The belief in loss of salvation is the same belief system of every pagan religion. Cults believe that when they come before God their good works are weighed on a scale against their bad works and if the scale tips in the direction of the good works they get to go into heaven. If it tips the other way then they go to hell.
There is no difference between someone who thinks they can lose salvation and those who think their good works get them into heaven.
Those who believe their good works play a part in their salvation, are counting on their good works to get them into heaven, but they never know if they have enough good works.
Islam, JW, Mormon, Buddhism, Hinduism and every other cult depend on their good works but never know if they will make it. This is the same mentality of the "lose your salvation based on your works" crowd.
God says all our good works are as filthy rags, how could they ever play a role in our salvation? Nonsense.
Legalists often are those who think they have to work to keep a salvation they didn't earn. Sadly they are so deeply invested in appearances that they tend to be harsh and inaccurate in their judgments of those who do not adhere to their particular version of the rules.
When God tells us to be modest in our clothing, the legalist comes along and adds extra words to the Bible such as, no heels, perms, hair color, makeup or nail polish for women. God never said any such thing. These are not things God addressed.
Each person must seek Christ in the things dealing with clothing. Yes, there are clothes that are clearly wicked and immodest, everyone knows what that looks like, but other than immodesty, the displaying of the body, God never mentioned make-up, heels, nail polish, hair color or perms.
Ezekiel 16 shows us that God blessed His people with jewelry and other body enhancements. The problem was not the use of these things, it was the misuse of them.
Often legalists walk in fear, they are afraid if they allow someone the freedom to choose for themselves they will not choose wisely, therefore they have to make extra rules to keep people in line. The wrong thinking is that they need to keep people in line, these people lack faith that God can speak to each one. Yes, we need to correct one another from time to time, but we must be sure that we are using the Word and not human wisdom.
There is only one mediator between God and man and that is Christ, not another human being.
I knew of a church that made rules about make-up and Jewelry, often judging people who use these things as unsaved. But the same group of people had fancy shoes, purses and beautiful dresses. I didn't see a difference between the things that were judged as wrong and the things they allowed themselves to use.
This same church gathering had a 15 foot Christmas tree in their lobby at Christmas time. The tree of pagan worship was allowed but the enhancements in clothing and complexion was disallowed. Those who wore the forbidden things were kept at an arms length, while the ones who followed the human rules and loved the Christmas tree were accepted. It was a silly sight to be sure.
Often mankind's version of righteousness is silly, it elevates the unimportant while diminishing the important. There was very little if any mention of the Holy Spirit in the guidance of individuals while the rules were very important.
When legalists make unBiblical rules they have a tendency toward injustice in their assessment of another person's spirituality. They isolate very good people who love the Lord simply because they use an item that violate the human rule.
The Pharisees made many rules that were disgusting to God, place great burdens on the people that God never intended.
Matthew 23:4 " 4 They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them. 5 All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.…'
It is important that if we confront someone about their sin, it is supported by God in the Word. NO extra interpretation or human thinking should be in our Biblical assessment. Then, it is also important to pray before taking a brother or sister to task over things God may not care anything about.
I would have rebuked the gathering with the Christmas tree about that, but wouldn't care anything about their choice not to wear jewelry or make-up. If someone doesn't want to use these things, that's their business, between them and God. The problems arise when we make rules on others based on our own decisions for God that are not mandated in Scripture.
