As a child, I had standards. And I don't mean standards of who my friends were, or what little boy could hold my hand on the playground. (all though, those things did matter) I don't know if it was my upbringing or just my heart that constantly strived to be "good." In truth, a persons's standards or absolutes vary on their perspective of the world. I wish I could tell you that my standards were entirely formed from the Bible, but that would be a lie. (And "good girls" don't tell lies.) There were unspoken laws and barriers I made for myself so I could remain "good." I wanted to prove to God, my parents, and myself that I was beyond fault. But deep down, what I didn't want anyone to find out, especially God, was that I was fault-filled.
I said I believed in the gospel and even preached it on occasion, but I chose not to accept the core melody of the gospel-grace. I loved grace. I was eager to forgive and seek the best in all, but myself. The definition of legalism, is that salvation is gained through good works. In other words, striving to earn or achieve our own salvation by our obedience to God, instead of accepting the gift of salvation offered by The Father. Legalism is self-effort, true set apartness is enabling-grace.
In Romans 3, Paul is refuting the statement that Jews (who practiced the traditions of Judaism and believed Jesus Christ was the Messiah) were more righteous than Gentiles (non-Jews). They believed they were righteous because of their works, but Paul says, "Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we became conscience of our sin." (Romans 3:20) So the law was not given so we could earn our salvation, but so we could see how wretched we are. Jesus Christ did not look at Bonnie Gentry and think, "that girl is so perfect and holy, I think I'll die for her." No. Claiming to be perfect or trying to earn my salvation cheapens the cross of Christ. Paul continues, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." (Romans 3:23-24)
When I declare I am a Christian, I am saying that I am so wretched and so sinful that someone has to die for me. Now I am a new creation and am being transformed into the image of my Savior. I am being sanctified and am called to live a life of set apartness.
"He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time." (2 Timothy 1:9)