Definition of the terms:
Holiness-the state of being "holy", pure, or set apart
Legalism- dependence on moral law rather than personal spiritual faith
In short, a lifestyle of holiness is from God (Leviticus 11:45, 1 Peter 1:16) and centered around the example of Jesus Christ our savior. Legalism is man's way of imitating God's holiness. Legalism is man centered and follows the prime example of the religious Pharisees and Synagogue rulers of Jesus' time and are still present here within/out of the Church.
Legalism- Legalism or religious main aim is to guide man by earth created statutes into a "good" or morally supreme state of the groups or leaders laws, rules, etc. Jesus condemns the Religious rulers of legalistic ones of His time for following their man made traditions and rules (Mark 7:8). Legalism bears it's ugly head in the Church by people imposing their traditions and religious laws on the people. Enslaving them to their view of right and wrong which may or may not have any biblical foundation. Legalism binds and destroys the faith of the believer in Jesus and produces a belief in the works or accolades of the believer. Jezebel, the Pharisees, Judas, etc, were examples of religious and legalistic people who used religion and tradition to govern and usurp leadership over people and bind them into sin and ultimately death.
Holiness- Holiness is the freedom the believer has in Christ Jesus. Holiness is not perfection or sinlessness but a state of being sanctified and consecrated unto the use solely of God. Holiness/Sanctification happens in three ways 1. Instantaneous(Romans 5:1), 2. Progressive (2 Corinthians 7:1), 3. Complete (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Instantaneous Holiness/Sanctification happens immediately when the believer accepts the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Progressive holiness/sanctification happens presently this is the phase of the believer's life where we grow in our knowledge, love, worship, and life with Jesus Christ. Where the fruit of the Holy Spirit are revealed and produced in us. Your present state after you accept Christ Jesus is in progressive holiness/sanctification. Complete Sanctification/holiness is where the believer dies and enters the presence of the Lord. Where they take off the mortal and places on the immortal. When we are in the great assembly of the righteous from past, present,and future believers in Jesus Christ. Holiness is commanded by Our Lord and should be adhered too (Hebrews 12:14). Holiness is a work of grace and a fruit of your faith in Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, holiness is Christ centered, while legalism is man centered.
Holiness-the state of being "holy", pure, or set apart
Legalism- dependence on moral law rather than personal spiritual faith
In short, a lifestyle of holiness is from God (Leviticus 11:45, 1 Peter 1:16) and centered around the example of Jesus Christ our savior. Legalism is man's way of imitating God's holiness. Legalism is man centered and follows the prime example of the religious Pharisees and Synagogue rulers of Jesus' time and are still present here within/out of the Church.
Legalism- Legalism or religious main aim is to guide man by earth created statutes into a "good" or morally supreme state of the groups or leaders laws, rules, etc. Jesus condemns the Religious rulers of legalistic ones of His time for following their man made traditions and rules (Mark 7:8). Legalism bears it's ugly head in the Church by people imposing their traditions and religious laws on the people. Enslaving them to their view of right and wrong which may or may not have any biblical foundation. Legalism binds and destroys the faith of the believer in Jesus and produces a belief in the works or accolades of the believer. Jezebel, the Pharisees, Judas, etc, were examples of religious and legalistic people who used religion and tradition to govern and usurp leadership over people and bind them into sin and ultimately death.
Holiness- Holiness is the freedom the believer has in Christ Jesus. Holiness is not perfection or sinlessness but a state of being sanctified and consecrated unto the use solely of God. Holiness/Sanctification happens in three ways 1. Instantaneous(Romans 5:1), 2. Progressive (2 Corinthians 7:1), 3. Complete (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Instantaneous Holiness/Sanctification happens immediately when the believer accepts the redemptive sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Progressive holiness/sanctification happens presently this is the phase of the believer's life where we grow in our knowledge, love, worship, and life with Jesus Christ. Where the fruit of the Holy Spirit are revealed and produced in us. Your present state after you accept Christ Jesus is in progressive holiness/sanctification. Complete Sanctification/holiness is where the believer dies and enters the presence of the Lord. Where they take off the mortal and places on the immortal. When we are in the great assembly of the righteous from past, present,and future believers in Jesus Christ. Holiness is commanded by Our Lord and should be adhered too (Hebrews 12:14). Holiness is a work of grace and a fruit of your faith in Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, holiness is Christ centered, while legalism is man centered.
