The Grace Test
Are you a legalist? Probably before you can answer that question you would want me to define what I mean by 'legalism'.
Of course that word might mean different things to different people.
In my 'Radical Grace' seminars I try to help people discover for themselves if they have become a victim of legalism.
I ask ten simple questions that require a "yes" or "no" answer.
See how you go with the test.
Note: in order to profit from the exercise it is important to be totally honest with your answers.
The Grace Test 1) When you hear the word 'holiness' does it produce negative feelings in you (e.
g.
do you feel inadequate or a failure in this regard)? Yes/No 2) When you sin do you think you need to confess that sin in order to be restored to fellowship with God? Yes/No 3) When you think about how God sees you, do you think of this in terms of your performance, i.
e.
your good works or bad works? Yes/No 4) Is the approval of others, especially spiritual leaders, important to you? Yes/No 5) Are you motivated or manipulated by guilt? Yes/No 6) Do you use guilt to motivate or manipulate others? Yes/No 7) Do you believe that tithing is a key to financial blessing? Yes/No 8) Are you driven to succeed in order to feel good about yourself? Yes/No 9) Do you feel trapped in cyclical behaviour patterns of defeat? Yes/No 10) Do you get exhausted trying to live the Christian life, and wonder about that "easy yoke" and "light burden" Jesus spoke of? Yes/No If you answered "yes" to any of the questions it is likely that you have fallen prey to legalism.
Legalism And Grace Defined I mentioned earlier that in order to answer whether or not you are a legalist you would need a definition of that term.
Here are my definitions of legalism and grace:
I was about a third of the way through and started to feel myself coming under condemnation.
The reason was soon apparent.
There was an over-emphasis on what I as a Christian ought to be doing.
This encouraged introspection, resulting in condemnation.
My focus had shifted from Jesus and His righteousness to me and self-righteousness.
I quickly transferred my focus and confidence back to Jesus.
Problem solved! Probably one of the best known definitions of grace is that it is the unmerited favour of God.
Sam Storms says, "Grace ceases to be grace if God is compelled to bestow it in the presence of human merit.
Grace ceases to be grace if God is compelled to withdraw it in the presence of human demerit.
"
Of course that word might mean different things to different people.
In my 'Radical Grace' seminars I try to help people discover for themselves if they have become a victim of legalism.
I ask ten simple questions that require a "yes" or "no" answer.
See how you go with the test.
Note: in order to profit from the exercise it is important to be totally honest with your answers.
The Grace Test 1) When you hear the word 'holiness' does it produce negative feelings in you (e.
g.
do you feel inadequate or a failure in this regard)? Yes/No 2) When you sin do you think you need to confess that sin in order to be restored to fellowship with God? Yes/No 3) When you think about how God sees you, do you think of this in terms of your performance, i.
e.
your good works or bad works? Yes/No 4) Is the approval of others, especially spiritual leaders, important to you? Yes/No 5) Are you motivated or manipulated by guilt? Yes/No 6) Do you use guilt to motivate or manipulate others? Yes/No 7) Do you believe that tithing is a key to financial blessing? Yes/No 8) Are you driven to succeed in order to feel good about yourself? Yes/No 9) Do you feel trapped in cyclical behaviour patterns of defeat? Yes/No 10) Do you get exhausted trying to live the Christian life, and wonder about that "easy yoke" and "light burden" Jesus spoke of? Yes/No If you answered "yes" to any of the questions it is likely that you have fallen prey to legalism.
Legalism And Grace Defined I mentioned earlier that in order to answer whether or not you are a legalist you would need a definition of that term.
Here are my definitions of legalism and grace:
- Legalism is the belief that my works are the basis for God's acceptance and blessing.
In this case the focus will always be upon self - Grace is the belief that I am always accepted and qualified for every blessing because of the finished work of Jesus.
In this case the focus will always be upon Jesus
I was about a third of the way through and started to feel myself coming under condemnation.
The reason was soon apparent.
There was an over-emphasis on what I as a Christian ought to be doing.
This encouraged introspection, resulting in condemnation.
My focus had shifted from Jesus and His righteousness to me and self-righteousness.
I quickly transferred my focus and confidence back to Jesus.
Problem solved! Probably one of the best known definitions of grace is that it is the unmerited favour of God.
Sam Storms says, "Grace ceases to be grace if God is compelled to bestow it in the presence of human merit.
Grace ceases to be grace if God is compelled to withdraw it in the presence of human demerit.
"
Source...