Mortify the Arm of the Flesh - Part 9
Legalism- Written rules and Carnal codes
by Brett Jacobsen
This says the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusts in man, and makes flesh his arm [zerowa- strength], and whose heart departs from the LORD. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good comes; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusts in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreads out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat comes, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit. (Jer 17:5-8)
Legalism has been an arm of the flesh which has crippled many saints throughout church history. It has taken on various forms in its ploy to bring God’s people under the bondage of a written law, whether Mosaic, man’s traditions or even New Testament rules.
The New Testament writings unambiguously portray a faith walk based on God’s grace, our responding faith and obedience to God’s law (Jesus/Holy Spirit) written on our inward parts [1].
Although both the Old and New Testaments have a wonderful place of educating us in the ways, will and language of God, we are NOT under any written law [2].
Now, the subject matter for this article is not so much the general legalism of being under the law, but is about the more subtly legalistic human requirements throughout contemporary Christianity. Some of these are:
* Covering theology- This is a disgusting false doctrinal tool of manipulation which is used to pressure the saints into submission UNDER certain leaders and their organisations. The balanced truth is that the New Testament does call for us to submit, firstly to one another and also to elders who are amongst us, but not to anyone who tries to be over us [3].
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Tim 2:5)
Paul the apostle would espouse the believers to Christ rather than heaping them up under his charge and covering. It is the Lord who covers us, not mere men.
* Church attendance- This unwritten rule can be laid down by leaders with selfish motives, but also from those with more pure intentions. Many believers and church leaders crack the whip of church attendance as they cling to one scripture:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another… (Heb 10:25)
They often equate this with going to their “church” rather than examining it in the light of New Testament church expressions [4]. This does not constitute church services or organisations, but rather gathering regularly with other believers around the Lord. This was primarily outworked by the New Testament church in the way Jesus told us to - “This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do you, as oft as you drink it, in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:25). This was done in people’s homes where they did eat and drink.
Also, the verse from Hebrews says that as we don’t forsake gathering, we should all be “exhorting [parakaleo] one another”. The word exhorting is parakaleo which means to call (kaleo) alongside (para). It is the saints who should be calling each other alongside one another to assemble and break bread house to house. This should be done as the Spirit leads everyone to participate in real love community.
* Doctrinal submission- We’ve taken the church one step forward and ten steps back into the Dark Ages with our denominational doctrinal schisms. Yes, not everyone will believe exactly the same doctrines, but this doesn’t excuse our separation on the matter. Our doctrine will only prove true and useful when continually challenged by other views… not to mention the safety and accountability.
This denominating has caused another legalistic submission tactic throughout the body. People are either explicitly or at least implicitly told to hold fast the church/denomination’s views of scripture and life or they are no longer welcome. Or maybe they can stay but not be able to teach, serve or contribute.
Thank God that Luther and the likes were moved by God to get the Bible into everyone’s hands rather than just the corrupted Clergy. Although we do well to have good teachers and equippers in our midst, it is every believer who should be seeking revelation from God’s inspired Word. They ought not to be hedged in by dogmas and deacons.
* Cathedral caring- It is one thing to waste vast amounts of money and resources on “church” buildings and organisations, it is worse still when the saints are manipulated into building and maintaining a so called “holy house”.
Many of God’s sheep are fleeced of their finance in the name of “building God’s house”. What is generally not taught is that God’s house is NOT a temporal temple but a heavenly house (Heb 8:1-2, 9:1-11, Eph 2:19b-22, 1 Pet 2:5, 1 Cor 3:9b-17, Acts 7:48-51).
The cathedral converts are brought under a subtle form of legalism as they are compelled to “give big to the building fund” or serve God by cleaning the pious porcelain of the “church” toilets. This type of construction though is a distraction from building the real house of God- the called ones who the Holy Spirit inhabits.
The truth is that we should all be compelled by the Holy Spirit to give to and serve in the house of God - the heavenly body of Christ. What is not beneficial or biblical is when man compels others to give and serve in human “holy houses”.
* Papal protocol- While there must be order in God’s house (His body), as well as proveness in character and maturity (presbuteros) for any who serve as equippers and overseers, we ought not have many of the restrictions which are set throughout the church.
Just when we thought “The Reformation” had given the Bible back to the people and certain moves of God had released the believers into spiritual action in the body, back came the constraints.
Only certain ones are able to minister or contribute in many gatherings. This is protected by the stronghold called the pulpit (and enforced by the microphone). So the leaders are put in a place of power which is beyond biblical orthodoxy. What the leaders teach and pronounce to be correct often becomes the new gospel. Their style and mannerisms can even become the ideal way to be, the leaders cast the mould. This breeds an insidious unwritten law which says you must act, look and think a certain way or you are not legit.
This is detrimental to the cause of Christ as He has created us all uniquely and wonderfully (Ps 139:14). God has put “many members in one body, and all members have not the same office [praxis- function]” (Rom 12:4).
Of course these are not all of the human driven church’s official obligations for its members. There are also dress codes, morality laws, enforced tithing and other forms of unwritten, legalistic compulsions from the hearts of men. We must embrace “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus” and daily attend the heavenly house of God and leave behind all forms of carnal legalism. We must trust the Lord and make Him our hope.
[1] Here are just a few scrips on the matter of the Holy Spirit/New Testament law on our hearts:
Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was an husband to them, says the LORD: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, says the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. (Jer 31:31-33)
Who also has made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter kills, but the spirit gives life. […]But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is upon their heart. 16 Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass [reflection] [Jas 1 “in a mirror”]the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (2 Cor 3:6, 15-18)
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. (Rom 8:1-8)
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word [eternal logos in us- Jesus/Holy Spirit], which is able to save your souls. 22 But be you doers of the word [engrafted in our heart- H.S.], and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word [spoken by Holy Spirit], and not a doer, he is like to a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholds himself, and goes his way, and straightway forgets what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looks into the perfect law of liberty [Holy Spirit engrafted in us], and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (Jas 1:21-25)
[2] Here are a few of the many scrips which show that we are not under any written law:
Wherefore then serves THE LAW? It was added because of transgressions, TILL THE SEED SHOULD COME to whom the promise was made; […] 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 24 Wherefore THE LAW WAS OUR SCHOOLMASTER to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that FAITH IS COME, WE ARE NO LONGER UNDER A SCHOOLMASTER. (Gal 3:19-25)
Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the MOUNT SINAI, which genders to bondage [douleia], which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children [staying under Mosaic law]. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free [Heb 12], which is the mother of us all. (Gal 4:21-26)
For, brethren, you have been called to liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbour as yourself. 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another. 16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that you cannot do the things that you would. 18 But IF YOU BE LED OF THE SPIRIT, YOU ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW. (Gal 5:13-18)
Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-29)
And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt you God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. (9-11)
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting [anakeuazo- reversal, to pack up] your souls, saying, You must be circumcised, and KEEP THE LAW: to whom WE GAVE NO SUCH COMMANDMENT: […] 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That you abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if you keep yourselves, you shall do well. Fare ye well. (24-29)
If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, THERE IS MADE OF NECESSITY A CHANGE ALSO OF THE LAW. […] after the similitude of Melchisedec there arises another priest, 16 Who is made, NOT AFTER THE LAW OF A CARNAL [sarkikos- flesh, temporal] COMMANDMENT, but after the power of an endless life.17 For he testifies, You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 18 For there is truly A DISANNULLING [athetesis- cancellation, put away] OF THE COMMANDMENT going before for the weakness [asthenes- feeble] and unprofitableness [anopheles- useless] thereof. 19 For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw near to God. (Heb 7:11-19)
For the law having A SHADOW of good things to come, and not the very image of the things… (Heb 10:1)
Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin you would not, neither had pleasure therein; which are offered BY THE LAW; 9 Then said he, Lo, I come to do your will, O God. He TAKES AWAY [anaireo- abolish] THE FIRST, that he may ESTABLISH THE SECOND. (Heb 10:8-9)
29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and NOT IN THE LETTER; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Rom 2:29)
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for YOU ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW, but under grace. 15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. 16 Know you not, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness? 17 But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness. (Rom 6:14-18)
Know you not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman which has an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he lives; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband lives, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but IF HER HUSBAND BE DEAD, SHE IS FREE FROM THAT LAW; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 4 Wherefore, my brethren, YOU ALSO ARE BECOME DEAD TO THE LAW by the body of Christ; that you should be MARRIED TO ANOTHER, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit to death. 6 But NOW WE ARE DELIVERED FROM THE LAW, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter [2 Cor 3:6]. (Rom 7:1-6)
[3] See my articles on biblical leadership (chapter six from Heaven’s Underground Blueprint) for more scriptural clarity on leadership and true submission:
Part 1- www.christisall.org/2006/05/10/heavens-underground-leadership-blueprint-pt-1-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
Part 2- www.christisall.org/2006/05/16/heavens-underground-leadership-blueprint-pt-2-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
Part 3- www.christisall.org/2006/05/19/heavens-underground-leadership-blueprint-pt-3-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
Part 4- www.christisall.org/2006/05/24/heavens-underground-leadership-blueprint-pt-4-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
Part 5- www.christisall.org/2006/05/27/heavens-underground-leadership-blueprint-pt-5-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
[4] See my articles on New Testament community (chapter seven from Heaven’s Underground Blueprint) for a more biblical view of church:
Part 1- http://www.christisall.org/2006/10/27/heavens-underground-community-blueprint-pt-1-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
Part 2- http://www.christisall.org/2006/10/31/heavens-underground-community-blueprint-pt-2-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
Part 3- http://www.christisall.org/2006/11/07/heavens-underground-community-blueprint-pt-3-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
Part 4- http://www.christisall.org/2006/11/10/heavens-underground-community-blueprint-pt-4-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
Part 5- http://www.christisall.org/2006/11/20/heavens-underground-community-blueprint-pt-5-of-5-by-brett-jacobsen/
For more reading on New Testament leadership and community as well as other reformational insights, see the author’s book Heaven’s Underground Blueprint here- http://www.christisall.org/hub-book for a copy or a free PDF version.
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