Galatians 5:1-6

¹ “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. ² Look! I, Paul, tell you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. ³ And I testify again to every man who has himself circumcised, that he is obligated to keep the whole Law. ⁴ You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by the Law; you have fallen from grace. ⁵ For we, through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.”

Verse: 1: This verse emphasizes the freedom we have in Christ. Jesus has set us free from the law and its demands. We are no longer under a system of rules and regulations to earn God’s favor. Instead, we live in the freedom of His grace. Paul urges us to stand firm in this freedom and not return to the bondage of legalism (Galatians 3:3, Romans 6:14).

Verse: 2: Paul is making a strong statement here. If we rely on circumcision or any other part of the law for our righteousness, we are essentially saying that Christ’s sacrifice is not enough. This nullifies the benefit of Christ’s work on the cross. Our righteousness comes solely through faith in Jesus, not through any legalistic practices (Galatians 2:21, Philippians 3:9).

Verse: 3: Paul is highlighting the impossibility of picking and choosing parts of the law to follow. If we decide to follow one part, like circumcision, we are obligated to follow the entire law. This is a burden that no one can bear. The law was given to show us our need for a Savior, not as a means to achieve righteousness (James 2:10, Romans 3:20).

Verse: 4: This verse is a warning against trying to be justified by the law. When we seek justification through the law, we are essentially rejecting the grace of God. Falling from grace means we are not living in the freedom and sufficiency of Christ’s finished work. Instead, we are trying to earn what has already been freely given (Romans 11:6, Ephesians 2:8-9).

Verse: 5: Our righteousness comes through the Spirit by faith, not by our own efforts. We live in the hope and assurance of the righteousness that comes from God. This is a righteousness that is imputed to us because of our faith in Jesus Christ, not because of our adherence to the law (Romans 8:4, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Verse: 6: In Christ, external rituals like circumcision have no value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. Our relationship with God is based on faith, and this faith naturally results in love. This is the essence of the New Covenant—faith in Christ leading to a life of love and freedom (1 Corinthians 7:19, Colossians 3:11).