Uncommen: Live FreeChikamu

The Severity of Legalism


Up to this point, we've uncovered many things from just twelve verses:

We are free from our bondage to sin. We have real liberty.

The law brings wrath, and it's dangerous to rely upon it for salvation.

Genuine faith eagerly awaits the hope of righteousness and works through love.

False teachings are dangerous and prevalent.


"But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!"


Galatians 5: 11-12

Today, we'll close our study with Paul's intense dialogue about the severity of legalism. But, then, as if Paul hasn't already roasted the Galatians enough for falling into the false teachings of legalism, he follows up again with harsh language.

First, he clarifies that he doesn't preach circumcision, for doing so would negate the offense of the cross. The point of Jesus dying on the cross on our behalf was to provide yet another reason for why we can't do this ourselves. 

He had to come because we weren't enough. This is naturally offensive because the cross is saying we aren't righteous. If we trust in anything other than the cross, we are taking away from Christ's work. This leads us down the road of legalism.


Paul says that he wishes they would be cut off from the church and cut themselves off (referencing castration) for those that do follow legalism.


David Guzik of Enduring Word provides a helpful thought, "Sacred castration was known to citizens of the ancient world; it was frequently practiced by pagan priests of the cults in the region of Galatia. So Paul's idea here is something like this: "If cutting will make you righteous, why don't you do like the pagan priests, go all the way and castrate yourself?"

You can understand why I consider this passage intense. Paul is holding nothing back at this point. Legalism is a terrifying reality for those who practice it. It will not save them. Paul knows this, too, and wishes to warn his audience.


For many, full-blown legalism isn't what they practice. Many Christians practice partial-legalism, which says "all-Christ," but truthfully relies on their efforts instead of the Spirit of God living within them. We need God's help to rely entirely on Christ.

UNCOMMEN Question: Do you sometimes practice partial-legalism? Trust in yourself before praying, reading, etc.?

UNCOMMEN Challenge: Trust in Christ alone. Legalism and every other false teaching will fail you.