That’s right. I’m on a little bit of a rant right now but if you would, consider the statement.
Jesus was very legalistic. He judged man’s behavior and said that He was the only way to God. He told the rich young ruler that he lacked one thing – to sell all that he had and give to the poor. Interestingly, Jesus did not tell people to do things how they wanted to when they wanted to. He said things like, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6).”
At the same time He was full of grace, but grace did not mean that you get to do things your way. His grace meant that He loves you in spite of who you are at times. He wasn’t a Pharisee – He didn’t set a standard to get to Heaven based upon what you do. Yet, even though He had grace, He didn’t lower the standard for holiness. He said: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48).”
In our culture today, I hear things like, “God isn’t legalistic about the time I spend with Him.” Or, “I have freedom…” And you are right on one level. God will not send you to Hell because you only read your Bible once this week. And, you, in your freedom can do whatever you please. But that does not mean that you have honored Him. That does not mean that you are living His Words. We have undervalued what He wants in our relationship with Him because we really don’t care about Him and want to live our life the way that fits our desires and schedule.
So, I disagree with what the culture is saying. Jesus was and is legalistic. He set a standard. He asked us to follow after Him and live according to that standard. And, grace leads to living that says because I understand what you did for me, I will willingly surrender every part of my life to You. You can’t work your way to Heaven, but you will be as legalistic about following Him as you are about eating (most eat 3 times per day, even though they do not have to) or watching your favorite TV shows or seeing your favorite new movie. Shouldn’t we be more legalistic about His ways than the things that mean nothing?
Jesus was legalistic but He was not a Pharisee.
Insightful post. Love the examples of television and eating.
The life of following Jesus is a disciplined one. It’s full of counting the cost and choosing to follow Christ over giving into our flesh.
Good stuff!
Maybe the problem here is the definition of grace. According to Strong’s Concordance – grace is “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life” – or simply stated “the desire and power to do God’s will”. This requires much more than following a list of rules. This requires walking by the Spirit. Over and over it is shown that God looks upon the heart and not simply by what a man does. When speaking to the rich young ruler; he did not go to a rule, but to his heart (there is no law or even legal requirement that this man sell everything he had). He saw that there was something he was not willing to give up. Jesus did not want the man’s wealth, he wanted his heart. You can follow every rule and discipline there is and it will never lead you to God.
Don’t think that I am saying to throw out the rules or the requirements of scripture. I am saying the opposite. Walking by the Spirit will lead you down a path that fulfills every word of scripture. Walking by the Spirit will lead you into all Truth. It will cause you to seek God with all that you are, not just to follow the rules.
I disagree, Jesus was not legalistic. He simply followed the leading of the Spirit, which goes way beyond rules. Rules do not bring fulfillment, but the Spirit does.
@ Mayce – thanks! appreciate you guys.
@Ron – You are right on that if we live His Word and walk by the Spirit then we will have no problem accomplishing His purpose and plans. Thanks for the thoughts!