What does keeping God's commandments have to do with my salvation? Where does legalism begin and where does lawlessness begin? A theme that has strongly shaped the history of the Adventist Church. By Colin Standish

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One of the greatest challenges Christians face today is finding the perfect balance between forgiveness and victorious Christianity. Both are only accessible to us through what Jesus did and continues to do, namely through his death and his ministry as High Priest for us. I suppose there are those who would like us to place more emphasis on justification than on sanctification; but we cannot do that, because that would mean rejecting God's word.

Former Seventh-day Adventist General Conference president Robert H. Pierson (1966–1979) once told me that he neither preached justification without sanctification nor sanctification without justification. In the years that have passed I have endeavored to follow the same principle; a principle that comes from the Word of God: Forgiveness and cleansing are preached together in the gospel.

Life cannot be renewed without the forgiveness of sins, for guilt and condemnation weigh us down; but not with the one who surrendered his life to Jesus.

The Biblical Foundation

Justification and sanctification are repeatedly linked in Scripture. Here are some text examples: "But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins [justification] and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness [sanctification]." (1 John 1,9:XNUMX)

"That they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified through faith in me." (Acts 26,18:XNUMX NIV)

“And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors [justification]. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil [sanctification].” (Matthew 6,12:13-XNUMX) …

The same faith that justifies also sanctifies. »Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.« (Romans 5,1:XNUMX)

The Word of God confirms that sacrifice justifies and sanctifies. "How much more then, having now been justified by his blood, shall we be saved from wrath through him!" (Romans 5,9:XNUMX)

"According to this will we are sanctified once for all through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ." (Hebrews 10,10:XNUMX)

Justification requires more than just our consent; it demands one of the most difficult works from man. “Before God can justify us, he needs all of our hearts. Only those who are constantly ready for devotion with active and living faith, which works through love and purifies the soul, can remain justified.« (Selected Messages 1, 366)

God gives everything!

We do not do this work alone. We make the choice and act on it to be saved, but God gives the power to do it. 'Therefore, my dears--as you have always been obedient, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2,12:13-XNUMX)

Often we only deal with the truth in our heads. But it is important that the love and mercy of God go through our hearts. When we consider what Romans 5 describes: How much God works for erring, rebellious people - one can only marvel. God showed the selfless love of the universe by creating a way of salvation for man:

“But God demonstrates his love for us in this, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us... For if while we were still enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more shall we be saved by his life, now that we have been reconciled." (Romans 5,8.10:XNUMX)

All can receive his love and grace. The LORD has compassion for us in all grace. "The LORD does not delay the promise, as some think a delay, but is patient with you and does not want any to perish, but that everyone should come to repentance." (2 Peter 2,9:XNUMX)

God's grace is unlimited - enough for every human being. "But the grace of our Lord abounded all the more, together with the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 1,14:XNUMX)

1888, a milestone

In the early years of our fellowship there were people who preached the law and the Sabbath with solid evidence. But they had forgotten the faith that Jesus exemplified for us and through which alone we can keep God's law.

This came up in the sermons of Ellet Waggoner at the 1888 General Conference. After 1888 others also preached justification by faith. This message stuck to the law and the clear statements of Scripture: Only those who keep the law will enter the kingdom of heaven. »But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.« (Matthew 19,17:1) »And whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him.« (3,24 John XNUMX:XNUMX)

It is precisely this power for victory that is given by God. However, legal and lawless teachings and practices cause us problems.

Do we find each other again?

Here I would like to compare God's truth with the fatal errors of legalism and lawlessness [cf. see the table at the end of this article]:

1. The Mystery of the Power of God
There is only one way for the saints to keep the law, and that is only when Jesus dwells in them, by his power. “I live, but not I, but Christ lives in me. For what I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.« (Galatians 2,20:XNUMX)

Unfortunately, the legalist tries to keep the law without letting his life fill his daily life with the power that Jesus uniquely showed us. This devotion is clearly described by James: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. But resist the devil! And he will flee from you.« (James 4,7:XNUMX Elberfelder)

On the other hand, the lawless person thinks that following God's commandments has nothing to do with salvation. As a rule, he even believes that the law cannot be kept at all, although we should really do everything we can to achieve the goal.

2. A matter of motive
The saints keep the law because they love Jesus. "For the love of Christ compels us." (2 Corinthians 5,14:XNUMX)

The lawful keeps the law in order to be saved by it. Although works are part of the life of a converted Christian, he is not saved by accomplishment. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are his work, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.« (Ephesians 2,8:10-XNUMX)

On the other hand, the outlaw thinks it is lawful if he even tries to keep the law. But the Bible says clearly: Without commitment there is no salvation. 'Strive to enter by the narrow gate; for many, I tell you, will seek to get in, and will not be able” (Luke 13,24:XNUMX).

3. Love the sinner, hate the sin
Saints will imitate Jesus. He hated sin but loved the sinner. Therefore, with the utmost compassion, he could say to the woman taken in adultery: 'Neither do I condemn you; go, and sin no more.« (John 8,11:XNUMX) Although sin hurts Jesus, he has pity on the sinner. This became particularly clear with the woman at Jacob's well, Nicodemus, the tax collectors and the disciples.

The legalistic tends to hate sin and the sinner. He often ruthlessly condemns those caught in their sins. He views the sins of others through a magnifying glass, even though he knows he has much to overcome himself.

On the other hand, the outlaw acts with liberal "generosity." He claims he loves the sinner, but at the same time excuses the sin. It is not uncommon for someone like that to put his arm around a sinner who should seriously confess and bitterly regret his sin, and assure him: "Don't worry! God loves you and understands.” Such an attitude is dangerous. Unfortunately, the lawless tends to condone the sinner's life and condemn those who live in harmony with God.

4. Deliverance from sins
True Christians never claim to be perfect, even if they are victorious day after day with the power of Jesus. God said that Job was perfect: "Then the LORD said to Satan, 'Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no such thing on earth, a man so blameless and righteous, who fears God and shuns evil!' (Job 1,8:9,20) But Job warned of the danger of apparent perfection: 'If I justify myself, I will but my mouth will condemn, and if I be blameless, yet it will pronounce me wrong. I am blameless, yet I care not for my soul; I despise my life.« (Job 21:XNUMX-XNUMX)

There were times in the lives of holy men of God when they did not look to God and stumbled. Then they gratefully trusted the promise found in 1 John 2,1:XNUMX: “My children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, who is righteous."

The experience of the legal is described in Romans: “For I do not know what I am doing. Because I don't do what I want; but what I hate I do... For the good that I want I do not; but the evil that I do not want, that I do.« (Romans 7,15.19:7,24) No wonder he exclaims: »Wretched man! Who will redeem me from this dying body?” (Romans XNUMX:XNUMX)

Unfortunately, he has not yet found the true answer to the question of salvation, which is to consecrate his life to Jesus: "Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (verse 25). "But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15,57:XNUMX)

This leads the legalist to self-judgment, frustration, discouragement and other psychological problems; some have become so desperate that they either left the community of Christianity or committed suicide. Of all people, the legal is worst off.

The experience of the outlaw is similar and yet different. Like the legalist, he cannot keep the law because he believes the saints will continue to sin until Jesus comes. He doesn't suffer from the frustration or psychological problems of the legal; he is perfectly comfortable in his carnal security. Terrible, however, is the torment and dismay on Judgment Day, when he finally realizes that he is lost.

“Therefore, you shall know them by their fruits. Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord! will enter the kingdom of heaven, but those who do the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? Haven't we cast out evil spirits in your name? Have we not done many miracles in your name? Then I will confess to them: I have never known you; Depart from me, you evildoers.« (Matthew 7,20:23-XNUMX)

5. Peace, sham peace or strife
The saints have great peace: »Great peace have they that love thy law; they will not stumble.« (Psalm 119,165:XNUMX)

The legal suffers from guilt, frustration and failure; falls again and again into sin and deep despair. He lacks the power of the Messiah to assure him of forgiveness and with which to resist evil. »He who denies his sin will not prosper; but whoever confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Proverbs 28,13:XNUMX)

Outlaws live in carnal security. Some still remember when the "new theology" fascinated many members of our congregation, when suddenly there was more make-up and jewellery. Drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages increased. It was felt that the books of the Spirit of Prophecy were too legal. Some sold them, some burned them. The Sabbath was taken lightly, and tithing was legal, a few said. Many left our fellowship and joined the Good News churches, then the fallen churches of Babylon - and finally left Christianity altogether. What a tragic result!

6. Eternal Life
The saints will inherit eternal life, but not because they deserve it. No, they sing, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain." (Revelation 5,12:XNUMX) They are fully aware of their own unworthiness. Because Jesus alone is worthy, they will lay at his feet the crown of life that he puts on them.

Their lives are so completely merged with Jesus that they don't realize that their acts of love for one another proved their true conversion. That is why Jesus says to them: "Truly I say to you, whatever you did to one of these least of these my brothers, you did to me." (Matthew 25,40:XNUMX)

They are really born again: "If you have purified your souls in obedience to the truth to undyed brotherly love, then always love one another from a pure heart! For you were born again, not of perishable seed, but of immortal seed, namely, of the living word of God, which endures.« (1 Peter 1,22:23-XNUMX)

How sad that outlaws and lawfuls fiercely fight and condemn each other. In the end they will find out that their destiny is the same. None of them will live forever.

It's definitely time, the everlasting gospel, the message Christ our righteousness, to preach so plainly that the legalistic and the lawless alike will see the flaws in their positions—see that their eternal lives are in jeopardy. May all eventually see the wonderful way of Jesus: the Savior died to justify and sanctify us. We experience this justification and sanctification as soon as we trust that God forgives us and Jesus can renew us.

I beg the lawful ones who are frustrated by the failure of their lawful life: resist the temptation to cross the treacherous bridge that crosses the narrow road to eternal life and leads to the camp of the outlaws! Rather, let Jesus give you each and every day! Ask him every morning for his power to conquer all temptations and deceptions of Satan!

I know I need this prayer myself because I know my many weaknesses. For each day, this very day, that I receive from Jesus, I ask for His strength to resist evil when I am tempted - for I need the limitless power of Heaven to prevail.

And to the outlaw, I pray: Do not be so appalled by the meaningless facade of your life that you cross the road of justification, go over to the legal camp, and think you can live perfectly, relying on human power. That's impossible! Only the power of God and what Jesus has done and is doing can forgive and renew. That alone can lead men and women into the kingdom of heaven.

legal	Saints	outlaws
strive to keep the law without surrendering themselves completely to Jesus every day	keep the law because Jesus is in them lives and keeps the law there	do not believe that one must obey the law to be saved
want to keep the law to be redeemed	keep the law because Jesus love them motivated to do so	believe it is lawful to endeavor to keep the law
hate the sin and the sinner	hate the sin but love the sinner	love the sinner and forgive the sin
fail in their efforts to keep the law	are victorious day by day through the power of Jesus, but never claim to be perfect	keep sinning until Jesus comes
struggle with guilt, frustration and failure	have real peace	live in carnal security
lose eternal life	receive eternal life	lose eternal life

Slightly shortened.

First published in German in: Our solid foundation, 2-1997

Aus: Our Firm Foundation, January 1996