Idolatry of Legalism

The news is shocking: These Christians wanted to leave the joy and liberty of Christ for the harshness of the Law and legalism. Legalism is idolatry. Legalism robs Christians of real joy as it cannot assure one of a continued right standing with God. Legalism claims a superiority over others, yet it creates in self-righteousness and produces no real love for other -- exactly against the teaching of the Law.