Why Go Back? Breaking Free: The Journey From Legalism to Grace
As we step into Holy Week, beginning with the celebration of Palm Sunday, we are reminded of the stark contrast between the jubilant cries of “Hosanna” and the later cries of “Crucify Him.” This contrast serves as a powerful reflection of the human heart’s fickleness and the profound grace offered through Jesus Christ.
The Fickleness of the Human Heart
On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd, who laid down palm branches and cloaks, proclaiming Him as the Son of David. Yet, within days, the same voices called for His crucifixion. This shift highlights the human tendency to praise God when things align with our desires but turn away when they don’t. It is a reminder of our own hearts’ propensity to betray God, praising Him one moment and doubting Him the next.
The Gift of Grace
The sermon reminds us that Jesus died for hearts like ours—fickle and self-centered. Through His death and resurrection, our sins are nailed to the cross, and we are offered new life in Christ. This grace is not something we earn through religious performance but a gift we receive through faith. As the Apostle Paul emphasizes in Galatians, our relationship with God is not about what we do but about what Christ has done.
The Danger of Legalism
Paul’s letter to the Galatians warns against returning to a life of legalism, where religious performance becomes a substitute for genuine relationship with God. The Galatians, once freed by the gospel, were being tempted to return to the bondage of the law. Paul equates this with returning to slavery, whether through pagan idolatry or religious legalism. Both paths lead away from the freedom found in Christ.
Living in Freedom
True freedom in Christ is not about antinomianism—living without regard for God’s commands—but about living out our identity as children of promise. We are called to walk in the Spirit, allowing Christ to be formed in us. This transformation is not about external compliance but internal change, where our lives reflect the love and grace of Jesus.
A Call to Reflect
As we journey through Holy Week, let us reflect on our own hearts. Are we living in the freedom of grace, or are we slipping back into the chains of legalism? Are we measuring our spirituality by our performance, or are we resting in the identity given to us by Christ? Let us embrace the freedom for which Christ has set us free, living lives that glorify Him and reflect His love to the world.
Conclusion
This Holy Week, may we be reminded of the incredible grace offered to us through Jesus Christ. Let us not return to the bondage of legalism but step forward into the freedom of grace, allowing Christ to be formed in us. As we celebrate Easter, may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, proclaiming the name of Jesus above all else.