Is obeying from a consideration of gain—reaping life through actions of mortification—a form of legalism? Yes, if we think that Paul is teaching us that “life” is the reward given to those who put sin to death. But Paul is not saying that. Life is the fruit, not the root, of justification. First, Paul is not saying that our efforts toward holiness are the basis on which we will be granted eternal life. That would violate everything Paul says about the basis of our salvation: “For by grace you have