From; Brenda Walsh Ministries.
Legalistic Theology
Legalism is driving members away from churches and, even more sobering, away from God. No matter what denomination you’re affiliated with, you will see legalism’s devastating effects on God’s people. There are those who believe in “salvation by diet” and if you eat any of the foods that they believe to be unhealthy, then you won’t go to heaven. Others staunchly believe that unless you pray a certain way, then God won’t hear you. There are even those who believe that if you don’t sing songs directly from an “approved” hymn book, then it’s displeasing to God. Satan wants you to believe that God is a stern, angry judge who is just waiting for you to make a mistake, and if you don’t do everything just perfectly, you won’t be in heaven. But don’t be deceived. If the devil talked angels out of heaven, he can talk you into hell... so make sure you’re getting your information from God. Legalism is the inevitable result of what happens when you forget Christ’s redemptive love on Calvary. There is nothing that you can eat, say, or do to make yourself acceptable to God, nor can you purchase salvation by your own works. A legalistic theology won’t draw souls to Christ, but instead, drive them away. Make no mistake, your only hope is in the saving blood of Jesus Christ. Because of His amazing love for us, He paid the price for our sins on Calvary. Text: Ephesians 2:8-9, Colossians 2:8, Romans 14:10, Romans 10:3