven, as His Word fall to the ground. (Heb. 12:14; Mic. 4:4; Matt. 5:18).
No one who is not saved from sin here can be saved from hell hereafter. No one can see the kingdom of God above, unless the kingdom of God be in him below. Whoever will reign with Christ in heaven, must have Christ reigning in him on earth. And yet as sure as this is, and as clearly as it is taught in every part of the Holy Scripture, among all the truths of God, there is probably none which is less received by men.



Yes, professing Christians invariably invent one way or another to get to heaven without holiness. In the place of holiness, some have substituted penance, pilgrimages, and praying to saints and angels. Thousand of professing Christians have no doubt but that, by a diligent use of these things—without any holiness at all—they shall see the Lord in glory.
However, Protestants will not be satisfied in that manner. They are convinced that whoever leans on such things leans on the staff of a broken reed. Yet, thousands of such Protestants also think that they too will see God without holiness. How? Why, by doing no harm, generally doing good, going to church, and receiving the sacraments. And many thousands are content with this, believing they are on the high road to heaven. Yet, that is not much better than the hopes of the first group.



However, other Protestants recognize that such nominal Christianity is not sufficient. They correctly say that such a religion does not stand on the right foundation. However, they go on to say that Christ has already accomplished and suffered everything for us. They say that His righteousness is imputed to us; therefore, we need none of our own. Since there is so much righteousness and holiness in Him, there needs to be none in us. In fact, they claim, that to think we have any holiness, or to desire to seek any holiness, is to renounce Christ. That from the beginning to the end of salvation, all is in Christ, nothing is in man. And that those who teach otherwise are preachers of legalism, and know nothing of the gospel.



What evasion! What has Satan done? He has persuaded the very men who receive it to "turn the grace of God into licentiousness" (Jude 4). This is indeed a blow at the root, the root of all holiness, all true religion. The whole design of Christ's death was "to destroy the works of the devil" (I John 3:8). But now this is overthrown in one stroke.
THE FRUITS OF CHEAP GRACE
For wherever this doctrine of easy grace is received, it leaves no place for holiness. It forbids all such exhortations as might excite a desire for holiness. Nay, it makes men afraid of personal holiness, afraid of cherishing any thought of it. For they fear that any step toward holiness might be a denial of the faith, and a rejection of Christ and His righteousness. So that, instead of being "zealous for good works," good works are a stench to their nostrils. In short, they are infinitely more afraid of the works of God, that the works of the devil.



Here is Satan's masterpiece! We are to believe that men are holy, without a grain of holiness in them! Holy in Christ, however unholy in themselves. They are supposedly in Christ, although they have not one jot of the mind that was in Christ. They are "complete in Him," although they are as proud, as vain, as covetous, and as lustful as ever. They think they can continue in unrighteousness because Christ has "fulfilled all righteousness."
O ye simple one, do not be deceived. For as surely as the Lord lives, "neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." "Such" indeed "were some of you. But you are washed, but you are sanctified," as well as "justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Cor. 6:9-11). You are really changed! You are not only accounted as righteous, you are made righteous.



The inward power of the Spirit has made you free—really, actually free—from the law or power "of sin and death" (Rom. 8:2). This is liberty, true gospel liberty, experienced by every true believer. This is not freedom from the law of God, or the works of God, but from the law of sin and the works of the devil. See that you stand fast in this real, not imaginary, liberty. Take heed that you "be not entangled again," by means of these vain boasters, "in the yoke of" that vile "bondage of sin," from which you have cleanly escaped. (Gal. 5:1).
I testify unto you, that if you still continue in sin, Christ shall profit you nothing. That Christ is no Savior to you, unless He saves you from your sins. And that unless it purifies your heart, faith shall profit you nothing. Oh, when will you understand, that to oppose either inward or outward holiness, under color of exalting Christ, is directly to act the part of Judas, to "betray the Son of man with a kiss?"



What? Make Christ destroy His own kingdom? Set Christ against holiness? Talk of Christ as saving His people in their sins? It is no better than to say, He saves them from the guilt, but not from the power, of sin. Will you make the righteousness of Christ a cover for the unrighteousness of man? So that by this means, "the unrighteous" of every kind "shall inherit the kingdom of God!" Stop! Consider! What are you doing? Who has corrupted you from the simplicity of Christ, from the purity of the gospel?
You did know, "He that believeth is born of God: And whosoever is born of God sinneth not" (1 John 3:9). O come back to the true, the pure, the old gospel! That which you received in the beginning. Come back to Christ, who died to make you a holy people, "zealous for good works" (Tit. 2:14). "Remember from whence you are fallen, and repent, and do the first works" (Rev. 2:5). For "wilt thou know, O vain," O empty "man, that faith without works is dead" (Jas. 2:17)?
Do not stupidly and senselessly call holiness legalism—a silly, meaningless word. Be not afraid of being under the law of God. Rather, fear being under "the law of sin" (Rom. 7:23). Love the strictest preaching best. That which most searches the heart, and shows you wherein you are unlike Christ. That which presses you most to love Him with all your heart, and serve Him with all your strength.



Permit me to warn you of another silly, meaningless phrase: Do not say: "I can do nothing." If so, then you know nothing of Christ. Then you have no faith. For if you have faith, if you believe, then you "can do all things through Christ who strengthens you" (Phil. 4:13). You can love Him and keep His commandments; and to you His "commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3). Grievous to them that believe? Far from it! They are the joy of your heart.
Show then your love for Christ by keeping His commandments, by blamelessly walking in all His ordinances. Honor Christ by obeying Him with all your might, by serving Him with all your strength. Glorify Christ by imitating Christ in all things, by walking as He walked. Trust in Christ to live and reign in your heart. Have confidence in Christ that He will fulfill in you all his great and precious promises. That He will work in you all the good pleasure of His goodness, and all the work of faith with power. Cleave to Christ, until His blood has cleansed you from all pride, all anger, all evil desire. Let Christ do all. Let Him who has done all for you, do all in you.



Exalt Christ as a Prince to give repentance. A Savior both to give remission of sins, and to create in you a new heart, to renew a right spirit within you. This is the gospel, the pure, genuine gospel; glad tidings of great salvation. Not the new, but the old—the everlasting gospel.
***************
John Wesley
England
18th century

http://endtimepilgrim.org/holiness.htm
 
F

FreeNChrist

Guest
#2
Neither is legalsm holiness.
 

NotmebutHim

Senior Member
May 17, 2015
2,917
1,588
113
47
#3
Here's my take on it:

We can't be made righteous before God by keeping the law. That's why Christ came.

He made it possible for us to obtain righteousness apart from the law, because He obeyed it perfectly; even beyond the letter.

So it is Christ who gives us the power to live holy (or "set apart") lives. Legalism, on the other hand, places too much emphasis on the letter of the law rather than the spirit and reasoning behind it. It assumes that we can be (or become) right before God by our own effort.

In that sense, I would agree with the OP that holiness is not legalism. I am also reminded of Romans 3:31, which says: "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law".

I know that law and grace are hotly debated topics here on CC. However, I don't believe that they are mutually exclusive. They work together.

:)
 
Sep 6, 2016
273
2
0
#4
Here's my take on it:

We can't be made righteous before God by keeping the law. That's why Christ came.

He made it possible for us to obtain righteousness apart from the law, because He obeyed it perfectly; even beyond the letter.

So it is Christ who gives us the power to live holy (or "set apart") lives. Legalism, on the other hand, places too much emphasis on the letter of the law rather than the spirit and reasoning behind it. It assumes that we can be (or become) right before God by our own effort.

In that sense, I would agree with the OP that holiness is not legalism. I am also reminded of Romans 3:31, which says: "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law".

I know that law and grace are hotly debated topics here on CC. However, I don't believe that they are mutually exclusive. They work together.

:)

In that sense, I would agree with the OP that holiness is not legalism. I am also reminded of Romans 3:31, which says: "Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law".

I know that law and grace are hotly debated topics here on CC. However, I don't believe that they are mutually exclusive. They work together.
It appears to me that your faith is established on solid ground! Thank you for stopping by!
May The Father equipt us to go about the work of his kingdom! Amen
 

Angela53510

Senior Member
Jan 24, 2011
11,780
2,940
113
#5
Excellent sermon by Wesley, thanks for posting!

God has also been quickening the importance of holiness lately.

"For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.'" Lev. 11:45



"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, 15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

Notice how Peter repeats these commands and tells us to grow up and not be conformed to "our former ignorance!"

Peter is addressing the "elect exiles" (v1) and this book and chapter particularly point out the importance of obedience, as a response to God and God's holiness.

"
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:" 1 Peter 1:2

"
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;" 1 Peter 1:22-24

I'm not sure if this should be classified as "legalism" though, since Peter was not only an apostle, but a church leader and this book has always been considered inspired.

Probably we do need a definition for legalism - like following man made laws or writings, instead of the Word!

PS Not judging or condemning anyone! Just delighted always to discuss the Word of God, and his plans for our lives, as we walk with him by obeying him!
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#6
Legalism is saying something is required to be saved, Stay saved, and or not lose salvation.

Saying obedience is a good thing, or holiness is not called for is not legalism. and no one has ever claimed it is, The only ones who even mention it are true legalists who do not like to be called out for their legalism.

Can we please get off this notion that if someone says we should live a righteous life they are deemed a legalist.
 
Sep 6, 2016
273
2
0
#7
Excellent sermon by Wesley, thanks for posting!

God has also been quickening the importance of holiness lately.

"For I am the LORD who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God; thus you shall be holy, for I am holy.'" Lev. 11:45



"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance,15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct,16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:14-16

Notice how Peter repeats these commands and tells us to grow up and not be conformed to "our former ignorance!"

Peter is addressing the "elect exiles" (v1) and this book and chapter particularly point out the importance of obedience, as a response to God and God's holiness.

"
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:" 1 Peter 1:2

"
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, 23 since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God;" 1 Peter 1:22-24

I'm not sure if this should be classified as "legalism" though, since Peter was not only an apostle, but a church leader and this book has always been considered inspired.

Probably we do need a definition for legalism - like following man made laws or writings, instead of the Word!

PS Not judging or condemning anyone! Just delighted always to discuss the Word of God, and his plans for our lives, as we walk with him by obeying him!

Amen! You posted some mighty wonderful scriptures there! Thank you !!


Dying to our flesh and choosing life! We battle our flesh daily! We must die daily! Trust me,I am aware of this.

The exasperation of this experience made Paul cry out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). And if it weren’t for God’s grace toward us, our flesh would hold us enslaved (Romans 6:20; Ephesians 2:3).

We must cooperate with the spirit and not the flesh! Our flesh is wicked! We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.


The time is NOW. Christ is coming soon. We are in the last hour.
 
Sep 6, 2016
273
2
0
#8
Legalism is saying something is required to be saved, Stay saved, and or not lose salvation.

Saying obedience is a good thing, or holiness is not called for is not legalism. and no one has ever claimed it is, The only ones who even mention it are true legalists who do not like to be called out for their legalism.

Can we please get off this notion that if someone says we should live a righteous life they are deemed a legalist.

Ill take your opinion with a grain of salt.
The error is there whether you see it or not. Holiness is not taught these days.The church is predominantly walking in false doctrines and lukewarmness. The hyper grace wof prosperity message is dominating the "church'' You may not need to hear the full word of God but others do! The time is NOW. Few find the door to eternal life. Christ is returning for his bride very soon. Warning is a good thing and certainly better than sitting on ones hands.
 
Mar 2, 2016
8,896
112
0
#9

Ill take your opinion with a grain of salt.
The error is there whether you see it or not. Holiness is not taught these days.The church is predominantly walking in false doctrines and lukewarmness. The hyper grace wof prosperity message is dominating the "church'' You may not need to hear the full word of God but others do! The time is NOW. Few find the door to eternal life. Christ is returning for his bride very soon. Warning is a good thing and certainly better than sitting on ones hands.
You should go start a church and see how it goes. I bet you aint got it in ya.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#10

Ill take your opinion with a grain of salt.
The error is there whether you see it or not. Holiness is not taught these days.The church is predominantly walking in false doctrines and lukewarmness. The hyper grace wof prosperity message is dominating the "church'' You may not need to hear the full word of God but others do! The time is NOW. Few find the door to eternal life. Christ is returning for his bride very soon. Warning is a good thing and certainly better than sitting on ones hands.
Oh is that so?

I have been to many a church, I have never found a church that did not teach one should not walkin Christ. I think the problem is not as wide spoken as you think.

And my opinion is true, A legalist is a person who claims salvation is dependent on things we do. That's plain and simple..

No one I have ever met would call a person a legalist because they say we should walk like Jesus walked. The only people I ever hear this accusation from are legalists, who refuse to admit they teach works.
 
Sep 6, 2016
273
2
0
#11



2 Corinthians 6:1
As God's fellow workers, we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.



He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise master builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.…
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#12
Those who are christs do not need to worry if Christ comes, They are secure, If a person is worried that if Christ comes, they might be lost. Then they have major problems, Because their faith evidently is not in Christ.

their focus should be on living the word. working out your salvation so people can be drawn to you and find the rest and assurance you have.
 
Sep 6, 2016
273
2
0
#13
Oh is that so?

I have been to many a church, I have never found a church that did not teach one should not walkin Christ. I think the problem is not as wide spoken as you think.

And my opinion is true, A legalist is a person who claims salvation is dependent on things we do. That's plain and simple..

No one I have ever met would call a person a legalist because they say we should walk like Jesus walked. The only people I ever hear this accusation from are legalists, who refuse to admit they teach works.
Teaching holiness is for the good of the believer. Im not sure what you are going on about. The word of God never ever returns void!!
Do you like to sound wise in your own eyes? I didnt see any scripture put forth by you.
 
Mar 2, 2016
8,896
112
0
#14
Teaching holiness is for the good of the believer. Im not sure what you are going on about. The word of God never ever returns void!!
Do you like to sound wise in your own eyes? I didnt see any scripture put forth by you.
There are two kinds of holiness. Do you even know what they are?
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#15



2 Corinthians 6:1
As God's fellow workers, we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.



He who plants and he who waters are one in purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. 10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise master builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds.…
[SUP]11 [/SUP]For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. [SUP]12 [/SUP]Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, [SUP][d][/SUP]precious stones, wood, hay, straw, [SUP]13 [/SUP]each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test [SUP][e][/SUP]the quality of each man’s work. [SUP]14 [/SUP]If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. [SUP]15 [/SUP]If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#16
Teaching holiness is for the good of the believer. Im not sure what you are going on about. The word of God never ever returns void!!
Do you like to sound wise in your own eyes? I didnt see any scripture put forth by you.

Do you have a reason for continuing to bash me? I never said it was a bad thing to teach a believer holiness. This you are now bearing false witness against me, It is kind of hard to be preaching holiness, When at the same your sinning against another person.

All I have said is saying a person should live in holiness is not legalism. A legalist is a person who claims we earn salvation, Keep it or keep from losing it based on how well we act.

Now do you you want to refute that point, or continue to lie about others?
 
Sep 6, 2016
273
2
0
#18

Do you have a reason for continuing to bash me? I never said it was a bad thing to teach a believer holiness. This you are now bearing false witness against me, It is kind of hard to be preaching holiness, When at the same your sinning against another person.

All I have said is saying a person should live in holiness is not legalism. A legalist is a person who claims we earn salvation, Keep it or keep from losing it based on how well we act.

Now do you you want to refute that point, or continue to lie about others?
Still no scripture?
 
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#19
E

eternally-gratefull

Guest
#20
Still no scripture?

Scripture for what?

I need scripture to prove that a legalist is a person who claims salvation is gained by works. Not a person who teaches we should live in holiness?

If you can not answer, Then admit it, stop with the nonsense