Which Is Better? Legalistic Or Sinful?
Man’s nature is that of a sinner. It is inescapable until glorification. It seems that sanctification is where we struggle. How is a Christian to live? If man is sinful should we struggle to escape sin and risk legalism or simply “be” and ask for forgiveness.
Q. Hi, I stumbled upon your site and really enjoy it. As an ex Biblical Science major at Moody I find your approach to Biblical interpretation to be very sound. I have a question for which I would like your opinion. Thanks in advance.
Man’s nature is that of a sinner. It is inescapable until glorification. Following the justification / sanctification / glorification model I think the Bible is clear on the requirements of salvation and the future state of the believer after death or rapture. It seems that sanctification is where we struggle. How is a Christian to live? If man is sinful should we struggle to escape sin and risk legalism or simply “be” and ask for forgiveness.
A. I believe the New Testament clearly states that there are behavioral standards to which Christians should aspire. Every one of Paul’s letters contains some kind of admonition in that regard, and Peter, James and John are no different. These are meant to be expressions of gratitude for what’s already been given us, but mankind has turned them into another set of rules and added threats for non-compliance.
Salvation is a free gift given on the basis of belief, not behavior, and brings eternal comfort. But sanctification brings true fellowship with God, opening the door to additional blessings, as long as our attitude is right.
If we’re trying to live up to Biblical standards out of fear or a sense of duty, or for the sake of appearance, we’ve missed the point and will become the miserable wretch Paul described himself as being in Romans 7 (the bondage of legalism).
But if we do so purely out of our love for the Lord and because we want to please Him, He’ll reward us with blessings beyond measure, both in this world and in the next. (the blessing of grace) Same behavior, different motives, different outcome. It’s like the difference between wanting to do something, versus havng to do it. It changes our whole perspective.
And when we sin, as we often do, the application of 1 John 1:9 restores us, and it’s like it never happened.
