"Preach the Word,

“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified” (Galatians 2:16).

The natural Jews of Paul’s day had to rid their hearts of being justified by the law. They needed to accept and understand the grace extended by God through the Son. Outwardly they may not have appeared as sinful as the Gentiles but still they had to put their faith in Jesus Christ to be saved.

“The Judaizers’ objection to this doctrine of justification by faith alone is this: If a Jew seeks to be justified by Christ apart from the law he is then outside the law and thus a sinner. They feared that a Christian outside the law will lead an immoral life since his conduct is no longer restrained by the law.” (King James Study Bible notation)

Is your heart guilty of establishing a bar of moral conduct or doctrine added to faith in Jesus Christ as necessary for salvation? Indeed, it can be challenging for obedient believers to remember grace, and grace alone. But, if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ died in vain. He died once, for all. His atoning work is what brings salvation, not our meritorious works.