once again.
A legalist is a person who claims eternal life is based on ones actions, or how well they obey God, or how "less" they sin.
if this fits you (which it does from what everyone here sees) then please do not judge others for judging what is true.
If it is not you (we could be wrong) then you have judged falsely.
The issue with sin is it is easy to name th ebig ones, as you said, and not do them, Everyone knows they are wrong.
It is hard to think that if one knows to do something and does not do it, to him it is sin (evil in the eyes of a holy, just and righteous God) That those times when we chose to serve self and not others That to him that is sin (evil in the eyes of a holy, just and righteous God)
it is called watering down the law.
Now they get mad at us people who claim we are foolish to think we can stop sin and live up to Gods perfect standard (out of humility) then when confronted, they must admit, They still sin also.
Talk about hypocrisy.
I have to be honest here. EG intention is to make me into a legalist. He will not actually
discuss the real issues but go to "safe" texts to attempt to slander and lie about me.
Now let us take this point.
All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
1 John 5:17
If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
James 4:17
Now we are called to do good things. James is emphasising if something good is possible
you are set up to do it, and then you refuse, that is sin.
The problem with this phrase though commendable is so open, weak minded people will
think of "good" things they could do, and for whatever reason have not, and condemn
themselves constantly. Walking down the street you could clean everyones front garden.
It would be a good thing to do. But you do not do it, so are sinning.
This is such an infinite phrase other than the specific rebellion situation it does not work.
But it is a proof text of what it is to be righteous and follow Christ? No, it is a feeble excuse
to not obey Christ over the commands to love ones enemy, love ones friends and family, to die
for the church.
And this is my frustration. What a pathetic response to Christ and His glorious freedom, to bind
people to sin and condemnation. You are not perfect, you see good things and do not do them
so you are totally lost and hopeless.
Jesus says you are perfect as you are, worthy and loved, pure and holy, walking in the Spirit,
knowing the glorious things of heaven so do not let the accuser rob you of them.
And it is only the accuser who comes with this continual irrelevant junk to condemn and pester
the weak minded.
Jesus criticised the pharisees for not loving from the heart, ignoring forgiveness, justice and
faithfulness. And how many of these preachers are divorced, have been unfaithful and find
commitment in their lives a serious problem, too many.
So out of this pit of failure and condemnation there is no real wisdom or truth, only excuses
for the pitiable failure of their lives and ability to resolve their inner conflicts while condemning
everyone else who does not agree with them.
What is staggering is I have no beef with them, I just want people to know the empowerment
of Christs love in their hearts. It is obvious these people know nothing of this in their lives
and desperately want to excuse their failure onto a theology of appeasement.
But this is the real fruit of their lives, not victory, or repentance but excuses.
So I will continue to listen to Christ and not to these lawless hyper-legalists.
It is such a deceptive poison, to appear to be preaching freedom, but actually real condemnation.
Truly they will say to Christ, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?"
And Christs response will be "Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"
matt 7:22-23
I write this as a testimony against you, because though you claim to see you
are blind, though you claim to hear you are deaf.
Obey Christ or be rejected.
To those with a weak mind this is not being a legalist, a legalist believes following
the law justifies them, Jesus says obeying Him brings us freedom.
And I know this works and is true. He is the light of the world, showing the light
out of sinful behaviour into righteousness and purity.
I'm guessing it is assuming a person has listened to the message and is then making a profession. Like Billy Graham or any other preacher who has given the message of salvation to a lot of people. Again., I have no problem with it at all. And surly imo it doesn't make someone a heretic. But I can see by Polly's estimation it does put someone up there in the heretic circle so not sure what else to say. 
