These two dangerous ideologies are spiritual stumbling blocks that cripple a believer's walk of faith.
The term 'license' refers to a blatant disregard for God's moral code of conduct. It is the notion that living under grace gives us the liberty (or even the right) to do whatever we want and be free from any binding standard of behavior. It argues that since Christ has paid the penalty for all of our sins, we have the freedom to live as we please (aka ... licentiousness).
They are ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality. Jude 1:4
Know this, pilgrim; The liberty found in Christ is not freedom 'to' sin ... but freedom 'from' sin.
'Legalism' on the other hand is strict conformity to a set of laws or rules, and represents a preoccupation with 'form' at the expense of 'substance'. It is a vain attempt at obedience through self-righteous human effort, the stubborn belief that God’s acceptance must be earned.
You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you've fallen away from grace. Galatians 5:4
Reject both 'license' and 'legalism' on your journey of faith. Living under the influence of the Holy Spirit is the only way to experience true freedom.
For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh ... Walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:13,16
If you have allowed the righteousness of Jesus Christ to be applied to your account, there are no outstanding payments to be made. Live to please God ... not to earn something that is already yours, but to express appreciation for it.
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