Jesus quotes Isaiah in Mark 7:6, "This people honoreth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me." A legalist substitutes outward acts or words for proper inner attitudes that come from being born of God and the Spirit. Such people honor God with their lips, while their hearts are far from Him. They appear outwardly righteous, but inwardly have no real love for God. Legalism does not mean the mere existence of laws, regulations or rules within the Christian community. Rather, it has to do with motives - the motives by which the Christan approaches God's will as expressed in His Word. Any motive for keeping commandments or rules that does not stem from a living faith in Christ, the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, and the sincere desire to obey and please Him, is legalism. Jesus said in John 14:21, "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." As Christians (followers of Jesus) we are called to live our lives according to the Godly standards set forth in His Word, and not according to the changing fashions of the world around us. Our obedience to His Word is proof of our love for Him! Even in this day of grace, Christians remain under he instruction, discipline and duty of obeying Christ's law and His Word.
Do we love Him enough to obey Him?
Do we love Him enough to obey Him?