“You’re a Legalist!”

John M. Buttrey II

 In the religious world today, the term, “legalist,” is a label most people would never want applied to them. It is often used as an attack word against those who desire to stay true to the Scriptures; those who use book, chapter, and verse, to define and dictate their beliefs and practices. 

   While the term may have a negative connotation with many people, the Bible presents a different picture. In fact, according to the way the term is applied today, many would be surprised at those in the Bible they would have to label as legalists.

God the Legalist

 That God desires His instructions to be legally obeyed is illustrated in a number of familiar examples. Consider, Nadab and Abihu being consumed by fire for not using the right source of fire (Lev. 10:1-2). Uzzah being struck dead for supporting the ark is another (2 Sam. 6:6-7). God told Joshua, “be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn aside from it to the right or to the left” (Joshua 1:7). When God gives instructions, He expects them to be followed (cf. 1 Sam. 15:22-33). 

Jesus the Legalist 

   When we come to the New Testament, and the

Word becomes flesh and dwells among us (John 1:14), we see the same expectation of obedience to God’s instructions. Jesus said,

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter (Matthew 7:21 Emphasis Mine)

   Jesus speaks of an exclusivity in terms of who will be able to go to heaven. He indicates that not all religious people will enter heaven. He says, only those “who do the will” of the Father will enter. 

   Why is Jesus so legally rigid? Because it matters very much what we believe and practice (cf. Js. 2:19). I am surprised more people are not condemning of Jesus for being legalistic! Some might argue that Jesus denounced the legalism of the Pharisees. Indeed He did! Why? Look closely at His words of rebuke. On one occasion, Jesus told them,

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others (Matthew 23:23 Emphasis Mine). 

On another, Jesus said to them,

And He answered and said to them, “Why do you yourselves transgress the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? Matthew 15:3 Emphasis Mine). 

   The Pharisees were so legalistic with their man-made traditions, that it caused them to act illegally toward God’s commandments!

Peter the Legalist 

 When those who heard Peter preach the first Gospel sermon became cut to the heart in their sin, they asked what they needed to do.

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38 Emphasis Mine). 

   We hear shouts of protest today when anyone talks about the legal need to be baptized. To those who teach its essential nature, the legalist label is often applied. I guess that makes the inspired apostle a legalist! On another occasion, Peter the legalist said, “There is salvation in no other name” (Acts 4:12). Legally speaking, there really is only one way to God (cf. John 14:6). 

Paul the Legalist 

   Paul rebuked the churches of Galatia because they had fallen for a different (an illegal) Gospel. The apostle tells them,

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! (Galatians 1:8 Emphasis Mine). 

   Paul indicates there is only one Gospel. In another passage, he wrote there is only one church (Eph. 4:4). He told Timothy, women are not to teach or have authority over men in the church (1 Timothy 2:12). Twice, Paul spoke of singing and making melody in our hearts, with no mention of mechanical instruments of music (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). In light of today’s issues, the apostle was a true legalist. 

John the Legalist 

   Joining the impressive list of inspired legalists is the apostle John. Consider these words:

And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it (2 John 1:6 Emphasis Mine). 

   As Christians, John says we are to walk according to God’s commandments. In other words, we must be legally obedient to the inspired teachings. This, John says, is love. Believe it or not, striving to be sound in doctrine is not unloving (cf. Matt. 22:36-40). On the contrary! It is ignoring God’s commandments that is unloving! John says,

Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son (2 John 1:9). 

   It is sad that many people today who view themselves as Christians, have a disregard for the authority of the Scriptures. It is sad that they ridicule or denounce those who choose to closely follow the word of God. Yes, they may call us legalists. However, it looks to me like we are in pretty good company, with others, who they who would have to (according to own their standards) label as legalists.