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Law and Liberty: A Biblical Look at Legalism (Don Kistler)
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There are two deadly extremes Christians must avoid—legalism and antinomianism. Both are antithetical to the gospel. One raises God’s standards and the other lowers them. This book addresses the first of those deadly traps, that of legalism. It is a term that is often thrown about, but is seldom defined.
In this helpful book, several noted preachers and theologians show what legalism is and how destructive it can be to a right understanding of both justification and sanctification. Legalism is “a yoke that neither we nor our fathers could bear.” Fortunately, that “yoke” was borne by Christ at the cross, and He alone is able to bear it. He has “fulfilled all righteousness” for us, and that is a reason for rejoicing.
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Law and Liberty
A Biblical Look at Legalism
What is the relationship between God’s love and His law?
Is a Christian bound by endless “dos” and “don’ts”?
And does God love us more when we do some things or don’t do other things?
In these discussions the term ‘legalism’ is often bandied about. But what is it? And how dangerous is it? In this book the authors define legalism, show the inherent dangers of it, and also show how it is an insult to the finished work of Christ.
The authors in this compilation address the issue from a variety of angles.
John MacArthur shows, first that obedience to God is not an issue of legalism, but an issue of love. In his second chapter, he deals with the inevitable response of people who are confronted with Biblical standards, “Judge not that ye be not judged.” Here MacArthur shows what our Lord meant when He said that, and shows what biblical discernment really is, that there is a vast difference between judgmental and holding people accountable to God’s standards.
Phil Johnson, in his first chapter, deals with Christian liberty. In his second chapter, he takes a critical look at two kinds of legalism, then explores the relationship of Christian love and Christian liberty.
Joel Beeke shows that enthusiasm for God’s law is not necessarily legalism. One can be zealous without being legalistic. As David wrote: “Oh, how I love Thy Law!”
Bruce Bickel explains that legalism is due to a weak understanding of what Christ accomplished on the cross.
Jim Elliff makes clear that legalism is an attack on unity within the Body of Christ, particularly local congregations.
Ken Talbot helps us to see that legalism is inconsistent with and incompatible with the doctrine of justification by faith alone. He points out that the doctrine of “free will” leads to this dangerous position.
Rick Phillips explores the relationship to loving God and obeying His law. Some today believe that love is all that matters, and that the law as a guideline to love is extinct. Then this author shows that Biblical sanctification is the antidote to and the opposite of legalism.
Steven J. Lawson shows that legalism is the result of holding to man-made traditions over the truth of God’s Word. Second, he points out how dangerous and deadly a thing legalism is and why.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction: What Legalism Is, What Legalism Does – Don Kistler
2. Truth Vs. Tradition – Stephen J. Lawson
3. Love and God’s Law – Richard D. Philips
4. The Cross Is Enough – Bruce Bickel
5. The Danger of Legalism – Steven J. Lawson
6. Obedience: Love or Legalism? – John MacArthur
7. Zealous But not Legalistic – Joel Beeke
8. The Plague of Free-Will Moralism – Kenneth Talbot
9. Judging Vs. Biblical Discernment – John MacArthur
10. Stand Fast in Liberty – Phil Johnson
11. Real Love and Real Liberty – Phil Johnson
12. What Freedom From the Law Accomplishes For the Local Church – Jim Elliff
13. Biblical Sanctification: The Antidote to Legalism – Richard D. Philips