A question for all born-again Pentecostal Christians..............?

Question

How do you know when a church pastor is teaching legalism? I'm fairly new in the faith, and I'm confused. What is legalism anyhow? My pastor is a decent guy, who preaches the truth of the word without compromise, but sometimes I wonder if he's being legalistic.I just don't know what to think. I feel like I'm under spiritual bondage sometimes.

Answer 1

That's a great question, and many Pentecostals grapple with this idea at some point in their lives.

I personally was brought up Pentecostal in a sect called "Holiness". When I was about 13, I rebelled against going to church, and didn't return until I was 18. When I returned, I became non-denominational. Just wanted to give you my background so that you understand a bit about me.

I believe a lot of Pentecostal churches are into teaching legalism.

To be clear, legalism is wrong. Legalism means that you basically do things outwardly to show your dedication to God, you follow strict guidelines to "show" that you're a Christian and that you're holy, and that you "deserve" God's love. True Christianity preaches that no one deserves God's love, but through Grace, God gives us love freely, and without our deserving it. Because we can never do anything to deserve God's goodness.

Legalism dates back to Judaism. God gave the Moses the laws for the Jews to abide by (i.e. the Ten Commandments, etc). The ppl had strict laws they were to abide by. But, the Law was (and is) impossible to do with our imperfect flesh. We all sin daily, and God's mercies are new every morning. God gave the Jews the Law to convict them, to show them how imperfect they were (and we all are, as humanity), and how they would always fall short from God's idea of perfection. When we study the law, we see that there's no way we can follow every rule-- and as the Law states if one law is broken, all are broken.

When Jesus came and died for us, He became our perfect sacrifice and through His resurrection, God now accepts those who believe in Jesus and are covered by His blood as perfect individuals. We are now in the era of Grace, where we don't have to try to be perfect because we are... spiritually.

Of course, physically we're not perfect. Our "flesh" is always in a battle with our spirit over who controls our soul (which is, "the self"). In order to worship God, we must worship Him in spirit and in truth. Through our spirits, we worship God. And the spirit has a direct connection to God. Our flesh is corrupted and is cursed to death. It is where all of our sins come from, because it's the part of us that is connected to evil and selfishness. Our souls are influenced by either the spirit or the flesh, constantly. The soul can learn to dominate the flesh through God, but more often than not, the flesh dominates the soul.

I promise I have a point!

You must understand that God wants your soul and your spirit. The flesh will melt away, along with its sinful desires. When you accept Christ as Lord and Savior, you realize that as you stand, you're imperfect and you can't do perfect on your own by anything that you do. Only God is perfect. And through His perfection and His Holy Spirit, we are made perfect. When we have communion (prayer) with God, He renews our souls and makes us better people in the natural realm (that is, we have more fruits of the spirit working in our lives-- kinder, more at peace, following peace with all men). Through believing in Jesus, we must change. There's no doubt about it. God actively works in our lives to change our old ways and make us new. As souls, we start listening more to our spirits than our flesh. (Because God talks to us through our spirits)

Now, I said all that to say that legalism will not believe you are "saved" unless you do certain things to prove it to others. In reality, the only one who needs proof of your salvation is God, and He's the one who gave it to you. No one else has a hell or heaven to put you in. But, legalism basically says that if you are Christian, you'll act like this, this and this, and definitely you won't do that! I've seen some "Christians" talk so badly about a new Christian who was dressed in a way that was not "appropriate" for them. But outward appearance does not always say what's going on inside. I do believe that the more you talk to God and allow Him to talk to you, the more your appearance and actions will line up with what God wants for you.. but I don't believe that it's anyone's place to tell you how you can show your godliness or dedication to God, and that's exactly what legalism does.

Answer 2

To be Pentecostal ability no longer purely have been you born back yet had a next journey after salvation usually used from scripture as being Baptized with the Holy Spirit and having the preliminary evidence by ability of having the flexibility to communicate in a language that's remote places to the guy. that's obtainable for devil to imitate this and different reviews reported in scripture so that's obtainable that a individual who isn't born back has the potential to communicate in yet another language even nonetheless that's of devil and not Jesus. That individual knows that's pretend and so might a mature believer who can experience the Holy Spirit as adversarial to an unholy spirit. All Pentecostals have self assurance interior the Trinity.

Answer 3

Legalism goes by a set of rules by the officials of the church to where belief in necessity of good deeds will get you into heaven only if you abide by them. I go to a Pentecostal church and under no circumstance I am required to do something I don't want to. Unlike other churches you have to stand or you can speak aloud. Those types of things are not susceptible to much for them because they think its ungodly I guess. But you shouldn't feel obligated to do anything. God gave man "choice." Even He doesn't make you do anything against your Willl. But theirs a catch to that. If you go and let God handle situations and problems of your life or questions that you may have He will direct your step only if your willing not against your will. And if you are feeling that at that church you should be a little more attentive to things around and definitely get in the word of God and praying about it especially if its weighed on your heart. Just talk to God asking him. If He chooses to give you an answer right then and there that's awsome but if not don't think he hasn't heard you. Just wait on the lord and he'll come through for you cause He loves you that much. But all I can advise is pray about it just don't only take it from me. PRAY!

Answer 4

Legalism -- Strict, literal adherence to the law or to a particular code, as of religion or morality.
2. A legal word, expression, or rule.

He's suppose to be legalistic as you put it. Pastors are to teach and preach God's word.

Problem is, many people now a days don't want to hear what God says. As a matter of fact, many are changing God's word to suit their agendas.

So, what are they going to tell God when they come before him on judgment day?

Answer 5

"Legalism" is placing people under the law.

Many churches (don't know if yours is one of them.) teach the rules to live by, and God help you if you don't follow the pastor's teachings and rules.

I'd encourage you to read and study Paul's letter to the Galatians.
Paul was continually followed by legalists that wanted to place Christians under the law again.

Answer 6

You are a liar and the truth is not in you.

Answer 7

while we are free and have free will. We are told that we are to be slaves to Christ.