LEGALISM | GRACE |
---|
Sin leads to guilt and shame | Sin leads to the cross and forgiveness |
Law condemns sinners | Grace justifies sinners (opposite of condemnation) |
Law forces sin to hide in the dark | Grace invites open and hopeful dealing with sin |
Law promotes hidden behavior | Grace promotes integrity |
Law inflames sin | Grace breaks sin's mastery |
We control sin by force (will) | God overcomes sin through relationship (grace) |
Rules/willpower restrains sin | The Truth (Christ) sets us free from sin |
Law depends on human effort | Grace depends on God alone |
Motivate obedience through pride | Motivate obedience through God's love |
Acceptance is conditional | Acceptance is unconditional (in Christ) |
Please God (via good works) | Trust God (which pleases Him) |