Legalism and License

Just finished listening to a sermon by Chuck Swindoll from his 4th of July service.  His subject was freedom in Christ, and he used the circumcision issue in the early Church to suggest that we don't need to let legalists tell us how to live our lives... That there is nothing we need to do to compliment the free gift of salvation... Not baptism, not nothin'... except possibly attending Church... and maybe financially supporting radio ministries.  (Ok, he didn't say that)

So we believe and are saved, and that's that.  What a legalist Paul was to suggest that we should work out our salvation with fear and trembling!  Legalist!   Jerk!  Why fear?  Why tremble?  Don't need to!  We're saved by grace! 

If the Apostle Paul went to Sodom and Gomorrah his message would not be about grace.  He would tell them to believe on Christ, come out, and be separate... Which is the same message he would have for the Church in the United States.  Paul would not be shocked by our culture.  He would be shocked by the extent to which believers embrace it... And willingly pollute themselves with it.

There are too many believers that call themselves the Bride of Christ, that have never actually made the commitment.  They date Jesus on Sundays, but crawl into the world's bed the rest of the week.

Swindoll would be calling me a legalist about now.
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