To date I've focused on the error of legalism and the obsession with trying to keep the law of Moses. Some may wonder what that should be a problem. Surely it's a noble aim to ensure that the believer keeps God's law? I will endeavour to refute this false notion.
The Galatian church would be considered Pentecostal in today's understanding. They had received the gift of the Holy Spirit and miracles were performed in their midst. Yet they had begun to embrace the legalism of the Judaizers who sought to impose Jewish laws and customs on the Galatians. Paul said that they had been bewitched, which means to be under the influence of an evil spirit. Witchcraft, as you may know, is primarily about control. Satan likes to slip a witch into fellowships to render the fellowship devoid of spiritual life. That he often succeeds is all too obvious in our day.
So where is the insult? It's by saying that God's provision in Christ is not good enough. Legalism add all kinds of requirements on top of God's simple word. When I was a very new Christian, it was expected that people would go to church twice on Sunday. There was an unwritten dress code. Other "laws" I have come across seem plain silly. Christians must not show bare arms in church (leads to a joke about the second amendment if you are American). Christians don't have beards. Christians don't ride motor bikes.
God has only one answer to humanity's problems. It is Jesus. You can add or subtract nothing to this great salvation. By trying, all you do is incur God's displeasure.
So where is the insult? It's by saying that God's provision in Christ is not good enough. Legalism add all kinds of requirements on top of God's simple word. When I was a very new Christian, it was expected that people would go to church twice on Sunday. There was an unwritten dress code. Other "laws" I have come across seem plain silly. Christians must not show bare arms in church (leads to a joke about the second amendment if you are American). Christians don't have beards. Christians don't ride motor bikes.
God has only one answer to humanity's problems. It is Jesus. You can add or subtract nothing to this great salvation. By trying, all you do is incur God's displeasure.
