Why are the law and legalism called weak and beggarly?
The law and legalism are called weak and beggarly because they have no power to lift people out of bondage or paganism. They are a groveling, begging system that seeks mercy but cannot save or elevate anyone, especially when compared with the better things God provides.
Les teaches that “beggarly” means groveling and begging for mercy. The law and legalism are weak because they have absolutely no power to lift people out of bondage and out of paganism. He contrasts this with the believer’s glorified position: known of God, an heir, with the Holy Spirit to direct them. In Hebrews, the old things were good, but now the things in Christ are better—a thousand times better. Legalism is a dust-groveling system, so returning to it is returning to something that is no good.
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
More Questions
What does it mean to be beggarly?
To be 'beggarly' means to be groveling and just begging for mercy.