Teaching obedience to Jesus Christ is not, by itself, legalism. Scripture teaches that salvation is God's gift of grace and that those who love Jesus are called to obey Him. Legalism becomes a concern when people begin trusting their own obedience to earn salvation or requiring others to follow rules God has never given.
Churches of Christ are sometimes accused of being legalistic because of their emphasis on baptism, biblical authority, and faithful Christian living. Some of that criticism comes from disagreements about Scripture, while some comes from genuine experiences with harsh judgment or excessive religious rules. Understanding the difference can help us recognize what God actually expects of His people.
What Does Legalism Mean?
Legalism commonly refers to approaching God as though salvation can be earned through good behavior or religious accomplishments. It can also involve treating human opinions and traditions as though they carry the authority of God's commandments.
Paul explains in that salvation is God's gift, received by grace through faith. No amount of obediencecould ever make someone deserving of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection. Jesus also warned against teaching human traditions as though they were God's commands ().
Both warnings deserve serious attention. Christians must examine where they place their confidence for salvation and whether the expectations they place upon others actually come from Scripture.
Why Does the Church Emphasize Obedience?
Jesus Himself connected love for Him with obedience when He said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments"(). John later explained that loving God involves keeping His commandments (). Obedience belongs to the life of someone who trusts Jesus and recognizes Him as Lord.
Interestingly, immediately after Paul explains salvation by grace in , he says that Christians were created in Christ Jesus for good works (). God's grace provides every reason to love Him, trust Him, and follow His instructions.
This helps answer an important question: When does emphasizing obedience become legalism? The concern arises when obedience is treated as something that earns God's favor or when personal expectations are imposed as divine commands. Teaching people to follow what Jesus instructed is part of making disciples ().
What About Baptism? Isn't That a Work?
This is often where disagreements about legalism become more personal. Some believe that teaching baptism as necessary for salvation means requiring people to earn forgiveness through a religious act.
Consider what Peter told those who heard the gospel on Pentecost: "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins" ().
Peter also connects baptism with salvation through the resurrection of Jesus Christ (). Paul describes those buried with Christ in baptism as being raised with Him "through faith in the powerful working of God" ().
Notice where that faith is placed. The person being baptized is trusting God's power and His promise to forgive. Salvation is made possible through Jesus Christ, and baptism is presented as a response of faith to what God has revealed.
The important question is whether baptism belongs to the response God has instructed people to make. That deserves careful examination of Scripture rather than dismissing the teaching simply because it involves obedience.
Can Christians Become Legalistic?
Absolutely. Christians can become overly concerned with measuring other people's faithfulness according to personal expectations. They may elevate opinions to the level of God's commandments, judge others harshly, or become so focused on correcting wrongdoing that they neglect compassion and patience.
Jesus confronted religious leaders who carefully observed certain duties while neglecting "justice and mercy and faithfulness" (). Paul likewise instructed Christians to restore someone caught in sin "in a spirit of gentleness" ().
These teachings remind every congregation that faithfulness involves both honoring God's instructions and demonstrating His character. Biblical knowledge should produce greater humility, love, and concern for others.
So, Are Churches of Christ Legalistic?
The answer depends upon what a particular congregation teaches and practices. A congregation emphasizing obedience to Scripture may be faithfully teaching what Jesus commanded. A congregation that binds human opinions, encourages spiritual pride, or treats obedience as a way to earn salvation needs to examine itself against God's Word.
Jesus purchased His church with His own blood (), and He remains its head (). His teaching determines what His people should believe and practice, while His grace remains the foundation of their salvation.
The question every Christian should consider is whether faithfulness is being defined by what Jesus has taught or by expectations people have established for themselves. That examination should begin in our own hearts and continue in the congregations where we worship.
Those wishing to study these questions further are welcome at Memorial Church of Christ in Port Arthur, Texas, where opportunities are available to worship and examine Scripture together.
Plan Your Visit | What Does the Bible Say About Salvation?
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9am, Worship 10am, Worship 6pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7pm