Finding Freedom from Legalism: Unveiling the Grace and Power of Galatians

The Legalist's Final Rest

Have you ever noticed how Christians, after their conversion, tend to lean towards either legalism or antinomianism in their pursuit of sanctification? It's a common trend that I've observed both in the churches I've pastored and among my Christian friends. Some individuals, like a woman I know, grew up in a strict Reformed Baptist home and naturally gravitated towards legalism. She fought against this inclination for years, seeking biblical guidance to overcome it. On the other hand, I have a friend who embraced Christianity in his mid-thirties after spending many years seeking pleasure in bars and honky-tonks. He has constantly battled with an impulse towards antinomianism, struggling to find the right balance in his walk with Christ. Others have experienced pendulum swings from legalism to license, or vice versa, after their conversion.

While not every Christian encounters deep struggles in these areas, the tendency is widespread, and that's why the book of Galatians is so crucial for our understanding and growth.

The Spiritual Riches in Galatians

My personal journey of discovering the spiritual riches in Galatians has been a long one. For over a decade, I tried to follow Jesus by repeatedly "rededicating" my life to Him. It felt like a constant cycle of giving my life back to Jesus, only to find myself falling short and needing to rededicate again. Frustration and discouragement were my constant companions.

But then, I stumbled upon the book of Galatians, and it was like a breath of fresh air. Galatians spoke directly to my struggle with legalism and my misguided understanding of sanctification. It revealed to me the liberty we have in Christ and the sufficiency of His grace for our salvation and sanctification.

Galatians teaches us that our acceptance before God is not based on our ability to keep the law, but on our faith in Jesus Christ. In Galatians 2:16, Paul writes, "yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified." This truth is liberating! We are not saved by our works, but by God's grace alone.

Furthermore, Galatians emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification. In Galatians 5:16, Paul encourages believers to "walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." Our transformation and growth in holiness come through the empowering work of the Holy Spirit within us. It's not about striving in our own strength, but surrendering to the Spirit's leading and relying on His power.

Galatians also addresses the issue of freedom in Christ. In Galatians 5:1, Paul declares, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." As Christians, we are no longer bound by the burdensome requirements of the law. Instead, we are called to live in the freedom that Christ has secured for us through His death and resurrection.

Escaping the Legalistic Trap

So, how do we escape the trap of legalism and embrace the freedom found in Galatians? First and foremost, we need to understand that our salvation is a gift of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." We cannot earn our salvation through our works, and we cannot maintain it by our efforts. It is solely by God's grace that we are saved.

Secondly, we must continually remind ourselves of the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. Hebrews 10:14 assures us, "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." Christ's sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to cleanse us from all sin and to provide for our ongoing sanctification. We don't need to add anything to it or rely on our own works to make us righteous.

Lastly, we need to cultivate a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit. In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." We cannot produce spiritual fruit or grow in holiness apart from the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. We must surrender ourselves to His leading, seek His guidance, and rely on His strength to live the Christian life.

Relevance for Today

You may be wondering, "Why is this relevant for me in 2023 and beyond?" Well, the struggles with legalism and antinomianism are not bound by time. They are timeless battles that Christians have faced throughout history, and they continue to plague believers today. The desire to earn our salvation or to indulge in sinful behavior without consequence is deeply ingrained in our fallen nature.

Furthermore, the cultural context in which we live can also influence our tendency towards legalism or license. In a performance-driven society, we may feel the pressure to earn God's approval through our achievements and good deeds. On the other hand, in a culture that promotes individualism and relativism, we may be tempted to disregard God's moral standards and live according to our own desires.

But the message of Galatians remains timeless and relevant. It reminds us that our salvation is not based on our performance or conformity to cultural norms. It is rooted in God's grace and the finished work of Christ on the cross. It calls us to walk in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit, resisting the allure of legalism and the temptations of antinomianism.

So, whether you find yourself leaning towards legalism or antinomianism, or if you're somewhere in between, the book of Galatians is for you. It is a letter of freedom, grace, and empowerment for all believers. Dive into its pages, meditate on its truths, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform your understanding and experience of sanctification.