Faith in Ceremony
Gal 4:8-10
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God-- or rather are known by God-- how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
What was the measurable sign that the Galatians had been caught up into legalism? It was the fact that they were observing special days and months, seasons and years. It was things like that. They were zealously putting their faith in religious ceremony.
Likewise Paul wrote the Colossians saying, “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Col 2:8 and "Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations---- "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings." Col 2:20-22
When Christians get too much caught up into the observance of religious regulations, it may be indicative that they are being enslaved to legalism and being cheated out of the freedom which is in Christ and as such may not even be in Christ, lacking faith in Christ. And a sign of a legalistic church is one which involves itself in a good deal of ceremony. Faith in ceremony is contrary to faith in Christ. So beware of "sacramental" theology or Sabbatarian theology or the like. You shouldn't view your salvation status as being contingent upon the observance of any religious ceremony.