The Law, the Christ, the Promise With R. L. SolbergSýnishorn

At face value, the phrase “works of the law” is just what it seems: performing the duties and rituals required in the old covenant law. It is the Jewish posture of Torah observance, and Paul is not opposed to it per se. He writes elsewhere, “To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law” (1 Cor. 9:20). He does not forbid the keeping of most Mosaic rituals. In fact, Paul was happy to keep them as a means of sharing the gospel. We also see the apostle going to the temple and sponsoring believers who had taken a Nazirite vow (Acts 21:26).. . .

Paul doesn’t say, “Do not do these things,” but rather, “Do not let anyone judge you” on whether you choose to keep them. He teaches that Christians should not use the observance of the Torah’s prescribed days or diet as a basis for judging one’s righteousness or obedience to God. . . .

In Galatians, Paul primarily refers to “works of the law” in the context of justification. His scope is twofold. First, he is concerned with defeating the false teachings of the Judaizers, so “works of the law” refers expressly to rituals and acts commanded under the law of Moses. . . . The false teachers in Galatia taught that keeping these things was a requirement of righteousness. Paul argues vigorously against such a notion, and his discussion stretches beyond the black-and-white boundaries of legal obligation. He speaks as much (or more) about a spiritual posture and our orientation toward God.

Second, Paul often associates “works of the law” with an attitude of self-righteousness, boasting (4:17; 6:12–14), and trying to be justified “by means of the flesh” (3:3). The works of the law are, in practical terms, works of the flesh; they can be achieved through merely human effort. Because of this, they can lead to a false sense of self-righteousness if we’re not careful. As the apostle highlights in the opening verses of chapter 3, God’s miraculous work among the Galatians happened through their faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, not through works of the law. The same holds true in the lives of believers today.

Prayer

Father, keep me from relying on my own works for my salvation, and remind me that You and You alone are responsible for my faith. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide me. Amen.