O you dear idiots of Galatia, who saw Jesus Christ the crucified so plainly, who has been casting a spell over you? I will ask you one simple question: did you receive the Spirit of God by trying to keep the Law or by believing the message of the Gospel? Surely you can’t be so idiotic as to think that a man begins his spiritual life in the Spirit and then completes it by reverting to outward observances? Has all your painful experience brought you nowhere? I simply cannot believe it of you! Does God, who gives you his Spirit and works miracles among you, do these things because you have obeyed the Law or because you have believed the Gospel? Ask yourselves that.

Galatians 3:1-5

 

While the Judaizers promotes law-keeping as a means of salvation and sanctification, the Apostle Paul emphasises justification and sanctification are both works of grace by the Spirit of God.

While the Law cannot make us righteous, it shows us God’s standard and requirement of righteousness with regards to how we should live. This is why we say the Law is good, just, and holy (cf. Romans 7:12-14). But true righteousness comes through the Holy Spirit. He produces in us the fruits of His presence and power which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (cf. Galatians 5:22-23).

As we walk in the Spirit, these fruits of justification and sanctification will supernaturally grow and mature, touching every aspect of our lives. Our inward holiness produces outward expressions of obedience and faith. When love, rather than law, drives our motivation and attitude, we will be so transformed that we will do what pleases God without thinking or trying. It is effortless because the grace of God works powerfully in us to will and work for His good pleasure and delight (Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29).