Legalism is condemned!
Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. Legalism is the killer of freedom, and a spiritual enemy. Legalism says “i can earn my favor with God if I just do ….” Grace says, “I have obtained favor with God I never deserved.” Obedience flows from the heart and mind aligned with God’s will, aligned with His Spirit. Understanding that your heavenly Father stands ready to forgive sins is not a license to sin, on the contrary that should draw us even more to God, who is the one who does the purifying work in us. In the Book of Galatians, Paul is writing to a church in danger of legalism. Paul warns about that by saying, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.”
Galatians 1:8 ESV The contrary gospel highlighted and focused on is legalism.
Paul then goes on in chapter 2 to highlight the danger of legalism. Paul warns us to watch out for people who try to spy out our freedom in Christ. Don’t eat, don’t touch, do this not that, etc as a means of obtaining righteousness. Paul actually tells Peter, “You stand condemned”, over these legalistic behaviors. Freedom in Christ is a great blessing that should not be abused.