Untitled Sermon (7)

What is legalism? It is a wrong attitude towards the code of laws under which a person lives … Thus legalism may be defined as ‘a fleshly attitude which conforms to a code for the purpose of exalting self’.

Charles Caldwell Ryrie

What is legalism? A simple definition would be this: Legalism is treating that which is good as though it were essential. Whenever Christians turn something valuable into something ultimate, legalism is at work and freedom is forfeited.

Todd Wilson

Legalism is thinking I can do something to make God pay attention to me. Legalism is thinking I can do something to deserve the grace of God. Legalism is meritorious thinking. But this passage is simply asking every one of us, are you paying attention?

Raymond C. Ortlund Jr.

What really is “legalism”? It is the belief that I can become holy and please God by obeying laws.

Warren W. Wiersbe