Philipians 3.2 "Watch out for those who do evil, who are like dogs, who demand to cut the body"

  Are legalist harmless? They look good, they act religious, they even promote morality, decency and good living. Is there really any harm to their teaching?
  Yes! Paul speaks out with passion and intolerance towards "knife-happy circumcisers!"
  He even goes further in Galations 5.12 : "I wish the people who are bothering you would castrate themselves."
  Why such intensity? Self-salvation makes light of our problem. Remember Romans 3.10? " There is no one who always does what is right, not even one." Nothing, absolutely nothing that you do, no moral muscle that you flex, no Sunday school attendance, no good deed is enough to save you.  And legalists have a problem with that. They make light of sin and mock God in doing so. As Max says, " Who would look at the cross of Christ and say, " Great work Jesus. Sorry you couln't finish it, but I'll take up the slack?"
  To anyone attempting to earn Heaven, Paul asks," How is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?...what has happened to all of your joy?"
  Legalism is joyless. Legalism is endless. There is always the burden to carry of something else "I have to do". Never finished.
  Grace, however, dispenses peace. The Christian trusts a finished work. No more exertions of  law-giving, disciplines of legalism, questioning if we did enough. God pledges His promised righteousness to those who will stop trying to save themselves.
Grace offers rest. Legalism doesn't. Your salvation showcases God's mercy. It makes nothing of your effort but everything of His. Isaiah 43.25: I~ yes, I alone~ am the one who blots out your sins for my own sake and will never think of them again. Salvation glorifies the Savior, not the saved.
On a personal note, I believe that this is a hard lesson. We've been so saturated with legalism in this country that even some of the verses in this mornings blog seem, well, extreme. I would like to continue this through the remainder of the week. Any comments would be welcome. Thanks!