tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6524121134619106328.post481835529581388324..comments2023-05-26T22:59:25.930+08:00Comments on Epitome: The Reluctant Legalist: Every ChristianSteve Wickhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00921698153004851275noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6524121134619106328.post-5466362370784840032009-06-08T07:52:40.877+08:002009-06-08T07:52:40.877+08:00Hi Andrew - I'm actually very grateful for you...Hi Andrew - I'm actually very grateful for your post. I did read your post the other day and I read myself right in it, as I know I'm given to legalism... (part of the thrust to my post). I was grateful for it because God searched me immediately.<br /><br />A recovering alcoholic gets over his or her disease 'one day at a time.' i.e. is never fully-recovered. My belief is we Christians can only get over legalism the same way... through continual awareness of grace.<br /><br />My personal approach when I see legalism is to see how close I am to it... in this breeds a tolerance (hopefully) and a gentle goading of the other person if I have good rapport with them (through questioning to raise awareness) at best. <br /><br />It's my belief (from my own experience) that God sorts out the legalist in his time... I'm a big believer in "Vengeance is mine, says the LORD." (Rom. 12:19-21, Prb 25:21-22, Deut 32:35)<br /><br />I know my position is the softer side, and it won't fit on all occasions... some of which do call for a firm stance.<br /><br />My personal view is we are only a minute or so away from Pharisaism and I do not believe we can be recovered from that this side of heaven. <br /><br />For me, awareness is the key; when I'm most aware I'm least Pharisaical. Again, that's why your post was a timely reminder.<br /><br />But, that's only my opinion.Steve Wickhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00921698153004851275noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6524121134619106328.post-49557521094884910312009-06-07T21:38:40.407+08:002009-06-07T21:38:40.407+08:00Hi Steve - I actually wrote about this topic the ...Hi Steve - I actually wrote about this topic the other day - not sure if you saw it?<br /><br />The thrust of my post was the sad irony of legalists who get on their high moral horse about all manner of sins that matter to them, but never in regard to the issue of self righteousness. (it comes out of some difficult recent experience)<br /><br />I would consider myself a recovering Pharisee - but hopefully no longer one. Do you think that is too ambitious? <br /><br />I also think we need to get in fight mode when legalism is rife in our churches. Self declared righteousness is a totally blasphemous act and needs to be called for what it is otherwise Christ died for nothing and Paul wrote Galatians for no good reason'<br /><br />Does that make sense?<br /><br />Andrew HamiltonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com