Christian Legalism by adhering to Old Testament laws instead of what Jesus did
Independent Fundamentalist Baptists (IFB), Seventh-day Adventists (SDA), and Oneness Pentecostals are considered the most legalistic religions. Still, SDA stands out by emphasizing Old Testament laws, which shift focus from core Christianity.
Legalism leads to false teaching because it emphasizes rule-keeping to achieve righteousness. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our good works and obedience to Christ are a result of that grace.
1. Jewish Sabbath Law
The Sabbath Law is a command from the Old Testament that requires setting aside the seventh day of the week as a day of rest and worship. Jews still practice this today, mainly because they do not believe in Jesus as the fulfillment of the law.
The apostles want us to keep the commands without fault or failure, particularly what Jesus said, “until His return” (1 Timothy 6:14).
Freedom from the Sabbath tradition
Jesus did not abolish Old Testament laws, such as the Sabbath; instead, He fulfilled them (Matthew 5:17). Therefore, this fulfillment, particularly for the Gentiles, means Jesus embodies the “true rest” and peace symbolized by the Sabbath.
In short, we are not bound to observe it, unlike the Jews, who, because they refuse to accept the Messiah, are kept bound by such law.
Old Testament practices were a “shadow of the things to come,” with the reality of Christ’s resurrection and return (Colossians 2:16-17).
Christians may choose to observe a Sabbath day of rest, but it is not considered sinful if they do not. The Sabbath’s significance for Christians lies in finding rest and celebrating with “the Lord of the Sabbath” rather than following Jewish customs.
2. Leviticus Diet
The Old Testament law outlined dietary restrictions for Israel, such as avoiding pork and shellfish (Leviticus 11). However, Jesus declared all foods clean in Mark 7:18-19, and the Apostle Paul reinforced this in Romans 14:14, emphasizing that dietary laws are no longer required for Christians.
Acts 10:15 also recounts God telling Peter, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean,” freeing Gentile believers from these dietary restrictions.
God created food for our enjoyment, but He also calls out gluttony. While pork or Shrimp may pose health risks, avoiding them isn’t wrong.
Daniel’s vegetarian diet
In the Old Testament, Adam and Eve were initially given a vegetarian diet (Genesis 1:29). God later permitted meat-eating after the Flood (Genesis 9:3), affirming it as good.
The Mosaic Law further established specific animals as acceptable for eating (Leviticus 11) and included animal sacrifices, indicating that meat had a role in diet and worship.
Legalists cite Daniel 1:5 to suggest that God wants us to be vegetarians, but this interpretation takes the passage out of context.
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, young Jewish captives in Babylon, were offered royal food that likely included idol-sacrificed or non-kosher items.
To remain faithful to God’s laws, they requested only vegetables and water to avoid defilement (Daniel 1:12). This choice reflected their commitment to God over cultural assimilation, and God honored them with health, wisdom, and favor (Daniel 1:15-20).
3. Tithing as Law
Under the Mosaic Law, tithing 10% was required as an act of obedience (Leviticus 27:30). In the New Testament, however, giving is presented as a matter of generosity and personal choice, not obligation.
Apostle Paul said, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
This shift shows that Christians are called to give freely, out of love and generosity, rather than adherence to a fixed percentage.
THE BEST MONEY ADVICE FOR CHRISTIANS.
4. Circumcision
Circumcision was given as a covenant sign for Israel (Genesis 17:10). In the New Testament, physical circumcision is no longer required for Gentile believers. Paul addressed this and said, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (Galatians 5:6).
Acts 15 also records the early church’s decision that Gentile converts do not need to be circumcised, affirming that this practice was part of the old covenant for Israel, not a requirement for Christians.
Circumcision is encouraged
Studies show that circumcision can lower the risk of urinary tract infections in infancy, some sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV), penile cancer, and transmission of infections to partners.
