But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3:4-7 (ESV)

 

Legalism turns the gospel into a bait and switch offer. Its message is that we are saved by grace, but we are kept by works, making salvation dependent on our own merits rather than Christ's alone. (Ephesians 2:8–9). The problem is not the law itself, but a distorted idea and understanding of God. This explains why the Pharisees often twisted the Mosaic Law into legalism and work righteousness.

We are no longer under the law as a covenant of works since it has been superseded by the surpassing glory of the new covenant of grace and truth in Christ. The same God who justifies also sanctifies. Thus, we relate to Him not as rule keepers but as children of His grace.

When you do not fully understand the gospel, legalism can easily sneak into your spiritual life, and soon you will be struggling to earn God's acceptance and approval. The good news is that if we did not earn salvation through good performance, we cannot lose it through poor performance. Salvation is a gift that comes by grace through faith, not a reward for any good things we have done.

When the Spirit of grace within you rewrites your heart to reflect Christ's perfect love of love, you experience a spontaneity of faith and freedom that brings inexpressible joy.