What Is Legalism in Christianity? (Part 1)

09/11/2025 42 min
What Is Legalism in Christianity? (Part 1)

Listen "What Is Legalism in Christianity? (Part 1)"

Episode Synopsis

📖 Is Having Standards Really Legalism? The Truth About Rules, Grace & Holiness Ever been called a legalist for having biblical standards? Or maybe you've wondered if your church is too strict? In this eye-opening message, Pastor Fortunato tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in Christianity today—legalism—and reveals why it's not what most people think. Legalism isn't about having rules or standards. Every church, every family, every parent has standards—that doesn't make them legalistic. The real issue? It's a heart problem, not an external rules problem. This powerful Bible teaching exposes the difference between biblical holiness and pharisaical hypocrisy. In this first part of a two-part series, you'll learn about salvation legalism—the dangerous belief that your works contribute to your salvation. Discover why grace and holiness must work together, and why divorcing one from the other leads to either legalism or compromise. Pastor Fortunato addresses tough questions every Christian faces: How do we judge righteously without being harsh? What does it mean to be peculiar people? Can you be right in your position but wrong in your disposition? Why does having higher standards than others automatically get you labeled a "legalist"? This message will challenge you to examine: ✓ The relationship between rules and relationship with God ✓ How salvation legalism denies the power of grace ✓ Why biblical standards aren't the same as weaponizing guilt ✓ The balance between grace that saves you where you are and holiness that refuses to leave you there