The reasons why [legalism] is so devastating are: 1. It ignores or underestimates the role of inner attitude and motivation. 2. It focuses upon self-effort rather than on divine enablement. 3. It encourages pride rather than humble dependence upon God. 4. It tends to “use” the Scriptures to reinforce our own preconceived ideas and preferences. 5. It tends to conceive of our acceptance with God as performance oriented. 6. It arouses the flesh and incites us to sin, rather than the avoidance of sin. 7. It tends to impose one’s personal convictions on others, and to condemn them if they fail to live up to our rules. Legalism cannot save you, my friend, and neither can it sanctify. Praise God!
— Robert Deffinbaugh, Pastor, Bibellehrer und Autor
Topics: Grace & Redemption, Humility & Pride, Temptation & Struggle
Occasions: For Reflection
All quotes by Robert Deffinbaugh (1)
It wasn't the nails that held Jesus to the cross. It was love.
Max Lucado
Grace, like water, flows to the lowest part.
Philip Yancey
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers
God counts on your failure far more than you do yourself.
Hans Peter Royer
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.
Tim Keller