Romans 3:20. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Unfortunately, many believers are caught in legalism. The law is God’s Word, but legalism is a form of idolatry. Giving tithes, for instance, is commanded in God’s Word, but giving tithes religiously, trying to earn God’s favor, is legalism.
Legalism is detestable to God (Isa 1:13-14). Also, placing compassionate attitudes, all forms of godliness, and religious zeal before the gospel—God’s only way of salvation—is common among many believers. However, Scripture states that one cannot be saved by keeping the law and doing good deeds.
Legalism and good deeds may appear to be paths to salvation, but neither can settle the fundamental problem of original sin. Ever since Adam and Eve broke God’s covenant, Satan has placed everyone under the law of sin and death, bringing curses and wrath. That is why our actions have no power over Satan, sin, and hell. Religious people often fail to understand this.
No one is righteous under the law, as no one can keep all of it (Rom 3:10-12). That is how Satan took control of the whole world. Death began to reign over everyone because of sin (Rom 6:23).
The purpose of the law is to reveal sin (Rom 5:13) and show us our sinful nature (Rom 3:20). God gave us the law to make us realize that we are sinners. The law was meant to be merely a guardian over us until Christ came (Gal 3:24). It was only a shadow of Christ to come (Heb 10:1).
Scripture is clear about the danger of legalism. The more one tries to keep the law to earn salvation, the worse their condition will become: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind, our sins sweep us away” (Isa 64:6).
Attempting to keep the law and do good deeds without understanding original sin and the total depravity of human nature leads to self-righteousness and pride. It also causes one to judge or even condemn others for breaking the law.
No one can be made right with God by following the law (Rom 3:20). That is why God revealed to us righteousness apart from the law—that is, Christ (Rom 3:21). We are made right with God through faith in Christ, not through our efforts to follow the law. Christ is the end of the law so that everyone who believes in Him is made right with God (Rom 10:4).
Remember, because Christ lives in you, you are not under the law but under grace (Rom 6:15). So fight against legalism as Paul did (Rom 7:14-25). First, recognize the law of sin making you its prisoner. After realizing his sinful nature, Paul confessed, “What a miserable person I am! Who will save me from this body that brings me death?” (Rom 7:24).
But Paul did not dwell on guilt and shame. He recognized the power of the law of the Spirit of life working in him. Having confirmed this life-saving law through Christ, Paul declared, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom 7:25).
And he boldly proclaimed, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Rom 8:1-2).
Always remember that the blessing of salvation has been freely given to you through faith. Even faith itself is a gift from God (Eph 2:8). That is God’s grace. You have been saved not by your own efforts, so there is nothing to boast about (Eph 2:9).
So, celebrate your salvation throughout the day. Give thanks in all circumstances. Resolve to spend the rest of your life doing the good things God has planned for you—saving lives by the power of the gospel.
Prayer. “Father, I thank You for the gift of salvation. I have not earned this, but You freely gave it to me through Your Son, Jesus. Help me abandon all my unbelief and legalistic attitudes. Let me not forget that I am under grace. I desire to live my life proclaiming the gospel of grace to all nations. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”