Over the last several weeks, I have had several conversations centering on the topic of legalism. Each conversation/discussion has taken place in a different context, and with different people, but the general theme remains the same…
Legalism – what it is, and maybe more accurately, what it isn’t – can be a confusing issue. I am guessing that it is probably something that all believers have struggled with at some point in their Christian life (at least, I know I have!).Â
The following video clip is from the 2007 Desring God Conference. It is short – only 2-3 minutes. I would strongly encourage you to check it out. Randy Alcorn does a great job explaining that being committed to spiritual disciplines and high standards in our spiritual lives is not legalism. And, pursuing that higher standard, that we, as believers are called to, is possible through the enabling grace and strength of the Holy Spirit!Â
(You will need to pause the music player in the sidebar to hear this clip.)
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.†~Philippians 3:12-16 (ESV)