There are two major obstacles to genuine spirit-filled walk with Jesus Christ. The two theological terms that describe these obstacles are legalism and relativism. These are big words that describe the two ends of a spectrum. Legalism is putting conditions on salvation other than simple faith in Jesus. A legalist will tell you that salvation depends on obedience to the laws of God.
The opposite error of relativism is making the truth of the Bible a matter of personal opinion or interpretation. A Christian relativist will argue that God will save everyone regardless of their personal belief system as long as they live a life of love and tolerance towards their fellow man. Both legalism and relativism are dangerous deceptions that need to be avoided.
While both have an element of truth, in that God does expect us to be obedient to His laws and Christians should allow for debate on non-essential topics, both extremes pervert the gospel of Jesus that demands we trust in Christ alone for salvation.
Those who put conditions on salvation other than simple faith need to hear the following warning by the Apostle Paul: “You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace” (Galatians 5:4, NIV).
On the other hand, those who attempt to remove the condition to trust in the REAL Jesus, as opposed to a false Christ, need to listen to Jesus: “There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out” (Luke 13:28).
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:18).
“For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect–if that were possible. So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time” (Mark 13:22-23).
The only condition for salvation is simple trust in the merits of Jesus Christ. The condition is that we trust in the REAL Jesus. Those who pervert the Gospel of Jesus Christ by adding to or taking away from the truth of salvation will be excluded from the Kingdom of God.
If you are a Christian then it is likely that you have struggled with both legalism and relativism during your walk with Jesus. Continue the good fight of faith and do not allow the devil to rob you of the assurance of salvation. But if you have never given your heart to Christ then please understand the importance of making a decision to trust in the REAL Jesus for salvation. He is the Son of God who died for your sins on the cross. Give your heart and life to Him.
~Stephen Beagles