Romans 2:1-5: How to Spot a Legalistic Church

Legalism is the idea that our works contribute to our salvation. In the Old Covenant, under the Law, it was easy to draw the connection. However, in the New Covenant, it becomes more difficult to discern.

the Bible teaches that salvation is monergistic. Namely, God does all of it. He initiates it and He secures it. As a result, we can give all the glory to God for our redemption. However, many churches believe in a synergistic salvation. That is, God does His part and you must do yours. This works-based salvation implies that your obedience either initiates or sustains your salvation. Again, this is unbiblical as we know that our righteous standing before God does not rest in our obedience but in the perfect obedience of Christ alone.

In this episode, pastor Dale Partridge looks to Romans 2:1-5 to examine the key marks of a legalistic theology in hopes to free Christians from the bondage of a works-based Gospel.