LEGALISM
ILLEGAL-ISM
PERVERSION-ISM
Do not ADD to God’s Word.
The principles governing the handling of God’s Word can be framed through three pairs of terms: add (legalism), diminish (Illegal-ism), and distort (Perversion-ism).
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2)
“Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:6)
Add (Legalism) To add to God’s Word, known as legalism, involves imposing human rules or traditions as divine mandates, distorting Scripture’s intent (Deuteronomy 4:2, Proverbs 30:6). Legalism burdens believers with extra-biblical requirements, as seen in the Pharisees’ elevation of oral traditions, which Jesus rebuked (Mark 7:8-13). This practice fosters self-righteousness, shifting focus from God’s grace to man-made standards.
Legalism risks idolatry by prioritizing human additions over divine authority, creating confusion and division. Believers must discern between God’s commands and cultural preferences, ensuring worship remains rooted in Scripture’s sufficiency. Adding to God’s Word undermines its purity, leading to a faith that exalts human effort over divine truth. The antidote is humility, trusting Scripture’s completeness without supplementation. By avoiding legalism, believers honor God’s Word as the sole guide, fostering genuine faith free from the weight of unnecessary rules. Doing what God commands by faith is never legalism.
Diminish (Illegal-ism) To diminish God’s Word, termed Illegal-ism, involves selectively ignoring or downplaying Scripture to suit personal or cultural preferences (Deuteronomy 4:2, Revelation 22:19). Illegal-ism manifests when believers dismiss challenging teachings, such as those on baptism, to avoid obedience. This practice dilutes faith, creating a superficial spirituality that lacks trust in God. Scripture declares all its contents inspired and profitable (2 Timothy 3:16), demanding adherence to its entirety. Illegal-ism risks spiritual malnourishment, as believers miss God’s full counsel, and opens the door to moral relativism, where truth bends to human desires. Unlike legalism’s excess, Illegal-ism subtracts from divine revelation, equally undermining its authority. Faithfulness requires embracing both comforting and convicting passages, trusting God’s wisdom. By rejecting Illegal-ism, believers uphold the whole counsel of God (acts 20:27), ensuring a balanced faith that honors God’s perfect Word without selective omission.
Distort (Perversion-ism) To distort God’s Word, I call Perversion-ism, means twisting or misrepresenting its intended meaning to align with human agendas, cultural trends, or personal biases (Galatians 1:7, 2 Peter 3:16). “…in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.” Perversion-ism occurs when Scripture is reinterpreted to justify sin or compromise, as when Israel blended idolatry with worship (1 Kings 12:28-33). Unlike legalism’s additions or illegal-ism’s subtractions, Perversion-ism corrupts the text’s essence, altering its truth. This distortion undermines God’s authority, leading believers astray into false teachings or worldly conformity. Combatting Perversion-ism requires discernment to preserve Scripture’s intended message and courage to resist pressures to conform. It’s a subtle yet grave error, as it masquerades as faithfulness while perverting divine truth. By rejecting perversion-ism, believers stay aligned with God’s unchanging Word, ensuring obedience reflects His heart. This principle completes the framework: legalism adds, illegal-ism diminishes, and Perversion-ism distorts, guiding believers to honor Scripture faithfully.
AGAPE
SPENCER
Borger church of Christ @ Franklin & Juniper 