Two Perspectives: Under Law vs. Under Grace

Author

Dennis McCallum

 

 

Legalism leads to deadly pathology in our walk with God. The following chart discusses some of these problems. See Walking in Victory, Chapter 7 for the commentary that goes along with each section.

AreaUnder LawUnder Grace
View of the law
  • A set of detailed obligations that I must keep
  • Rigid application of case law
  • The underlying principles of the law describe the ultimate goal toward which God is moving me: a loving life-style
View of self
  • I am regenerate, and therefore I am able to keep the law.
  • The law helps me live for God.
  • I am regenerate, but I still can't keep the law, because of my "outer man."
  • By relying on the Spirit, not the letter, I can gradually change.
View of the Holy Spirit
  • Little practical understanding of the Spirit's ministries
  • Depends on the Holy Spirit for all power, Motivation, and direction
The "Key" to spiritual growth
  • Self discipline 
    or
  • Special experiences
  • Knows self-effort is futile Romans 7:18
  • Looks to a process, not to quick-fix experiences
Approach to Scripture
  • Relies on an inconsistent hermeneutic
  • Unable to harmonize Jesus and the epistles
  • Is consistent, and is able to harmonize the gospels and epistles
Mental focus
  • My duty: to do what the rules require
  • Identification with Christ
  • Personal relationship with God
  • Loving others as a means of growth
Reaction to failure
  • Surprised and distressed
  • Rationalizations, minimization, blame-shifting and self-recrimmination
  • Vows to do better
  • Not surprised
  • Confident of God's acceptance
  • Return to active dependence
Reaction to success
  • Proud and intolerant of others
  • Humbly grateful
  • Still able to empathize with those who fail
  • Sees continued need for growth
Eventual result
  • External conformity, but increasing internal defeat and hypocrisy
  • Growing cynicism and despair OR: 
    Self-righteous externalistic comparisons--self deception
  • Gradual transformation into a person with a measure of victory over sin and a spiritual mind-set
  • A more loving person