What is Legalism?

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robert derrick

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The term is used often. But what exactly is it according to Scripture?

We are lawful and law-abiding citizens of the commonwealth of Israel. We keep God's law and commandments by faith of salvation.

In 2 Cor 3, When Scripture says the 'letter kills', it was speaking of the law and of the Old Covenant itself, pertaining to that which was written upon stone tables.

These tables were called the ministry of condemnation and death and have been done away, and the new testament is the ministry of the Spirit and righteousness.

The weakness of the law was the flesh in that it could not justify anyone, only condemn that that transgressed. It could not minister faith and life, but only death and condemnation to them that did not obey.

It was called the law of carnal commandment (Heb 7:16), in that it only could command outward obedience, not inward faith, but the new covenant is made with the power of an endless life.

And so inward faith and Spirit of life is the power of God that begins salvation and outward obedience to His law and commandments.

Therefore, 'legalism' would be holding to the law outwardly only, without inward faith, seeking to be justified by the outward works of the law only.

Legalism is therefore without faith nor Spirit nor life, but only outward obedience. It is a hard and cold way to exist.

It's good to obey but far better to believe, love, and obey: O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (Psalms 119)

And since legalism is keeping there works of the law with faith, then it will always end in failure of transgression; therefore, the true legalist is without mercy, neither for himself nor for others, and they are forever looking for transgression to condemn.

And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage. (Gal 2)

But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. (Matthew 12)

Obeying the letter only brings certain condemnation and death: walking after the flesh.

Walking after the Spirit is life fulfilling the righteousness of God, with blessing in this life and forever.
 

Grailhunter

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The Law does not pertain to Christians so in a discussion about Christian legalism it does not pertain.
Therefore legalism only pertains to the 613 Mosaic Laws...Judaism...Jews. In that context if you break one, you break them all.
As far as Christianity there is no such thing as legalism.
There is no legalism section of the New Testament.
So you will not find the word legalism in the New Testament.

The term is coined and used mostly by those that are opposed to morality...the morality taught by Christ and the Apostles in the New Testament. You will be hard pressed to find scriptures where Christ and the Apostles speak of morality as an option.

Socialized Christianity which I call the New Denomination is certainly a new manifestation. An attempt to modify Christians morals and values to be inline with politically correct social norms. Basically a tolerance for evil and call it Christian.

I have debated this so many times. They fall in a few categories, usually some form of OSAS. They search the scriptures for loop holes and are offended when scriptures that speak of morality are presented...moral scriptures is what they call legalism.

The hatred of good....quick to tell you no one is good so there is no sense in trying to be good and all forms of evil will go to heaven.

Evil speak!

Do the best you can....be good and do good.
 
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Enoch111

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But what exactly is it according to Scripture?
According to Scripture it means using the works or deeds of the Law to earn salvation (be justified): Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Rom 3:20)

What it means today is something else. Application of any strict standards of ethics, behavior, dress, or deportment is called "Legalism". So Antinomianism must now be the standard. This is called "Christian liberty"!
 
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farouk

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According to Scripture it means using the works or deeds of the Law to earn salvation (be justified): Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Rom 3:20)

What it means today is something else. Application of any strict standards of ethics, behavior, dress, or deportment is called "Legalism". So Antinomianism must now be the standard. This is called "Christian liberty"!
...but it's also the culture of trying to impose non-Scriptural traditions on others....this is also unhealthy.
 

Grailhunter

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According to Scripture it means using the works or deeds of the Law to earn salvation (be justified): Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Rom 3:20)

What it means today is something else. Application of any strict standards of ethics, behavior, dress, or deportment is called "Legalism". So Antinomianism must now be the standard. This is called "Christian liberty"!

Oh this is so messed up!
If the word legalism does not appear in the scriptures how can you say...According to the scriptures it means....
And you say part of the meaning of legalism is the application strict stand of ethics....so when the Bible speaks of morals, are you one of those that think that, that is the legalism section? Do you think that Christ and the Apostles were legalists? Do you think that morality is optional? Do you think there is a liberal section to the Bible?

When Paul said Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
He is talking about Judaism, the Mosaic Law....not observing Christian morality. He is not saying not to be moral. What do you think Christianity is, a religion of immorality?

This is the twist that OSAS people put on the Bible. We are justified by Christ and no one is saying that morality is what saves us. But still the morals that were taught by Christ and the Apostle are what we should observe.
 

robert derrick

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The Law does not pertain to Christians so in a discussion about Christian legalism it does not pertain.
Therefore legalism only pertains to the 613 Mosaic Laws...Judaism...Jews. In that context if you break one, you break them all.
As far as Christianity there is no such thing as legalism.
There is no legalism section of the New Testament.
So you will not find the word legalism in the New Testament.

The term is coined and used mostly by those that are opposed to morality...the morality taught by Christ and the Apostles in the New Testament. You will be hard pressed to find scriptures where Christ and the Apostles speak of morality as an option.

Socialized Christianity which I call the New Denomination is certainly a new manifestation. An attempt to modify Christians morals and values to be inline with politically correct social norms. Basically a tolerance for evil and call it Christian.

I have debated this so many times. They fall in a few categories, usually some form of OSAS. They search the scriptures for loop holes and are offended when scriptures that speak of morality are presented...moral scriptures is what they call legalism.

The hatred of good....quick to tell you no one is good so there is no sense in trying to be good and all forms of evil will go to heaven.

Evil speak!

Do the best you can....be good and do good.
"The Law does not pertain to Christians...The term is coined and used mostly by those that are opposed to morality."

Saying that the law of God, which is the law of Christ today, not that of Moses in the Old Covenant, does not pertain to Christians sounds a lot like someone who would be saying there is no morality to keep as a Christian.

Now, if you are saying the law has nothing to do with Christians, because Christians are not transgressors thereof, then that is fine. But there certainly is the law of God today, called the law of Christ:


Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ...If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well. But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors
.

Respect of persons is a transgression of the Law of Christ: the royal law. And James was addressing Christians, warning us not to be such.

Where there is no law, there is no transgression; therefore, where there is transgression so called by God, there is law of God.

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3)

The law of God, which is now the law of Christ, pertains to every inhabiter of earth, especially those called Christians, who ought not be transgressing the law of the One they call Lord.

"So you will not find the word legalism in the New Testament."

Neither is there in the First Testament.

"Therefore legalism only pertains to the 613 Mosaic Laws...Judaism...Jews. In that context if you break one, you break them all."

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. (James 2)

And so it applies to Christians, as to all people.

"Therefore legalism only pertains to the 613 Mosaic Laws..."

Legalism, whatever it is, applies at all times to all law. The principle of justification that Paul was rebuking applies to any law of God, whether that of Moses before or that of Christ now: We are not justified by doing the works of the law.

"They search the scriptures for loop holes and are offended when scriptures that speak of morality are presented...moral scriptures is what they call legalism"

Some of the worst sort of 'legalism', if that is what it is, has been those who keeping adding to the law of God their own little personal rules and cartnal ordinances, that everyone else should live by as law of God. The Pharisees did so, and thus called Jesus a transgressor, and the 'holiness' crowd does today, and thus looks at 'non-holiness' Christians as compromisers and apostates.
 

robert derrick

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...but it's also the culture of trying to impose non-Scriptural traditions on others....this is also unhealthy.
Amen brother. And devilish. It is a subtil prey upon sincere believers who really want to do right by God and live right with Him.

In this context, I would say 'right living' is akin to legalism, because all sorts of little details about right living are preached for righteousness of God.

They are so busy adding more and more letters to the law of Christ in the name of keeping the Spirit of the law, that they kill the Spirit right out of the law. Both jesus and Paul called them the traditions and commandments of men.

The devil is in the details of men.
 

Enoch111

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When Paul said Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. He is talking about Judaism, the Mosaic Law....not observing Christian morality. He is not saying not to be moral. What do you think Christianity is, a religion of immorality?
It seems that you are the one who is messed up or confused. The OP asked for legalism "in Scripture". It was the Judaizers who insisted that Christians were saved BOTH by faith in Christ + the works of the Law. Paul addressed this in Galatians and made it clear that no one could be justified by the works or deeds of the Law.

But today this is not the meaning of Legalism. Instead it means that anytime there is a requirement for Christians to adhere to certain standards, that becomes "Legalism" (a false definition).
 
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Grailhunter

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Saying that the law of God, which is the law of Christ today, not that of Moses in the Old Covenant, does not pertain to Christians sounds a lot like someone who would be saying there is no morality to keep as a Christian.
Saying nothing of the kind. We are not Jews. This argument was settled in 50 ad at the first Christian council in Jerusalem. Paul spent a good part of his ministry fighting against people that wanted to bring Judaism and the Law into Christianity.

The morals that Christ and the Apostles are sometimes called law of Christ, but they are not the Mosaic Law in practice, principal, or spirit.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. (James 2)

And so it applies to Christians, as to all people.

Galatians 5:4 You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

Again this was settled at the first Christian council in Jerusalem in 50 ad.

Legalism, whatever it is, applies at all times to all law. The principle of justification that Paul was rebuking applies to any law of God, whether that of Moses before or that of Christ now: We are not justified by doing the works of the law.

Again there is no such thing as Christian legalism. And as you pointed out the same is true of Judaism for the Jews.
The morals that Christ and the Apostles taught were not legalists. They were not legalists. There is no legalist section in the New Testament. Tolerance to sin is not taught by Christ or the Apostles.

Some of the worst sort of 'legalism', if that is what it is, has been those who keeping adding to the law of God their own little personal rules and cartnal ordinances, that everyone else should live by as law of God. The Pharisees did so, and thus called Jesus a transgressor, and the 'holiness' crowd does today, and thus looks at 'non-holiness' Christians as compromisers and apostates.

Now this is the truest thing you said so far. Over that last 2000 years man has added a lot of things they call sins. Mostly it was one group trying to prove they were more holy than the other. To the point that your average Christian, not knowing, faces a minefield of sins and man-made sins...because of this it distracts from focusing on true Christians morals and they can step on a real sin trying to avoid a bunch of fake sins.
 

Enoch111

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In this context, I would say 'right living' is akin to legalism, because all sorts of little details about right living are preached for righteousness of God.
To me this sounds more devilish than anything else. So in order to put you on the right path pay close attention to this passage:

TITUS 2: RIGHT LIVING AND GOOD WORKS IS WHAT GOD DEMANDS
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
 
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Grailhunter

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It seems that you are the one who is messed up or confused. The OP asked for legalism "in Scripture". It was the Judaizers who insisted that Christians were saved BOTH by faith in Christ + the works of the Law. Paul addressed this in Galatians and made it clear that no one could be justified by the works or deeds of the Law.

Again we or no one is talking about being saved by works or deeds! It is another distraction from the truth. The topic is about legalism and there is no such thing as Christian legalism.

But today this is not the meaning of Legalism. Instead it means that anytime there is a requirement for Christians to adhere to certain standards, that becomes "Legalism" (a false definition).

Can you reword this?
 

robert derrick

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Oh this is so messed up!
If the word legalism does not appear in the scriptures how can you say...According to the scriptures it means....
And you say part of the meaning of legalism is the application strict stand of ethics....so when the Bible speaks of morals, are you one of those that think that, that is the legalism section? Do you think that Christ and the Apostles were legalists? Do you think that morality is optional? Do you think there is a liberal section to the Bible?

When Paul said Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
He is talking about Judaism, the Mosaic Law....not observing Christian morality. He is not saying not to be moral. What do you think Christianity is, a religion of immorality?

This is the twist that OSAS people put on the Bible. We are justified by Christ and no one is saying that morality is what saves us. But still the morals that were taught by Christ and the Apostle are what we should observe.

"He is talking about Judaism, the Mosaic Law...."

You will need to quote that Scripture or prove by Scripture that he is doing so.

I believe you are confusing the difference between the error of being justified by the law without faith, and being justified by works of faith, which fulfill the law: loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Paul is only rebuking the effort to 'win salvation' by being 'moral', without the faith of Jesus. I.e. I'm a decent and good person over all, why would God want to send me to hell??

"The morals that were taught by Christ and the Apostle are what we should observe"

Exactly. I would say the legalism of "Application of any strict standards of ethics, behavior, dress, or deportment" is when such carnal ordinances are added to the law and righteousness of God, so that people are being bound with burdens of men's rules and making, even as the Pharisees did:

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. (Matthew 23)
 

Enoch111

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Again we or no one is talking about being saved by works or deeds!
But this is exactly what Legalism is in Scripture!
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified. (Gal 2:16)

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? (Gal 3:1-3)
 

robert derrick

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To me this sounds more devilish than anything else. So in order to put you on the right path pay close attention to this passage:

TITUS 2: RIGHT LIVING AND GOOD WORKS IS WHAT GOD DEMANDS
11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
Since you did not read it all, but got gagged on the first statement, I will repeat: I was speaking of the commandments and ordinances of men added to the law of God that are snuck in as doctrine under the banner of 'right living'.

Living righteously is the truth of God given by Scripture. 'Right living' is more often the made up rules of men, without Scripture.

I.e. we are commanded to be dressed in public and dress modestly. I am now to do so according to my own conscience in Christ, except there be any specifics that Scriptures give us pertaining to modest dress.

'Right living' specialists and lawgivers would then go on to say: that means men ought not be wearing shorts in public!! and no mixed bathing!!!

Do you wear shorts in public? Do you go to public pools and beaches in swimming trunks?
 

farouk

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Since you did not read it all, but got gagged on the first statement, I will repeat: I was speaking of the commandments and ordinances of men added to the law of God that are snuck in as doctrine under the banner of 'right living'.

Living righteously is the truth of God given by Scripture. 'Right living' is more often the made up rules of men, without Scripture.

I.e. we are commanded to be dressed in public and dress modestly. I am now to do so according to my own conscience in Christ, except there be any specifics that Scriptures give us pertaining to modest dress.

'Right living' specialists and lawgivers would then go on to say: that means men ought not be wearing shorts in public!! and no mixed bathing!!!

Do you wear shorts in public? Do you go to public pools and beaches in swimming trunks?
@robert derrick The list is endless.... :)
 

robert derrick

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But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments... (Matthew 23)

Legalism? Focusing only on the outward show of obedience, even overdoing it, without any Spirit of the law within?
 
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Grailhunter

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I believe you are confusing the difference between the error of being justified by the law without faith, and being justified by works of faith, which fulfill the law: loving our neighbor as ourselves.

First off you need to get the "the Law" out of your head because it has nothing to do with Christians. The Jews are Jews and the Christians are Christians. So the Mosaic Law is not part of the discussion. We are talking about legalism and there is no such thing as Christian legalism.

Paul is only rebuking the effort to 'win salvation' by being 'moral', without the faith of Jesus.
No that is not what he was doing. He was rebuking those that were trying to include the Mosaic Law as a requirement to be Christian.

I'm a decent and good person over all, why would God want to send me to hell??
Silly question. Do you think that Christ "wants" to send anyone to hell?

Exactly. I would say the legalism of "Application of any strict standards of ethics, behavior, dress, or deportment" is when such carnal ordinances are added to the law and righteousness of God, so that people are being bound with burdens of men's rules and making, even as the Pharisees did:

Agreed. Its human nature...boy's clubs have tendency to make up rules. LOL
 

Taken

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What is Legalism?
OP ^

Strict adherence to the law.

Lawless:
is having NO set of fixed Objectives, regarding Principles and Moral guidance.
NO laws, statutes, precepts.

Strict adherence to the law, is an expectation of a Principled and Moral and JUST guide;
but also an expectation there will be failures along the way....
thus; (within the Law) Laws as a means for Correction, Punishment

Strict adherence to A Law, or Set of Laws...IS NOT ACHIEVABLE by A human man.

Why? Because:
mankind, IS NOT ALL KNOWING.

It is WHAT ( the experience, the results) a man does achieve along the way of Having a FIXED set of Just laws, FIXED set of Principles, FIXED set of Moral codes...that makes the FIXED OBJECTIVE of Laws suitable for (unknowing) mankind.

Once a man achieves the Fixed Objective of any Law...the man has fulfilled the law, and the Law obsolete.

Jesus came to fulfill OT Laws...Once achieved....The OT Laws and the correction / punishment (penal) Laws became obsolete.

If one knows that, they are informed.
If they do not believe that, they certainly can continue "under the law" and the (penal) Laws will continue to apply.

Gentiles were not under OT Law, NT, continued with reiterating Gods Statutes. Gods 10 commandments. (Statutes, Written and published and requirements).

Gentile men who fulfilled, Becoming Converted IN Christ...primarily fulfilled Gods Statutes. (Also applies to Jews who did the same and Jews today who do the same, not called Converted Christians; Call themselves: Messaniac Jews.

Jesus reiterated...TWO Statutes that must Continue to be fulfilled repeatedly;

Matt 22:
[36] Master, which is the great commandment in the law?
[37] Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
[38] This is the first and great commandment.
[39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
[40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

Really?
HOW DOES one fulfill that one "SHALL" love?

IMO...this "SHALL" love is not the gushy tingling feeling...

IMO...this First "SHALL" Love the Lord God.... IS the absolute Heartfelt Desire to be a pleasing son unto God.

IMO...this Second "SHALL" love your neighbor....IS doing what is best for an other, "regardless of the consequences".
(For example, ever lost a good friend, because you aided an enemy of your good friend?)

IMO....a Converted man has TWO Laws;
And BECAUSE the Power of Gods Spirit, is WITHIN a Converted man, it IS possible for those TWO laws to continually be fulfilled.

Glory to God,
Taken
 

Iconoclast

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Christians are under law to Christ.
The ten commandments are in our heart by the Spirit.

10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

Paul knew this;rom13
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Legalism happens when people teach we are not under the law of God, but instead substitute their own ideas ,or tradtions in place of God's word, mt15
4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.