The dangers of legalism include spiritual bondage, distorted views of grace, and reliance on works for justification.
Legalism brings several dangers that can adversely affect believers' spiritual lives. First, it creates a burden of performance where individuals feel pressured to meet certain standards to be accepted by God. This can lead to a lack of joy and assurance in one's salvation. Second, it distorts the biblical understanding of grace, suggesting that God's favor can be earned through works rather than received freely through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). Lastly, legalism can result in apostasy, as individuals may slip into the belief that their deeds can substitute for the grace needed for salvation. Therefore, understanding the grace of God and the sufficiency of Christ's work is paramount for true spiritual freedom.
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