Legalism vs. Grace: The Differences and How They Affect Salvation
I use religious jargon in my speech, so I’ve been told.
My first instinct was to be offended. I believe that faith in Jesus is all I need for salvation. And yet here I am using words that try to convict people rather than convince them.
Is it possible I became a legalist without even realizing it?
I denied I grew up in legalism and I was sure I was right. But now I know the truth. I couldn’t hear what the legalists were saying because I was talking like a legalist, too.
Learning that I use jargon in my speech gave clarity to how I communicated with others and led me down a path to seek truth which embraces grace but leaves legalism in the dust!
What is legalism vs grace?
Legalism is the belief that good works are necessary for salvation. Grace is the belief that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. These two approaches to Christianity have very different implications for salvation.
Legalism
Legalism requires people to do good works to be saved. Under legalism, adherence to the law is required, and it is a person’s responsibility to get salvation.
Legalism puts a lot of pressure on people to perform perfectly. If they make even one mistake, they may think that they are not good enough for salvation. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.
Legalism often leads to judgmental behavior towards others. People who follow a legalistic approach often judge others who do not live up to their standards.
Grace
Grace offers salvation to anyone who has faith in Jesus Christ. This means that salvation is available to all, regardless of their past actions. It also takes the pressure off people to perform perfectly, as they know grace saves them.
Grace often leads to more tolerant and accepting behavior towards others. People who follow a grace-based approach are often more accepting of those who do not live up to their standards.
Grace is a gift from God motivated in love, and allows people to receive salvation, even if they have made mistakes in the past.
Tips for Success in Legalism vs Grace
Tip #1. Know the Bible
One of the most important things to do when exploring the legalism vs grace debate is to study the Bible. This will help you understand what each approach teaches and how it affects salvation.
Tip #2: Talk to other Christians
Another great way to learn about legalism vs grace is to talk to other Christians about their thoughts on the matter. You can learn a lot from hearing other people’s perspectives. But always go back to the Bible and check for the truth of any information you hear from others. God is the ultimate authority of truth.
Tip #3: Remember that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ
The most important thing to keep in mind when exploring legalism vs grace is that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
The Last Thing to Know about Legalism vs Grace
In summary, legalism vs grace is a debate that has been going on for centuries. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Make sure that your faith is in Jesus Christ.
Common Questions About Legalism vs Grace
What is the biblical definition of legalism?
The biblical definition of legalism is the belief that salvation comes through obeying the law. Legalists believe people must follow a set of rules to be saved.
What are the characteristics of legalism?
Some of the key characteristics of legalism are that it is based on the law, it leads to feelings of guilt and shame, and it can cause judgmental behavior. Legalism often causes people to miss out on the grace that is available to them through faith in Jesus Christ.
What is the biblical definition of grace?
The biblical definition of grace is the belief that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Grace-based Christians believe grace alone saves people, not by their own efforts.
What are the characteristics of grace?
Some of the key characteristics of grace are that it is based on faith. It takes the pressure off people to perform perfectly, and it often leads to more tolerant and accepting behavior towards others. Grace allows people to receive salvation, even if they have made mistakes in the past.
What is the difference between legalism and grace?
The crucial difference between legalism and grace is that legalism is based on the law, while grace is based on faith. Legalism often leads to feelings of guilt and shame, while grace leads to more tolerant and accepting behavior. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
What are 5 important beliefs of legalism?
1. Salvation comes through obeying the law
2. Legalism is based on the law
3. Legalism leads to feelings of guilt and shame
4. Legalism can cause judgmental behavior
5. Legalism often causes people to miss out on the grace that is available to them through faith in Jesus Christ.
What was the goal of legalism?
The goal of legalism is to enable people to earn salvation by obeying the law. Legalists believe people must follow a set of rules to be saved.
How do you know a church is legalistic?
There are a few key indicators that can help you identify a legalistic church. Watch out for a church that:
- is based on the law
- leads to feelings of guilt and shame
- causes judgmental behavior
- often causes people to miss out on the grace that is available to them through faith in Jesus Christ
What are some common legalistic behaviors?
Some common legalistic behaviors include judgmental attitude, self-righteousness, and a focus on performance instead of grace. Legalists often have a difficult time showing grace to others, even when they make mistakes.
