“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Galatians 5:1–6)

As long as there have been followers of Jesus, there have been those who get the message mixed up. That’s because the followers of Jesus are still sinners and make mistakes. It continues to this day. Well meaning folks think they need to add something to “just believing” in order to be truly “saved.”  That is probably the most common false teaching that continues to show up in Christian circles.

It is easy to understand why this happens. It sounds too easy. “You mean all I have to do in order to be forgiven is believe that this guy who died over 2000 years ago paid for my sins? Don’t I have to do something, too?”

This is the issue Paul is addressing among the believers in Galatia. While it sounds like he is condemning circumcision, that is not actually the case. What he is condemning is circumcision as a requirement for salvation!  The people were being told by well-intentioned but erroneous teachers that they had to do “their part” by becoming Jewish before becoming Christians, so an extra requirement (LAW) was being placed upon them.

That is not what God’s plan is all about. God is operating with grace. He gives us what we need. He paid the price. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)  “Yeah, but … don’t I still have to do my part?”  Nope. Grace alone. Your debt, your obligation was completely paid off with the life and death of Jesus.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Your faith grabs onto what Jesus did and receives all the blessings and benefits He merited for you.

“For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.” (Romans 3:28)

The burden is not on you. It was on Jesus. He has set you free. He declares you “not guilty” because of your trust in Him. Should you strive to live according to the Law? Certainly, but not in order to save yourself. Rather it is the best way to thank God for all He has done for you through Jesus. “Faith expressing itself through love.”  Let’s all try to do that today.