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The Book Warning This Book Will Shock You |
Warning This Book Will Shock You By Roxy J Nolin Chapter 1 |
"For sin shall not [ any longer] exert dominion over you, since now you are not under Law [as slaves], but under grace [as subjects of God's favor and mercy]." Romans 6:14. Much has been written and said about sin and its strain on humanity. The sin of lust, greed, murder and adultery are very recognizable, even in a world with little morals. Yet there is a sin that the majority of us seem to never acknowledge or distinguish. A sin we appear oblivious too, yet so potent to our soul that like a virus it will cause blindness to truth. Throughout the ages and to this day, millions have been entrenched under its control in turn causing isolation, segregation, persecution and even murder. A bondage that is so attractive that multitudes have walked from a place of freedom and grace and jumped into its cesspool of deception and despair. So cunning and devious is it's maneuvering that most never realize they are stuck in its deadly claws or possess its horrible smell. It counterfeits as a moral Christianity, a fake imitation that sounds, says, and looks right to the pride of flesh. To those who perceive it, it is nauseating and sickening. To God it is a stench to his nostrils and darkness to the souls of those He has created. As you read these words you may be thinking to yourself, "What on earth is this guy taking about? What sin could be so dark, destructive, hideous, a menace to the fabric of our society? Read carefully, it is called LEGALISM! You read correctly! A plague of sin so out of control on planet earth today is legalism, but what's worse, much of it breading ground comes out of one of our oldest institution today, the church! This may sound harsh and hard to believe but as we ponder and understand this fascinating sin, we may be shocked at what we upturn. Let me also warn you, that what you are about to read may cause many reactions to your soul. You may experience anger or disbelief. On the other hand you may experience deliverance or a renewed understanding of God. In the end you may love me or hate me, it is simply not for the light at heart! No one immune to Legalism The sin of legalism has caused more hurt, rejection and suppression to mankind, that it is rare to find someone who has not felt it's rage or scorn. It is simply a weapon of Satan, his ace in the hole to blind the world of seeing and experiencing the true and living God. It is also his way of stealing freedom and joy from the life of believers in experiencing the true church. Sadly no one is immune from catching this fake Christianity. To recognize, then deal with it, can be a strong fortress to contend with. The only cure and way to know this counterfeit, is to know the real thing. John said in the Word of God, you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. What is Legalism? Now the first question to ask is, what exactly is legalism, especially when it concerns the church, and secondly how do we expose the problem in us as the church? I would first like to say that this is not an easy investigation, and I in no way am an expert on this subject. Yes it is easy to recognize religious fanatics in Iraq, but what about in Christendom. I can only share that which I have experienced and learned as a minister of the Gospel. Secondly, we must be careful in our judgement that by trying to expose legalism we do not become a legalist ourselves. To be in any extreme, no matter what walk of life, can be detrimental and damaging. Now, a legalist is not someone who has moral responsibly or a sense of duty concerning God. To have a standard of biblical accountability is right and good for the soul. To have standards, regulations, police or codes within a certain structure is commendable. Without it we would have no order. For instance a bible school needs guidelines to train and discipline, but if a student misses these standards, he or she in no way should be looked upon any less then who they already are in Christ. Legalism is when we impose our preconceived notions of God as absolute on others. Our teachings that add or take away from what Christ has already accomplished through the work of the cross, for the sinner who believes! Legalism is an attitude that a person must act or be a certain way in order to be blessed and excepted by God. A system of religion, which says a person, must do something to earn, merit, or keep salvation. Legalism; an attitude. So legalism is simply an attitude, a way of looking at life and has little to do with doctrine. Although some doctrines seem based on legalism, our understanding of doctrine must be based in grace. Yet at the same time grace is not legalism. My point is that trying to please God is not legalism. To obey God's principals and commands are good and pleasing to him. The problem is not law keeping but a codependent or dependence on the law for approval and acceptance by God. Again we must always remember in these studies our problem is not in obeying or doing the will of God but in an attitude that trusting in one's performance or good works can gain favor, blessings or acceptance with God. To go further this attitude is something we are usually convinced about with an emotional element. It is the way we consider, regard or act towards people. Sadly we can react out of these attitudes even if they are wrong. So where do these attitudes come from? From the mother's womb, to birth, depending on environment we are instilled with standards, raised in a controlled atmosphere, dictated by parents, teachers, politicians and religion. Before we become adults and could think for ourselves, we were given the dos and don'ts of life. Loved with firmness, developed in fears and insecurities. What to trust and what to watch for. In the end we developed mechanisms, checks and balances, attitudes that develop our character and lifestyle whether right or wrong. |
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Copyright Roxy J Nolin 2002 |
About the Author Roxy J Nolin has been a Pastor-Teacher since 1985. He has a gift to minister God's Word with vibrant and uncompromising effects. He has ministered across US, Canada and Asia. As well as pastoral and pioneering several churches, he was Director and overseer of a Denomination in Canada. He has a Business Management and Marketing background, a Degree in Biblical Studies and has authored several books. He and his wife Jan have four children, one grandson and reside in the City of Calgary Alberta Canada. |
