Being ultra-conservative and legalistic is a sin, isn't it?

Question 5: Being ultra-conservative and legalistic is a sin, isn't it?

Answer: If by ultra-conservative, you mean holding on to the traditions of men and trying to elevate them to the authority of a command of God, yes, that is a sin. If by ultra-conservative, you mean following God’s Word and its principles to the letter, no, that is not a sin. It is a sin not to follow His Word. Can you obey God’s will too much? Can you follow the Holy Spirit’s revelation in the scripture too much? Can you follow God’s purposes too much? Never!

If by legalistic you mean, holding to a stricter interpretation of a command than the Bible gives, yes, that is a sin. If by legalistic, you mean completely obeying every command, completely following each principle and following Jesus and the apostles scriptural example, no, it’s not a sin. In fact, not to follow Scripture completely is a sin. To look down your nose at someone for sinning, while being a sinner yourself, is a sin.

The only way to be too conservative is when you start adding your opinion to God’s Word. When you start strictly interpreting God’s Word beyond its meaning in the text and twisting Scripture to say something it doesn’t say or imply something it doesn’t imply, then you are sinning. When you keep the letter of the law while violating the principles or spirit of the Law, that is sin. But, to strictly adhere to what it actually does say and mean, that is not a sin. This is the only way not to sin.

Conclusion: To say the Bible is not “that important” or that we should follow some other authority “more than any Bible verse” is to infer that the Bible is not 100% accurate, complete truth, or completely able to guide and instruct us. It is to make the Holy Spirit out to be a liar. That is very dangerous.

Psalms 18:30 “As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.”