Legalism vs. Lawlessness
As disciples of Christ, we must guard against two opposite yet equally dangerous errors: legalism and lawlessness. Both distort the gospel and lead us away from the true freedom and transformation found in Christ.
- Legalism substitutes law for grace, making obedience a means of earning salvation.
- Lawlessness twists grace into a license to sin, rejecting obedience altogether.
True Christianity is a balanced walk, avoiding both ditches while living in the power of the Holy Spirit.
When Rules Replace Relationship
What is Legalism?
Legalism is the belief that we can earn God’s favor through strict rule-keeping. It elevates laws, both biblical and man-made, above grace, and relies on human effort instead of God’s transforming power.
“By the works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” – Romans 3:20
Common Signs of Legalism
- Man-Made Rules Over God’s Grace – Legalists add extra laws (like hand-washing traditions, for example) and make human effort a requirement for salvation.
- Salvation by Works Mentality – Instead of joyfully following Christ, legalists constantly feel like they must do more. Their faith sounds like:
- “I should pray more.”
- “I should read my Bible more.”
- “I should serve more.”
- Burdening Others with Extra Rules – Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for placing heavy burdens on people without pointing them to God’s grace (Matthew 23:4).
- Following the Letter but Missing the Spirit of the Law – Legalists focus on rules instead of justice, mercy, and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23; Micah 6:8). They care more about being “right” than being gracious and kind.
When Grace Is Twisted into a License to Sin
What is Lawlessness?
Lawlessness (also known as antinomianism) means “against the law.” It falsely teaches that because we are saved by grace, we can live however we want.
This mindset argues:
- “If grace covers sin, why not sin more?”
- “If salvation is by faith, does it really matter how I live?”
- “Since God forgives me, I’ll just ask for forgiveness later.”
The Bible’s Response to Lawlessness
The Bible’s reaction to lawlessness is horror and outrage.
“Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means!” – Romans 6:1-2 (Greek: mē genoito = Absolutely not!)
Why? Because grace transforms us. True believers don’t want to keep sinning; they desire to walk in righteousness.
The Gospel Solution: Union with Christ
The reason we cannot continue in sin is that, as believers, we are united with Christ.
Romans 6 teaches that:
- We have died to sin (v. 2)
- Sin no longer rules us because we are united with Christ (vv. 5-6, 11)
So by virtue of your union with Christ you are dead to sin. Its power over you has been decisively broken. Sin once dominated you. It was your master, your ruler. Like a tyrant, it kept you in bondage and misery. But that relationship is now completely ended because you have undergone a death. You are dead to sin.
Our old self was crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). Because of this:
- Sin’s power over us is broken – We no longer belong to sin.
- We live for righteousness – Grace doesn’t free us to sin; it frees us from sin.
Two Key Applications for Disciples
First, It Is Impossible for a True Believer to Continue in Sin
Notice what I didn’t say. I didn’t say, “We no longer sin occasionally.” All Christians do that. It is impossible not to do that until Christ returns. What is impossible is for Christians to intentionally, willfully sin as an established unrepentant pattern of life.
Why is this impossible? Dr. Barnhouse wrote an interesting statement in this regard. In part of it, he says, “Holiness starts where justification finishes and if holiness does not start, we have the right to suspect that justification never started either.”
He’s right.
God moved to save us because He wished us to be holy men and women, revealing His power within us to overcome sin and death. Holiness is to be the touchstone of the Christian life. Christ came in order to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21); they were not to be saved in the midst of their sins to then lie down in them again. We are not cleansed by Christ so that we can immerse ourselves continually in fresh dirt. No, He saved us so we would be zealous for good works and glorify our Father in heaven.
I plead with you, do not be deceived about this. If you say you love Jesus but there is absolutely no change in your life, then you have cause to be in serious doubt as to whether you ever truly received Christ by faith. After all, you died to sin, “how can you live in it any longer?” Romans 6 leaves no room for the possibility of the continued habit of sin. And neither does the rest of the Bible.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
- Colossians 3:3 – “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.”
- Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Second, You Are Able Not to Sin
Christian rejoice, for the power of sin over you has been broken!
“You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” – Colossians 3:3
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” – Galatians 2:20
You don’t have to sin. You can choose righteousness.
For you and me to choose to sin makes about as much sense as choosing to crawl into a grave while we are still alive. It is as logical as Lazarus choosing to clothe himself with his foul smelling grave clothes.
One of the Puritan preachers was speaking on this text several hundred years ago. He said the accusation is often made against the church that we preach a gospel that leads to unholy living. So he asked his people, “Is there anybody here who has been living such a life that you have given other people an excuse not to believe in Jesus?”
Great question!
He then observed that “one man who lives a loose life does more harm than the good ten holy men do by their righteousness.” He then challenges us:
“I charge you then, my dear brethren, guard against every thing which can produce these fatal effects; and beg of God rather to cut you off from the earth at once, than to suffer you to become a stumbling-block to the world, and a scandal to his Church.”
Call to Action: Live Out Your Faith
Legalism and lawlessness are both traps that distort the gospel. The true Christian life is:
- Grounded in grace – We are saved by faith, not by works
- Obedient to Christ – Grace empowers us to live righteously.
- Centered on Jesus – Our union with Him changes everything.
As disciples who make disciples, we must:
✔ Teach grace without legalism and obedience without lawlessness.
✔ Walk in freedom, not fear.
✔ Show the world what true gospel transformation looks like.
“You were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body.” – 1 Corinthians 6:20
Question for Reflection:
🔹 Am I relying on works to earn favor with God? (Legalism)
🔹 Am I taking grace for granted and ignoring obedience? (Lawlessness)
🔹 How can I walk in true freedom in Christ?
Brothers and sisters, let’s walk worthy of our calling. Let’s make disciples who reflect the beauty of Christ’s grace and holiness!
