Because we (the members of the Church of Christ) demand book, chapter, verse preaching, we are considered by some congregations and some preachers "legalist."

Because we stand against all unspiritual innovations being introduced into the church -- such as instrumental music in the worship services, the lifting up of hands and hand clapping, the dedicating of babies, Sunday night cluster groups, children's church worship, celebrating of religious holidays, standing against denominationalism, refusing to have contemporary worship services, refusing to take the Lord's Supper on any day other than the 1st day of the week, standing against women in leadership roles in the church, believing in the authority of elders, standing against all immoralities, believing one "must" be baptized for the forgiveness of his sin in order to be saved -- because we demand Bible authority for what we practice we are considered by some as legalist.

But what is a legalist? Is it being legalistic to ask for scriptural proof for what one practices in the work and worship of the church? Is it being legalistic to follow what Jesus said do (John 14:15; Hebrews 5:9)? Is it being legalistic to be devoted to and follow God in genuine loving obedience (Matthew 5:17-48)? Is it being legalistic to reject human laws, human traditions and human teachings when they are placed on the same level as the Scriptures (Matthew 15:7-9)?

Some have mistaken legalism for loving strict obedience. When we do all that God has commanded, in loving obedience, we are only doing what Jesus said do. "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say" (Luke 6:46). God said you love ME when "you keep my commandments" (1 John 5:3). People who rebel against this type of scriptural teaching and want to Justify their departure from the word of God because they have introduced innovations that are unscriptural -- try to cover up their departure from God's word by calling all those who oppose them "legalist.'' Really, they are demonstrating how feeble, indifferent, and deceitful they are spiritually

Consider this: My family doctor is what I would call a legalist-. He demands that I get a yearly physical. He insists that I stay on a certain diet to lose weight. He requires I take the medicine he prescribed in a certain way, every day, if I want to get better. He demands that I make an appointment to see him. And he insists to get paid for his service rendered Isn't it amazing how legalistic my family doctor can be? He wants me to live long and be healthy. I sure am glad my family doctor is a legalist.

God wants us to live with Him eternally. To be able to do that, I must be obedient to what God said do, the way He said to do it -- without any addition or subtraction from His word. If that makes me a legalist -- so be it!