Galatians 2:21

Memory Verse

I do not set aside the grace from God. For if through law is righteousness, then Christ died in vain (Galatians 2:21).

The saints in the region of Galatia had been bewitched into believing that salvation must be maintained through works. This heresy continues to negatively impact many assemblies today, which teach a righteousness based on works rather than on faith in Christ. The Law is intended for the unrighteous; the righteous live out from faith (1 Timothy 1:9; Romans 1:17).

It is true that faith without works is dead—for what person says they believe something but does not show that belief in their conduct? However, works do not maintain or improve salvation. Circumcision has no value in the Christian life; rather, it is faith working out through love (Galatians 5:6). Works of the flesh do not produce righteousness, for we are part of a new creation in which we are righteous before God (Galatians 6:5). When we attempt to display our righteousness to men through our works, we set aside the grace of God.