Works is not legalism

In James 2 the word “works” is defined as being applied to the conduct of humans, measured by the standards that are the teachings within the Bible. In other words either following or not following the instructions of Jesus Christ and His apostles.
Due to poor understanding of how faith plus works mesh together. Many construe works, or following the commandments as legalism. The best example of legalism is the Catholic Church; where you have to take the word of the priest that you are doing the right thing. Where you have to perform rituals and ceremonies to guarantee you are making it into heaven. All of which is the furthest thing from the truth. Now is there and had there been people that can call themselves truly “Christian” in this religion? I would say yes, however extremely few.
Legalism is a strict following of rules and instructions. Rigid without concern as to why or even with feeling. Simply legalism is works without faith. Repetitive motions without any feeling or concern as to why they are actually performed.
The works of James 2 are an act of love for our Savior. A desire to follow what He has told us to do. Jesus said we are to place His Father at the center of our lives. Yet most, even within the Christian faith, only place themselves as this center, the place reserved for God alone. Whenever this is done they are guaranteed to fail. That is why when Christ added to the core Ten Commandments, they become the greatest.
When you place God at the core of your life, what is the most important thing to consider? None other than the Bible itself. Jesus made this clear that we are to follow the commandments, which is a reflection of placing God at the core of our lives.
Luke 11:28 – Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
These are the works to which He is referring. So those that call works legalism are just making excuses to place themselves at the core of their lives thus heading down a road to failure and misery. So we should live our lives in both faith and works, both equal and desired by God, through His Son Jesus Christ.

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