Alright, I've been called Legalistic

[kittylover0991]

hey everyone!

I know, I know, I started up the last thread on legalism in the General Discussion, but I have basically been told I have a legalistic beliefs, so now, instead of asking what legalism is, I want to know how I am so legalistic lol I sitll dont' undersatnd what this "legalism" is becuase when I stand up for what the bible says, I am called legalistic. It seems it is "Chrisitans" way of trying to get out of conviction or out of obeying the word of God. I've heard someone say that legalism is soemone trying to obey God's law in order to be saved, but that obviously is not the case considering I am saved and believe that God saved me for all eternity, can not loose that salvaiton.. not to metnion that ONLY Christ can saved.

So what in my views are so legalistic?

The thing is, I do not believe that the grace of Christ is cheap. We are to live godly lives after receiving His grace and mercy. A new person is created when we are saved by grace. So how are my views, which seem to be close to many others in here, legalistic?

Crystal

By the way, I am not trying to cause trouble, I jsut want the answer. This is ridiculous as a lost person telling me I am judging their sin.

[cymba22]

I dont see how your view is legalistic....we are new in Christ and thats a totally biblical concept, so unless you go into detail about your personal convictions I cannot say more than that.

[nebula]

Crystal

This is the only perspective I can offer.

I didn't know I was pharasitical/judgmental until the Lord put me through a circumstance that bare open my own heart to myself.

My suggestion, then, to you is to ask the Lord to "search your heart, try you, and see if there be any wicked way in you." Let Him bring this to the surface, if it be there. I've seen you have a heart that seeks after the Lord, but yet you are surrounded by those who don't. My situation was somewhat similar. In some ways my judgmentalism was a defense. Legalism, if that be what it is in you, may be a defense you "created" to guard your heart against the evils of this world. (I throw this out as a possibility, not a fact.) When you have come to the place where you no longer need that defense (note, I am not saying there is anything wrong with you - it's more like an injured person needing a brace until the bones are set and the muscles strengthened), I trust that the Lord will gently (OK, it may not feel gentle, but it sure is more gentle that what people tend to do!) unhitch the defenses.

You just keep seeking the Lord and surrendering your heart to Him, and He will he'll weed out anything there that doesn't belong in His time. 'K?

[Guest pixy]

hey everyone!

I know, I know, I started up the last thread on legalism in the General Discussion, but I have basically been told I have a legalistic beliefs, so now, instead of asking what legalism is, I want to know how I am so legalistic lol I sitll dont' undersatnd what this "legalism" is becuase when I stand up for what the bible says, I am called legalistic. It seems it is "Chrisitans" way of trying to get out of conviction or out of obeying the word of God. I've heard someone say that legalism is soemone trying to obey God's law in order to be saved, but that obviously is not the case considering I am saved and believe that God saved me for all eternity, can not loose that salvaiton.. not to metnion that ONLY Christ can saved.

So what in my views are so legalistic?

The thing is, I do not believe that the grace of Christ is cheap. We are to live godly lives after receiving His grace and mercy. A new person is created when we are saved by grace. So how are my views, which seem to be close to many others in here, legalistic?

Crystal

By the way, I am not trying to cause trouble, I jsut want the answer. This is ridiculous as a lost person telling me I am judging their sin.

Crystal,

You seem to have a beautiful, passionate heart. The reason that people (including myself) have pointed out that your views are legalistic is because they are not Biblically based. It is sad to see someone with such passion for God scew the focus of her testimony to scraps of cloth on her body, rather than to the cross, and the finishing work of Christ. You are right: grace is not cheap; it cost Jesus His life. Why would you want to cheapen that by passing off your attire as what is significant about the Christian Faith?

It a great thing to stand up for what the Bible says, but your views are not doing that. They are standing up for man-made rules, for traditions, for ever-changing trends. The Bible does not prohibit women from wearing pants. Your deception in supporting this rule that is not of the Bible compromises the authenticity of your faith. You not only are displaying a misunderstanding of scripture, but you are creating a stumbling block for others to be led astray. I have talked to many non-believers who are turned off by the Christian Faith because of legalism. They want something real and life-giving, not to be in bondage to silly, illogical rules.

As I've said, modesty is somewhat relative, and what is a good clothing choice for me, may not be the best clothing choice for you. You mentioned in the modesty thread that the people you're around need something to help them differintiate between male and female. In all honesty, I think the solution to that is an anatomy lesson, not a dress code.

We need to remember that attire is something that the Spirit convicts people on. You are undermining the power and authority of the Holy Spirit when you take on the role of establishing an extremist dress code. Just because you feel convicted that skirts are the only modest choice for you, does not mean that this is the only modest choice for someone else, or even a modest choice at all. Personally, I have had issues with men making inappropriate comments when I wear skirts (and yes, they were long, non-clingy, modest ones). Why would I want to follow a silly rule that prohibits me from following the true spirit of modesty?

[Floatingaxe]

Excellent, Pixy!

[Marnie]

All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth. 1 Cor. 10:23, 24

Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? 10:29

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God 10:32

Seems pretty clear to me. We have great freedom in Christ. You cannot add a list of do's and don't to justification by faith alone. There is not a checklist to get saved, there is not a checklist to stay saved. Those who live by a set of rules and regulations (legalism) take comfort in those man-made boundaries because if they "break a rule," then they simply blame the rule for being too strict. If they are able to obey all the rules, they are puffed up with pride and feel good about themselves. In Christ is freedom. Why is that such a difficult concept to grasp? Paul got. James got it. I pray those trapped in a legalistic Christianity get it too.

[kittylover0991]

Hey Pixy,

Just to say it, what you said is not the reason I started this thread But thank you so much for your response. Yes, what I wear is a conviction of the Lord, and I not saying that it is everything or even close to everything of what a Christian Testimony is all about. I was just tryign to say in that thread that the Lord had worked mightily with that in my life, and people know that I am different when they see me. There is OH so much more than dress, but that is what the topic was about also, if that makes any sense.

Sorry, scatter brained right now becuae I'm trying to help my mom cook

But, I can see where you are coming from dealing with "adding rules", it just didn't make any sense to me becuase "legalism" in my mind, is saying that youhave to obey certain laws FOR SALVATION. The Lord has convicted me about what I wear that I just can't wear pants anymore or those tight shirts like I used to... it is highly uncomfortable, and also, just the whole thing with not wearing something that would attract the eyes of a man in a wrong way.

I must say, Floatingaxe make a very good point about pants with flower prints etc. I really don't know what to say to pants that are loose, etc, but I"ve never seen them... I have never seen a pair of pants that are no immodest is the thing. I am sorry if I came off in a certain light other than this, but, this a conviction I have from the Lord and I know the bible says modesty. I guess the next part comes down to how you define modesty, based on the word of God.

Crystal

Thanks sis

[Floatingaxe]

kittylover~

Let Jesus tell you what modesty is.

Regarding your comment about thinking that legalism has to do with salvation: legalism also has to do with dictating righteousness, by legislating behaviour. That is not the church's job--that is God's job at work in the heart and mind of each individual believer. Sometimes a believer will need assistance--from another, but not from a denominational edict.

[kat8585]

I must say, Floatingaxe make a very good point about pants with flower prints etc.

I didn't see this anywhere.

[kittylover0991]

kittylover~

Let Jesus tell you what modesty is.

Regarding your comment about thinking that legalism has to do with salvation: legalism also has to do with dictating righteousness, by legislating behaviour . That is not the church's job--that is God's job at work in the heart and mind of each individual believer. Sometimes a believer will need assistance--from another, but not from a denominational edict.

What do you mean?

"but not from a denominational edict" what does that mean?