Definition and Context:
Legalizing refers to the process of making an act permissible by law, often involving the formal enactment of legislation. In a biblical context, the concept of legalizing can be examined through the lens of God's laws as given in the Scriptures, the role of civil authorities, and the moral implications of human legislation.

Biblical Foundation:
The Bible provides a framework for understanding the role of law and governance. Romans 13:1-2 states, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage underscores the divine origin of authority and the importance of adhering to laws that align with God's will.

Old Testament Insights:
In the Old Testament, the law given to Moses on Mount Sinai serves as a foundational legal code for the Israelites. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) represent divine statutes that were to be upheld by the community. Deuteronomy 4:8 highlights the uniqueness of these laws: "And what nation is great enough to have righteous statutes and ordinances like this entire law I set before you today?" The legal system established by God was intended to guide the moral and social conduct of His people.

New Testament Perspective:
The New Testament continues to affirm the importance of law, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law, teaching that love for God and neighbor fulfills the law (Matthew 22:37-40). The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 5:14 , reiterates this by stating, "The entire law is fulfilled in a single decree: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
From a biblical standpoint, the process of legalizing should be evaluated against the moral and ethical standards set forth in Scripture. Laws that promote justice, righteousness, and the common good are consistent with biblical principles. Conversely, legalizing actions that contradict God's commandments, such as those that harm individuals or society, are viewed as contrary to divine law.

Role of Civil Authorities:
Civil authorities are seen as instruments of God's order, tasked with maintaining justice and peace. 1 Peter 2:13-14 instructs believers to "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, or to governors as those sent by him to punish evildoers and praise well-doers." This underscores the responsibility of governments to enact laws that reflect God's justice.

Challenges and Considerations:
The process of legalizing can present challenges, particularly when human laws conflict with biblical teachings. Acts 5:29 provides guidance in such situations: "But Peter and the other apostles replied, 'We must obey God rather than men.'" This highlights the priority of divine law over human legislation when the two are in conflict.

Conclusion:
While the Bible acknowledges the role of human laws and authorities, it emphasizes that all legislation should be evaluated in light of God's eternal law. Believers are called to discern and uphold laws that align with biblical principles, ensuring that legalizing processes contribute to the moral and spiritual well-being of society.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Legalize.

Exhortation to the Heathen
... It has been objected, indeed, that the morals of Hermas have a legalizing tone.
The same is said of St. James, and the Sermon on the Mount. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/exhortation to the heathen/title page.htm

The Instructor. (P??dagogus.)
... It has been objected, indeed, that the morals of Hermas have a legalizing tone.
The same is said of St. James, and the Sermon on the Mount. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/title page.htm

A Plea for the Christians
... It has been objected, indeed, that the morals of Hermas have a legalizing tone.
The same is said of St. James, and the Sermon on the Mount. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/athenagoras/a plea for the christians/title page.htm

Tatian's Address to the Greeks
... It has been objected, indeed, that the morals of Hermas have a legalizing tone.
The same is said of St. James, and the Sermon on the Mount. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tatian/tatians address to the greeks/title page.htm

Theophilus to Autolycus
... It has been objected, indeed, that the morals of Hermas have a legalizing tone.
The same is said of St. James, and the Sermon on the Mount. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/title page.htm

The Pastor: Books First, Second, Third
... It has been objected, indeed, that the morals of Hermas have a legalizing tone.
The same is said of St. James, and the Sermon on the Mount. ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/title page.htm

Who is the Rich Man that Shall Be Saved?
... It has been objected, indeed, that the morals of Hermas have a legalizing tone.
The same is said of St. James, and the Sermon on the Mount. ...
/.../clement/who is the rich man that shall be saved/title page.htm

The Treatise on the Resurrection of the Dead
... It has been objected, indeed, that the morals of Hermas have a legalizing tone.
The same is said of St. James, and the Sermon on the Mount. ...
/.../athenagoras/the treatise on the resurrection of the dead/title page.htm

The Stromata, or Miscellanies
... It has been objected, indeed, that the morals of Hermas have a legalizing tone.
The same is said of St. James, and the Sermon on the Mount. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the stromata or miscellanies/title page.htm

"In the Spirit and Power of Elias"
... of those who, while enacting laws to safeguard the supposed sanctity of the first
day of the week, at the same time are making laws legalizing the liquor ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 14 in the spirit.htm

Legalizing (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Legalize. Multi-Version
Concordance Legalizing (1 Occurrence). Ruth 4:7 Now this was ...
/l/legalizing.htm - 6k

Leg-chains (1 Occurrence)
Leg-chains. Legalizing, Leg-chains. Legends . Multi-Version Concordance
Leg-chains (1 Occurrence). ... (BBE). Legalizing, Leg-chains. Legends . Reference
/l/leg-chains.htm - 6k

Legalistic (1 Occurrence)

/l/legalistic.htm - 6k

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