Holiness Without Legalism: Grace-Driven Growth in the Christian Life

How can Christians pursue holiness without falling into legalism? In this episode of Contending for the Word Q&A, Dave Jenkins addresses a common struggle in the Christian life: how to pursue obedience faithfully while avoiding performance-driven Christianity. Drawing from Galatians 3:1–3, Colossians 2:20–23, and Titus 2:11–14, this episode explains why legalism cannot produce true holiness and how God's grace actively transforms believers through the work of the Holy Spirit. Listeners will learn that holiness is not achieved through external rules, self-effort, or fear, but through grace-fueled obedience rooted in the finished work of Christ. Grace does not undermine holiness—it trains believers to walk in godliness. This episode offers biblical clarity, pastoral encouragement, and practical guidance for pursuing Spirit-dependent holiness with confidence, freedom, and joy in Christ. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/