The view that salvation can be achieved or merited through compliance with a legal code. NT writers, particularly Paul, staunchly oppose such a view. Especially in his Epistles to the Romans and to the Galatians, Paul seeks to prove that no one can be justified in the sight of God by the works of the law. He sees legalism as the great shortcoming of Judaism, as he knew it in his time.
“Israel who pursued the righteousness which is based on law did not succeed in fulfilling that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it through faith, but as if it were based on works” ( Rom. 9:31 , 32 , RSV ).
To Paul, legalism was impossible as a means to salvation.
In contrast with faith, which requires a positive relationship toward God, legalism represents a negative attitude. It is at this point, ultimately, that the question of whether a person is a legalist or not must be settled. Theologically a person may hold that righteousness is by faith, but if his or her way of life and attitude toward God are basically structured in terms of a mere checklist code of do’s and don’ts, he or she is still a legalist-“the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.” Christian freedom does not mean that the Christian no longer observes God’s requirements; it means that he or she does so through faith, in thankfulness for the salvation God has given. Having received salvation, the Christian obeys as an act of love and thanksgiving, out of a desire to comply with God’s will. This view rules out any possible basic approach to religion in terms of a legal code.
See Faith and Works ; Justification ; Law ; Law and Grace ; Righteousness by Faith ; Salvation ; Sanctification .