As more people come to this blog/website, it is possible for some to read and interpret my words in the wrong way. Therefore, I feel I need to clarify some things, especially if you are new.
By the way, thank you so much for visiting!
First, I am a Christian. “Salvation is found in no one else [besides Jesus], for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). I could go into a list of other Scripture, but I believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven.
Secondly, my eternal salvation is not dependent on my righteousness, but the the grace of a merciful God. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:8).
Thirdly, my salvation is not is not based on anything I have done, or can do. “Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:9).
In the simplest terms, I am a “recovering legalist” because I sometimes struggle with the scars of a theology that led me to believe God’s love was predicated on my obedience to a list of man-made requirements.
This is more of a rambling post (off the cuff), but what I am typing is what is on my mind at this moment. I don’t want anyone to think that I think that I am better than anyone else, for I know that I am nothing without Christ.
I do not write in order to condemn others. I write about the things with which I sometimes struggle. I write because I care. Sometimes I may get on a soap box, but I can’t totally help it – I am a preacher, you know. It is in my nature to call it as I see it, especially when the dangers of sin are obvious. “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men]” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
The ultimate goal of this blog is to help others to see that even though God is Holy, His judgment was poured out on Jesus, His only begotten Son, who willingly sought to reconcile those who believe with His Father (Eph. 2:13-17; Col. 1:20-22). No self-imposed requirement, kept to the most minute degree, can save a man, nor make him any more loved. It was while we were yet sinners, that Christ died for us (Romans 5:8); not after we cleaned ourselves up and scored 100 on a list.
I do not want to argue with anyone. I don’t want to offend anyone, either. However, if you get offended by God’s written Word, then that’s between you and Him – don’t blame the messenger.
You may disagree with me at times. You may even disagree with me all the time. Just know that my prayers are that you will grow to love Jesus, God’s Son, the Savior of the world, because He first loved you (1 John 4:19). God sent Jesus into the world so that we might be saved from our sins. He didn’t have to, you know. It was because He loved us that Jesus did what He did. The proof of His love was shown on the cross. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” (1 John 4:9).
Note: If you don’t have a place where you participate in corporate worship (church), then I hope you would feel welcome at the place I pastor. As an under shepherd of God’s flock, I seek to lead and guide the best way I know how, understanding that I am totally dependent upon the power of the Holy Spirit to bring about any good.
Please pray for me. Put me on your prayer list. As I take a public stand, both on the internet and behind the pulpit, the powers of hell don’t like it, nor me. Pray that I will be able to show grace and love in the words that I write and preach, but also to be increasingly bold as this world continues to spiral downward into wickedness. Pray that God will be glorified in everything I say, write, and do.
The Recovering Legalist 
Well said, friend!
Thanks, Mike.
Nice
Praying for you and your wonderful family 🙏
Thanks, Angie.
“Just know that my prayers are that you will grow to love Jesus, God’s Son, the Savior of the world.”
Thank you and bless you for noting WHO Jesus is (God’s Son), not just what He is (the Savior of the world.)
This essential truth is glaringly and tragically lacking is so many presentations of the Gospel.
As to your concern that you may at times sound judgmental, Paul did say,
31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 1 Co 11.
It is the Holy Spirit that quickens, and also convicts of sin, righteousness and judgement. He can’t do His work if we don’t do ours! Carry on.
Peace in Christ alone.
Thanks for stopping by. But I do have a question: Are you a new blogger?
Thank you for asking. I started blogging about 15 months ago, remembrancer626.blog
As a retiree, I am committed to the commission of Isaiah 62:6,7. Some translations refer here to a remembrancer, someone who watches and makes intercessions, and shares what I receive “from above”. I strive to abide under the anointing of Matthew 13:52; and John 3:27.
“For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you”.
1 Corinthians 11:23.
Faithfully,
Jim
Very Nice OP. No Law or adherence of a law or cutting of ones private parts or book or water wash away sins, while one might imply the bible says such. the fullness of the Gospel is that only Jesus and his blood can wash away our sins, but in that it is still not enough. that is not the whole gospel. The gospel includes repentance, it includes giving of Gods spirit to make one alive again, and it includes the intent of the person joining the faith and family to make Jesus the Messiah, the Lord of their personal life and not to just read out some beliefs and leave it all on the shelf. That Faith is not a crossing of ones fingers that their hopes are true, but that faith is a loyal trust to a leader such that one would go and do what he says. Faith being more than just trust. It also includes Obedience. It is that sort of faith seen in Abraham but not seen in the Majority of the Law keepers called Israel. It is this disconnect that led God to exile his people, and for God to hate the feasts and ordinances, new moon celebrations he initially initiated. The nature of the gospel includes John 3:14-15 and the story of the snakes referring back to the contempt Israel had to God and the change now to the whosoever may come, from the hiways and biways.
While salvation is free, it costs everything. Its serious, God is serious, but the solution to provide the reconciliation wasn’t made by us. at no point will we or have we done enough to justify ourselves or make right this situation. This brings humility, It does not bring lazy christianity, but it brings mercy and relationship and a desire to live Holy, which is about living separate in that we unlike the world Love. 1John4:7-8 and because of Acts 15 and Hebrews 8 it is clear the Law is very instructive to what Love looks like, with do’s and many donts, but it is not part of this new covenant but instructive as to the new commandment Jesus gave us. The blood of the Covenant presently instructs us about our conduct, Philippians 2 and James2 and the type of faith we should have Hebrews 11-12 -13 Jesus showed us in Matthew about the spirit of the law and the nature of the law and the nature of Christ.
Legalism is about the nature of hate one has in pointing fingers at others, of controlling the religion of the day excluding and separating the six things the Lord hates, making religion a hammer not a means to holy action. Its about justifying oneself and pride, about comparing one to another, but in Christ, the covenant is not made counting on our performance but with the blood of Christ. Not with the circumcision of the flesh but of the heart. Christianity is as much a new religion as it is a revival of what should have been of an old religion. In many ways the Old testament shames Israel and reminds us what not to be like. Its the basis for the new covenant and our new faith grounded first in humility by grace, meaning we are receiving this undeserved.
Very good Op.
Amen, excellent and in prayer.
I appreciate your openness, and I enjoy your posts. Never a problem with me if we should ever have differing opinions. Blessings.