Breaking the Bondage of Legalism - Evangelical Caucus/Devotional

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8). Legalism can’t produce a pure heart. By the time Jesus arrived, Israel was in a desperate condition spiritually. The Jewish people were in bondage to the oppressive legalism of the Pharisees, who had developed a system of laws that were impossible to keep. Consequently, the people lacked security and were longing for a savior to free them from guilt and frustration. They knew God had promised a redeemer who would forgive their sins and cleanse their hearts (Ezek. 36:25-27), but they weren't sure when He was coming...