Living the Cross Centered Life by C.J. Mahaney helps us to know and experience a life where the cross of Christ is at the heart. An easy book to read, and one that will hopefully reorient your life towards the gospel.
For a taste, Mahaney on legalism:
A legalist is anyone who behaves as if they can earn God's forgiveness through personal performance. ... 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."
That's how serious legalism is. The implications are staggering, because legalism claims in essence that the death of Jesus on the cross was either unnecessary or insufficient. It says to God, in effect, "Your plan didn't work. The cross wasn't enough and I need to add my good works to it to be saved." ...
Legalists assume that godly practices and good works somehow contribute to their justification. But God's Word is clear: "For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight." (Romans 3:20 ESV) None of us earn God's approval and love by our good works. None of us can add to the finished, complete work of Jesus on the cross. He paid the price of our sins. He satisfied God's wrath. ...
Not one of our good spiritual activities adds to our justification. We're never "more saved" or "more loved" by God. Our work is motivated by the grace God has poured out in our lives. (excerpts from pp 112-120)
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