Why is legalism still so common among people today?
Legalism remains common because human nature seeks to satisfy its own ego by pointing to personal works, saying, 'Look what I have done.' People are tempted to believe their own efforts and law-keeping contribute to salvation, but God rejects such self-righteousness and will have none of it.
Les explains that the situation is no different today. In Galatians, Paul wrote specifically because the Judaizers were convincing Gentiles they had to keep the Law to experience salvation. Paul hurriedly penned the letter to admonish them not to fall under the temptation to become legalists. Les says legalism appears to the human race because everybody likes to satisfy their own ego with, 'Well, look what I've done, look what I do,' and God will have none of it. Earlier, Les notes that in this age of grace, Christ nailed the system of worship to His cross, and believers are free; every day is alike, and we are to serve God just as much on Monday through Friday as on Saturday and Sunday.