Matt15:6-"...thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.
Legalism is the belief that I can become holy and please God by obeying laws. It is measuring spirituality by a list of do's and don'ts. Legalists are extremely hard on other people, critical,unloving, unforgiving.
The Pharisees were legalistic and they believe that until certain laws were kept, righteousness can't be imputed. This attitude has pervaded the spiritual atmosphere of our dear country because people failed to understand that righteousness is a gift from God.Rom5:16-17
Legalism will fight the grace of God upon your life and will make you feel you can pay for your salvation by your own works rather than trust in God's grace. The Mosaic generation were legalistic by trying to obey a set of rules, yet they weren't perfect.
Salvation by grace through faith is the way out.
CONFESSION:
I lean on grace and not on legalism to be right with God. I walk in the Spirit and not by laws of Carnal commandments.