Legalism vs. Lawlessness

Legalism is a word you will not find in most dictionaries, but a break down of its parts will reveal its meaning. Legal is that which is permitted or established by law, and -ism is a suffix used to identify or imply a practice, theory, doctrine, system or principle. Legalism is then, the practice, theory, doctrine, system or principle of permitting or establishing law. Under such a definition, provided to us by Webster, we can safely say that legalism is something which all religions and politics are at sometime involved in. In fact, one cannot think of a religion or political system which does not rely on legalism, as properly defined.

The word legalism is bandied about out of context and without definition by many. Most times legalism or legalistic is used to maliciously label another person or organization. Many times this happens when one person does not know how to counter or explain the belief system of another person or organization. It seems most often it is used against that belief system which commits the seemingly "unpardonable sin' of not agreeing with another belief system.

It is common sense to look around and see that society and religion all depend on the rule of law. There is no organization which does not. A safe society is a legalistic society according to the proper definition of legal-ism. The problem comes when what I believe differs with what you believe.

Among Bible believers there is, generally speaking, just two ways to look at the relationship of G-d's law to mankind. Either His law is permanent or it is not. Either G-d changes or He does not. All Bible believers take one of these two positions. Those that believe that G-d's law is not permanent are prone to think that the ones who do are following legalism. Really not a bad label, but it is clear that it is meant to put down or hurt.

Those who believe G-d does not change His mind, are apt to esteem those who think He does as being lawless. Most times this is said to demean. However, those who believe G-d changes are not really lawless, as in "having no law," because they do have a legal system. Both views are legalistic. All Bible believers believe in some law, that is, a system of rules and regulations. They differ on what rules and regulations they should follow, but they all have rules and regulations.

On this basis, now understanding the proper definitions of legalism and lawlessness, we should retire both words. Neither really have any relevance to the issue of whether or not God's law changes. It's time those who believe the Bible start taking a mature and caring approach toward the discussion of it.

As for us here at MBI, name calling will not be engaged in or responded too, because whatever anyone is maliciously labeled bears no relevance to the truth of the matter.

We believe in the eternal relavence of every Word which has come from Elohim's mouth. We DO NOT believe that anyone can be perfect enough by their own actions to attain to His glory. We hold that in all history Israel has relied soley on His mercy and His grace to receive the promises.

Shalom