Are we masking under legalism?

Are we masking under legalism? 

The word legalism has become a dogma in modern time. People accusing one another to be legalistic when one seems to be strict or adhere dearly to a form of commandment in the Christian community.

Let's look at what Jesus say regarding the Law.

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." - Matthew 5:17 (ESV)

As we can see Jesus clearly say He did not come to abolish the law. He came to fulfill them.

What about in the Old Testament, what does it say about the Law?

33 “But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. - Jeremiah 31:33 (NASB)

In here clearly the Law here (reference to the Mosaic Law) is not abolish even in the new covenant. If we do realise in Matthew 5-7 (Sermon on the Mount) Jesus is actually teaching about the Mosaic Law (in reference to the 10 commandments and other parts of the Law) and raising the bar to an even higher standard.

"You shall not murder" - Exodus 20:13 (ESV), Jesus takes it a bar higher "angry" in Matthew 5:21-26 (ESV)

"You shall not commit adultery " - Exodus 20:14 (ESV), Jesus takes it a bar higher "looks at a woman with lustful intent" in Matthew 5:27-30 (ESV)

"You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the LORD." - Leviticus 19:12 (ESV). Again taking from the Law and once again Jesus takes it to a whole new awesome (high) level. "33 “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, butshall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil" - Matthew 5:33-37

"eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot," -Exodus 21:24 (ESV). Once again Jesus sets the bar exceedingly high level. "38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." - Matthew 5:38-42 (ESV)

In Matthew 6:24-25 teaching part of the 10 commandments “You shall have no other gods before me." - Exodus 20:3 (ESV)

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV) - A better translation than the NIV "evildoers" would be "lawlessness" ESV, NASB, LEB. Here it is clearly shown that one who profess to be a believer of Christ, yet still lead a life of "lawlessness" would be held accountable at the end. 

So what about post crucifixion times, how was the law being describe?

14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them 
after those days, declares the Lord: 
I will put my laws on their hearts, 
and write them on their minds,” - Hebrews 10:14-16 (ESV)

Again here, those who are being sanctified will have the laws being put in their hearts and written on their minds. 

So is the law ever abolish? No!
"18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." - Matthew 5:18

If Jesus did contradict or break the law in his teachings or conduct, he would not have been a perfect sacrifice for sinful man. This means if the New Covenant is in DIRECT contradiction to the Old Covenant, Jesus would have broken either one and which would have made him unsuitable as a Messiah no longer perfect. The denial of continuity of the Old Testament Laws in the New Testament is a denial of the very foundations of the gospel as well as its doctrine of atonement, as it would have rendered the Lord contradicting his very own words and promises.

Now many believers must be wondering "Yea so what?"
Here are the implications.

What are one of the things we are commanded to do as believers? Abide in Christ. 

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. - John 15:4 (ESV)

And if we abide in Christ, what is one of the practical aspect of it in this context?

18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:18-19 (NASB)

We are to keep the Law and teach it as Jesus said.

Now then to those who say the Law is gone/abolish etc and we are free to do anything as we are no longer under it or any of that sort is committing a grave fallacy.
Here is why.

4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him - 1 John 2:4 (ESV)

Those who does not keep his commandments and in this context which I am writing, the law, is called a liar! And since Jesus is the truth John 14:6 then that person does not have Christ in him.

21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ - Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV) 

Probably one of the most harsh statement by Jesus clearly warning those who does not abide in the Father's will. And they are labelled as "workers of lawlessness". Claiming to be believers and living as though they do not have a law given by the Father. Here are a few thoughts that all Christians should ask/question themselves. Are we truly abiding in Christ? Are we truly abiding in the will of the Father which is also the will of Christ? Or are we still living as though we are of the world? Or are we still living in lawlessness? 

As those who abide in Jesus will also abide in the Father, those who does not abide in Jesus will not abide/come to the Father.

John 14:6 (ESV)
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

1 John 2:23 (ESV)
23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.

So the question should not never be about legalism but rather are we truly abiding in Christ?
If we are then yes we will keep his commandments i.e the Law and truly see ourselves in total depravity unlike the Pharisees who created numerous laws themselves to 'protect' themselves yet they do not see or do what is true righteousness. We are then to be grateful for the grace the Father has given to us. Grateful for His Son Jesus Christ to die in our place to fulfill the Law and thus fulfill the wrath of God in our place, to bring us back in communion with Him.

Matthew 5:18-20 (ESV)
"For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 
Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 
For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." 

1 John 3:24 (NASB)
24 The one who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him.

1 Peter 2:24-25 (ESV)
24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Credits
Joel Tay - 1) Highlighting there is relation of the Sermon on the mount and the Law
2) Commentary on Matthew 5:18 (used and edited in this document)
Mr Paul Washer - Using of his quote in his sermon "A young man attitude towards woman" (used and edited in this document).
Exact quote from that sermon: "You live as though you never gave me a law to obey"