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Legalism is the term used by Christians to denote a doctrinal system where salvation is earned through good works or through the adherence to precise rules.

This position is often seen as contrary to idea that salvation is by grace alone, and there is nothing we can do in our human capacity to “earn” our salvation. Ephesians 2:8 states “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Those that hold a legalistic position tend to miss the point of the gospel – that all have sinned and falled short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23). Ironically, legalism has a greater tendency to creep in with those who profess to be well-versed in Scripture. Similarities can be drawn with the spiritual state of the Pharisees during the time of Jesus. The Pharisees, a learned group of Jews ostensibly well-versed in the Law, were often criticized by Jesus as hypocrites who were obsessed on the form of the Law but negligent on the “weightier matters of the Law: justice, mercy and faithfulness” (Matthew 23:23).

Likewise a legalistic believer may appear righteous and spiritual, but the inward transformation which is suppose to take place in the heart of a believer as a new creation may not have taken root. Onerous laws replace the work of the Holy Spirit, and the joy of our relationship with Jesus is lost as we toil to win God’s approval through the strict adherence to rules and laws.

Legalism can creep into the heart of every believer. When we take our eyes off the Gospel and forget that we are all sinners in need of a Saviour, spiritual pride wells up in our hearts and we try to work for salvation through our human strength.

This does not however negate the need to hold steadfastness to God’s Word. Grace does not equate to the disobedience to the Word of God.

When we fix our eyes on the Gospel and understand its implications, we are transformed inwardly by it and become a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). This inward transformation then bears fruits in lives of believers, which is a testament and proof of their inward faith and love for Jesus.