How should we feel about legalism?
Legalism should be viewed as a dead system, crucified with Christ and taken out of the way. It is not beautiful or desirable; trying to revive it is like pulling something dead out of the grave. Believers should not return to its weak and beggarly demands.
Les teaches from Colossians 2:13–14 that the handwriting of ordinances against us, which was contrary to us, was blotted out, taken out of the way, and nailed to His cross. Les explains that He took the Law, all of its demands, and all of legalism, and nailed it to His cross. As Christ hung there crucified for the sins of the world, the Law was crucified with Him. It is now a dead system, yet the human race constantly pulls it back out of the grave. Les asks if you have ever fooled with something dead; it is not pretty. That is how we must feel about legalism—like trying to bring back something dead. There is nothing beautiful about that. Paul hammers this home, asking why go back to the weak and beggarly stuff that has been done away with. Romans 7:4 likewise says believers have become dead to the Law.