What Is, And What Isn't, "Religious Legalism"

Yahshua, "Our Messiah," in prayer at Gethsemane.

For decades now, I have quietly listened to many Self-Professed Christians discussing "Religious Legalism." Amazingly, this has usually taken the form of them condemning others for being: Respectful, Compliant and Obedient to Yahweh's Word. It's, as if, they honestly believe that Spiritual Legalism and Scriptural Obedience are fully interchangeable concepts... and yet, nothing could be further from The Truth! Nor, will I continue to remain silent upon this very important subject any longer.

Legalism, by definition, refers to one specific Motivational Aspect which may [or may not] govern one's Spiritually Derived and Physical Actions - with respect to their ongoing Obedience. When actions are wrongly motivated by our incorrect desire to: Earn Our Spiritual Salvation, Curry Yahweh's Favor, or Receive Some Special Reward - through our own physical endeavors - then we are being "Spiritually Legalistic." Nor, is our Legalistic Adherence, in any way, acceptable to Yahweh! I can, fully, assure you.

Who [Or What] Is Meant By: "All Israel" - In The Scriptures

Original Map of Ancient Israel - before the captivity.

Time after time, we hear Yahweh [God] relating His prophetically given messages to either: "Jacob," "Ephraim," "Jacob/Ephraim," "Judah," and "All Israel" - in the sacred scriptures... but, what do these specifically descriptive terms really mean; and precisely whom is He talking to whenever He uses them? There is frequently much confusion surrounding them; and many, very sincere, Judeo-Christian Believers find themselves wondering what these scriptural terms honestly mean. After all, a given message is only valuable for the properly intended recipient; and without such correct knowledge, it is virtually useless to anyone! Therefore, let's explore these highly valuable terms - from the actual scriptures themselves....

However, in order to properly understand these numerous biblical references, we will first need to understand a few things about Yahweh Himself.

For instance:

• Yahweh has made several covenants with mankind - at various times; and He never goes back upon His words.
• He never forgets a promise having been made and holds both contractual parties fully accountable - particularly including Himself.
• Since Fathers may speak for their households, the children are assumed parties to the original contract; and thus, by extension, their children are as well - in eternal perpetuity.
• Like All Fathers, this relationship includes both: Rewards and Chastisements - as an inducement to encouraging proper familial behavior... and His children may not benefit from one, without compliantly submitting themselves to the other.
• But Unlike Many Fathers, He intimately knows every member of His familial lineage - down to the very last human generation... even when they [themselves], do not know of Him!