Galatians 5:7
Memory Verse
You ran well; who hindered you not to be persuaded by the truth? (Galatians 5:7).
Salvation is by grace through faith in the fact that Christ died on behalf of our sins and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). We receive salvation by the Spirit out from the hearing of faith, not out from works of the law (Galatians 3:2). Therefore, we are not to be so foolish as to think that having begun by the Spirit we are made mature through the flesh (Galatians 3:3). Yet, despite this, there are many who bring another gospel, changing the grace from Christ into another message (Galatians 1:6). Specifically, they teach preservation of salvation by law and works.
The persuasion that Christians must maintain a set of works, rules, or standards to be righteous is not from the One who calls us (Galatians 5:8). In other words, works of the flesh do not save us, nor maintain our salvation. Those who teach such things will bear their own judgment (Galatians 5:10).
Paul did not teach circumcision, thus adherence to the Mosaic law (Galatians 5:11). Instead, when a Christian is being obedient to the commandments from Christ, given through Paul and the apostles (2 Peter 3:2; 1 Corinthians 14:37), he will not do anything that violates law nor live according to the flesh (Galatians 5:22–26).
In light of all this, let us not be persuaded to live by the standards of man to justify ourselves before God or men. We live by grace, not law. This means we have the freedom to live a life of righteousness that is not based on seeking to maintain a standard of righteousness dictated by law. Rather, it is freedom to love other saints and live out the righteousness we possess in Christ.