Freedom From; Freedom To

Legalism vs. libertinism vs. reality in Christ

Legalism is focused on one's freedom from punishment. Libertinism is focused on one's freedom to do whatever one wants. Neither needs Christ for its impetus and "reality". Both miss the freedom of God's grace completely. Legalism by defining it as a new law/principle. Libertinism by defining it as license. Both claim freedom but both lead you into complete bondage of the self. Legalism relies on self's power to produce righteousness while libertinism relies on self's appetites. Both are two sides of the same self-centered coin.

Only Christ frees and it is only in Him that there is true freedom. Man is not free when he is expressing falleness. Freedom is only when, by faith, He expresses Himself through us the vessel.