Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Most of us are susceptible to legalism. Some preach about Jesus and a lot of rules, rituals, and laws because it feels secure and it is measurable. Once we do that, we start playing the comparison game, measuring how we are better or worse than someone else. Don't let anybody make a legalist out of you. You are not saved by keeping laws; you are not saved by ritual. You're not saved by anything other than the grace of God. People who seek to be saved or sanctified by rules are like those trying to get out of quicksand. The more they struggle, the more they sink.
Ten thousand rules will not make you one bit more like Jesus. We may look at the Pharisees as the “bad guys” in the New Testament, but we struggle with the same things. We build our rules and rituals and ask people to live up to our standards instead of embracing the grace of Jesus.
What are some ways you tend toward legalism? What are some rules and rituals you have measured others by? Why is it easier for us to live by legalism than by grace? Repent and ask for forgiveness for times you have held onto legalism.
This devotional was written by Pastor/teacher Adrian Rogers. The Copyright owner is Love Worth Finding. Used with written permission. You may contact lwf.org and be blessed directly and freely by Biblical teaching.
