Legalism has quietly crept into the church, disguising itself as holiness while binding believers in fear and guilt. Apostle Alexander Pagani says this deceptive spirit twists Scripture and replaces grace with performance.
In a recent Charisma Media interview, he shared how this spirit operates and how believers can break free.
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A False Holiness Rooted in Fear
Pagani warns that legalism looks holy but is rooted in control. He recalls his early years after finding faith in prison when he became consumed with fear of sinning. One day he dropped a gum wrapper and panicked, believing he had lost his salvation. “I spent 20 minutes searching for that wrapper,” he said. “That’s how deep the fear had gripped me.”
By the time he left prison, he had turned faith into rules. “I was a full-blown Pharisee internally,” Pagani said. “I tried to add things to my faith to make sure I wouldn’t backslide.”
Wrong Theology Leads to Bondage
According to Pagani, legalism begins with wrong theology. “Our theology shapes our beliefs, and our beliefs shape our actions,” he said. He cites 1 Timothy 4:1, explaining that doctrines of demons are false teachings and traditions that bind people instead of freeing them. This mindset spreads not only through religion but also through culture and ideology.
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Unregulated Zeal That Misses God
Pagani warns that legalism fuels unregulated zeal. “We’re called to be led by the Spirit, not driven by the Spirit,” he said. He described how acting on impulse once led him into dangerous street evangelism that God never told him to do. “Zeal without self-control is legalism in disguise,” he said.
He believes many believers today are more eager to imitate Elijah than Jesus. “The greatest prophet we should emulate is Jesus,” he said. “The fruit of the Spirit will always glorify Christ, not us.”
The Anger Legalism Produces
Legalism, Pagani admits, filled him with frustration and rage. “Because I couldn’t be radical enough, I got angry,” he said. He recalled punching walls after church and arguing with his wife using Scripture to prove his point. “Legalism doesn’t care about the internal as long as you look the part,” he said.
Distorting Scripture and Losing Sight of Jesus
Pagani warns that legalism distorts Scripture and shifts focus from Jesus to performance. “If it doesn’t produce the fruit of the Spirit or glorify Christ, then it’s not the Holy Spirit,” he said. He added that social media has become a breeding ground for false teaching and radicalized thinking. “We’re not called to follow Moses or Elijah. God said, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.’”
Breaking Free from Legalism
Pagani offers a clear path to freedom:
- Self-reflection: Ask honestly, “Am I legalistic?”
- Repentance: Return to the Word and allow God to reprogram your thinking.
- Deliverance: Seek prayer and accountability from trusted believers.
- Restitution: Make things right with those you hurt through legalism.
“You can’t just move on,” Pagani said. “If you hurt people, repent. If you taught wrong, correct it publicly. That’s part of deliverance too.”
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Christ at the Center
Pagani’s message ends with a call to return to grace. “If people see you instead of Christ, something is wrong,” he said. “We’re not called to be on fire for God. We’re called to be like Christ.”
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
