Legalism always puts unreachable demands on a person and then condemns the person when he/she doesn't reach the demands. Jesus said the Pharisees placed burdens on the people and did not lift a finger to help the people that they placed the burdens on.

Legalism sets rituals and rules that people are not to break--even if a person must go without food. Jesus' disciples picked corn and rolled the corn in their hands while eating on the sabbath and Jesus was confronted about the disciples breaking sabbath rules.

Legalism says rules don't change---people must change to fit the rules. The priority is on the rules not the people. Jesus said the sabbath was made for man and not man for the sabbath.

Legalism stops a person from recognizing and receiving God's love. Jesus, Who is love, said I would have gathered you as a hen does her chicks, but you would not. Neither did the Pharisees recognize love. Even when Jesus stood in their midst, they rejected Him.

Legalism blinds a person's eyes to the truth-- yet, they will be convinced that they are right in their beliefs. Jesus said -- you say that you see, therefore your sin remains.

Legalism will cause a person to punish himself or others--rather than receive or show mercy. Jesus confronting the woman caught in adultery and her accusers showed mercy.

Legalism has no liberty-- only captives. Jesus said whom the Son sets free is free indeed.

Legalism emphasizes works--can't receive grace which is the unmerited favor of God. Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

Legalism brings hopelessness and condemnation. There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit.

Legalism makes you judgmental of others. Jesus was asked why don't your disciples fast? Jesus said it wasn't time. Jesus also said, judge not lest ye be judged.

Legalism will make a person put rules and forms on every encounter with God. Pharisees tried to fit Jesus into their limitations and ideas of a messiah--the New Testament calls it having a form of Godliness yet denying the power thereof.

Legalism takes away God's power by substituting the commandments of men for the commandments of God. Jesus said don't add to or take away from what God says.

Legalism will make a person try to do God's job--it is called presumptous sin. Jesus said don't judge another man's servant--Jesus told the disciples if they are not against me they are for me--Jesus alone is the righteous judge and all judgment is given into His hand.

Legalism will try to separate a person from God--it will stop a person from receiving God's blessings --it will cause a person to work for God instead of letting God work through the individual. Jesus said apart from Me you can do nothing.

Legalism wants recognition and man's praise. Jesus talked about the Pharisees that painted their faces and stood on street corners loudly praying so others could see how "holy" they were -- Jesus said they only get the praise of men and nothing more.

Legalism debates, harshly confronts, and condemns others that disagree--it always demands the forefront and the recognition of being right. Jesus said to the Pharisees-- for which of these things that I have done do you condemn Me? Jesus specifically told the disciples not to get in debates with the Pharisees and to beware of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Legalism produces bondage to perform --not peace and rest. Jesus said,  "My peace I give you, not as the world gives,  give I unto you ."

Legalism produces death--it causes a person to speak wrongly about God, themselves, and others --and then the words result in actions. Jesus who is the life was crucified.

Bobbie