The Law

Matthew 5:21

Some basic differences in how people define “legalism”

To an apostate religious crowd legalism is:

the belief that saved people live right

the belief that we must live under the law

The Bible definition of legalism is:

someone who believes that you must obey the law to maintain your salvation

salvation is by grace plus the works of the law

If God saves a sinner He changes that sinner. No one gets saved and never changes.

As we study the doctrine of law and grace we see some contrasts that help us understand this truth from the Bible.

I. The Purpose Of The Law.

I Timothy 1:5-11

Conviction.

Conversion.

Psalm 19:7

II. The Position Of The Law.

Romans 3:20, 31 - It is established.

I Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Rev. 21:8

III. The Performance Of The Law.

Romans 8:1-5, 14

It is seen in born again people.

It is sown in born again people.

Conclusion:

We are not under the law. The law does not determine our

salvation and it never has. Abraham before the law was declared righteous by God without the law by faith as was David in Romans 4.

Should we live by the law now? NO

We are declared righteous by God through Jesus Christ and

His atoning work at Calvary.

However, we should not actively transgress against God’s

law:

Romans 5:20

Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:

Romans 6:1

What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace

may abound?

2 Timothy 2:19

Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.