Scripture: Galatians 2: 19-21

For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Scripture Commentary: Live by the faith of the Son of God, not by your own efforts

Obedience to God’s laws alone cannot save you. Sin is an everlasting epidemic. It plagues us all and prevents anyone from keeping God’s laws perfectly.  You must “live by the faith of the Son of God,” as it says in Galatians 2: 20.

God has provided a way of salvation that depends on Jesus Christ, not on your own efforts.  Accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior brings salvation in his crucifixion. In such salvation you will rise from the dead and be freed from sin.

This new life gives you the power to fight sin. You must guard against the temptation of using service, good deeds, charitable giving, and any other earthly effort as a substitute for faith. You cannot earn God’s favor. Believing in your own ability means you don’t fully trust in what Christ did on the cross.

By struggling to appropriate God’s power to change you (sanctification), you are not resting in God’s power to save you (justification). If deeds were the key to salvation, Jesus’ crucifixion would not have been unnecessary. He died on the cross to save you from yourself and gift to you salvation.

Read the Entire Chapter:
Galatians Chapter 2