This also involves judging motives. Legalism demands payment for sin but leaves no room for the fact that we are all sinners and fall far short of God's glory. Legalism does not take into account the fact that God has caused us to be washed in the blood of Christ so we can be free of condemnation for not being experientially perfect while on our trek to perfection. Legalism also does not take into consideration the tremendous spiritual battle we are in. Legalism does not care that our flesh is weak but our spirit is willing.
Legalism only demands that the law be satisfied.
Whitewashing the sepulchre has no affect on the dead men's bones inside. The bones have to be forced out into the open and dealt with. God wants to make and mold us into the bride of Christ. At first the sight will not be pretty. It will be ugly and embarrassing.