The Conditional Nature of God’s PromiseThe Conditional Nature of God’s Promise

Hebrews 6:13–18 (ESV)

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

God’s Irrevocable Promise?

God’s Promise To Abraham

Original promise (Gen. 12:1-3)Repeats & Expansions (Gen. 13:14-17; 15:8-21; 17:3-8; 22:17-18; 26:3-4; 28:13-15)Gen. 22:10-12, 15-18God to Isaac (Gen. 26:2-5)

God’s promise may not have specifically said “If you are faithful to my word” – But we can clearly see that it was implied.

Faithfulness Is ALWAYS A Condition Of Promise

Webster: “Strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a

religious or moral code” Jesus condemned the Pharisees because they were hypocrites and

because they didn’t observe the law with pure motives…BUT he never condemned them for their strict observance of the law (i.e. the actual law)

1 Corinthians 11:22 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold

firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.

War Against Legalism

Webster: “Strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a

religious or moral code” Jesus condemned the Pharisees because they were hypocrites and

because they didn’t observe the law with pure motives…BUT he never condemned them for their strict observance of the law (i.e. the actual law)

2 Thessalonians 2:1515 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you

were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

War Against Legalism

Webster: “Strict, literal, or excessive conformity to the law or to a

religious or moral code” Jesus condemned the Pharisees because they were hypocrites and

because they didn’t observe the law with pure motives…BUT he never condemned them for their strict observance of the law (i.e. the actual law)

If you want to judge another person’s heart or motives behind why they observe the commandments of God then that is between you and him…But let’s not condemn believers as

“legalists” simply because they hold firmly to the traditions given by God.

War Against Legalism

“The Pharisees were dedicated legalists. They thought they could earn their way to heaven by complying with meticulous rules and regulations based upon their interpretation of a law, the Law of Moses. We [worshippers in non-institutional Churches of Christ] have understood the Law of Christ to be a similar law and to think we can earn our way to heaven by strict adherence to our interpretations.”

~J. James Albert, The isms of Legalism

War Against Legalism

“The emphasis of the Pharisees was upon externals. So is ours, particularly our methods of corporate worship.” (i.e. L.S., prayer, teaching, singing, contribution)

~J. James Albert, The isms of Legalism

War Against Legalism

“The Pharisees told others to either conform to our rules and regulations or we will have nothing to do with you. We do the same to our brethren in Christ.”

~J. James Albert, The isms of Legalism

2 Thessalonians 36 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.

War Against Legalism