The value of being a Zealot
Words
We learn and discuss and think with words. And yet we tend to be sloppy in our understanding and definition of words. This is especially true in matters of our faith.
Remember the old saying “he who defines the words wins the argument”.
Some words that are in much debate in the body are: 1. Salvation 4. Imputed vs Actual 2. Sanctification 5. Accountability 3. Legalism 6. Fear of God
Your view of the commandments of the bible and their meaning and authority will bring you into conflict with the body. For instance, thoughts on obedience: if I said that we are called to live a zealous obedient life in God’s Word, and if I said that the number one expression of Grace in our lives is our obedience to God’s Word and if I said to be Holy, my life must be directed by obedience to God’s Word, most would classify me either as a legalist or a nut. In today’s church the committed man of obedience is looked down on in Christianity as legalistic. And a legalistic person is to be shunned and criticized.
What does that word legalistic mean? It is not used in the Bible but is clearly in the lexicon of Christianity. There are 3 definitions that I know of that are commonly associated with being legalistic.
- One who thinks obedient behavior is a key to their salivation
or favor with God (of course this is wrong).
- One who imposes their convictions, (convictions not commands) or standards on someone else as a requirement for an association with the body i.e. drinking, dress, entertainment, etc.(and of course this is wrong)
- One who puts attention to obedience as equal to/or greater than Grace.
Of course “1” Is the problem definition that we all condemn, but my question is, “don’t we become carnal (1Cor 3:1-3), casual, lethargic and lukewarm believers when we deemphasize the importance of obedience to the Word”? The outshoot of this in the body today is we want a permissive God and one that will not hold us accountable in eternity for our behavior on earth. The question is, once Christ has settled the debt for all our sins, am I culpable for any kind of sin in my life, past or present?
Am I wrong or doesn’t God call us to be “zealously obedient” in our living. That is to be “zealously obedient” in our living even when it impairs my life style and acceptance in society and the body.
You are not legalistic if you are zealous in your obedience to Christ.
Any questions or disagreement, let me hear at Gayle.Jackson@Portalt.com
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