Narrow Perspective

We are frequently criticized for being too picky about religious details God does not care about. We are accused of straining at gnats, when God is totally pleased by a happy and sincere heart. But what does the Bible say about such an attitude?

What is a legalist? Since the term does not occur in the Bible, it should be defined rather than using it as a vague slur of some sort. In the proper sense, a legalist is someone who believes a man’s eternal life depends on keeping select commandments. Rather than believing salvation by grace, legalists add works for their salvation. Paul had to deal with legalists in the churches of Galatia, who taught that the Gentile converts had to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses in order to be saved. Of course, we do not believe any such thing. In fact, we believe that eternal life is more by the grace of God than anyone you will ever encounter. See our salvation documents.

It is true we draw clear lines based on God’s word and avoid fellowship or friendship with those on the other side of the lines. We do this because the Bible demands it, and Jesus Christ did it.

First, it is important to understand Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” The untaught love to throw this little sound bite around as if it were an all-sufficient Bible argument to end all criticism or judgment. When it is used against public preaching and teaching, you know you have met another religious novice. The only reason most can remember it is because it is only seven words long. Do they really think these seven words overthrow the rest of the Bible?

First, harshness is a matter of interpretation, personal opinion, or experience. The more effeminate and politically correct this generation becomes, the harsher any discussion of religious differences will appear. We measure ourselves by the preaching and teaching pattern of the prophets and apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we are not convinced we are harsh at all. It is true that our words and tone do not sound like the sissified creeps leading captive silly women that Paul warned about (II Tim 3:6-7).

We do this because the Bible tells us to do it and to make sure that we protect God’s children from them. Do you trust the names of Hymenaeus, Philetus, or Alexander the coppersmith? Of course not, because Paul told you they were dangerous heretics (I Tim 1:20; II Tim 2:17; 4:14). What did Demas do that was so disgraceful (II Tim 4:10). You should know, because Paul told you. Do you know why Diotrophes was a problem in the early churches? John told you this proud and malicious man was a danger. It is only today’s modern effeminate society that does not grasp why names should be named.