For the first four chapters of Galatians Paul has been exposing the erroneous doctrine of salvation by works and as he nears the end he “states it plainly” for his readers to understand. Jesus Christ has provided liberty and freedom from sin through His death on the cross and given new life through His resurrection. Believers are no longer a slave to the law, as well as it’s demands and penalty (5:1). For those who felt the need to follow the law (specifically circumcision), Christ’s sacrifice would not profit them anything (5:2); in fact, if a man is circumcised, he is obligated to keep the whole law in order to be saved. Paul was revealing the impossibility of keeping the whole law and cross referencing with other New Testament writings, no man has kept the law. James even says that a person who keeps the whole law, but disobeys one part, is guilty of breaking the whole thing. Any attempts to attain salvation through the law results in rejecting the grace provided through Christ (5:4); furthermore, any works (or lack of works) can never result in righteousness and salvation (5:6a). Only faith can provide salvation and always results in works (5:6b). The churches in Galatia had a great history having received the gospel through faith, but now false teaching was creeping in and they needed to stand for the truth (5:7-10). Paul goes on to say that the result of receiving salvation through grace/faith is that they would love one another (5:13-14). He was not saying that works are not necessary, but Paul was simply putting into perspective the role of works in our spiritual life. Works cannot bring salvation, but are a product of those who have received the grace of Christ through faith.
Dear God, enable me to do good works so others can see the change You’ve made in me!
