In Galatians 2-3, we see false teachings begin creeping into the church in Galatia.

Judaizers, or the circumcision party, told Gentiles they couldn’t be Christians without following Old Testament ceremonial laws.

Thinking we contribute to our salvation nullifies Christ’s work.

“If righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” – Galatians 2:21

See, Christ’s sacrifice does it all for us.

We are not just thanking Jesus for doing something for us that we could have done for ourselves, like a mechanic who changes the oil on our car.

Jesus does something for us that we cannot do for ourselves.

And if we begin to think that there’s something I can contribute to my salvation, then all of a sudden we’re saying, what Jesus did for me doesn’t really matter.

Sometimes we begin thinking, “If I work hard enough, I can save myself.” Or ‘If I’m a ‘good person’ I could accomplish salvation for myself.”

But that’s a really dangerous way to begin thinking.

You see, good works are important in the Christian life, but they flow from the gospel, NOT from the law.

Good works flow from what Christ has done for you and me.

And out of our thankfulness, we see God’s law as good and as a guide in how to serve our neighbor.

Not because we have to, but because we want to.

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Contributor Chad Hoover is the Campus Pastor at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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