"Thomas Schreiner writes that 'legalism has its origin in self-worship. If people are justified through their obedience to the law, then they merit praise, honor, and glory. Legalism, in other words, means the glory goes to people rather than God.'"

I think that is my favorite part of the articles and the crux of the matter. Question: did you read (are others reading) the second, extended article that follows the initial one? (the one that uses the plate-spinner illustration) It's also quite good, particularly in addressing the fundamental misunderstanding that many Christians (particularly those who are fearful of embracing the biblical perception of God's sovereignty and grace because of negative impressions they've received due to a reactionary avoidance of caricatured men and caricatured systems).

It is imperative to distinguish between justification (as a one-time act that our sufficient Christ has earned FOR us) and sanctification as a continuing process of obedience flowing from faith and love and enabled by that same unmerited grace. For both, the glory is God's. For both, our gaze ought to be Godward.

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