Introduction to Galatians
Paul's epistle to the Galatians was written to combat the legalism of Jewish 'Christians' of the sect of the Pharisees who undercut the true Gospel which proclaimed salvation by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. It was in studying Galatians that a medieval Roman Catholic monk came to understand the Gospel of grace and that epiphany led Martin Luther on a journey that would bring about the Protestant Reformation.
Legalism is the notion that salvation or justification with God is achieved in whole or in part by human works. In the case of the 'Judaizers', as they are known, their legalism took the stance that it was not enough for Gentiles to acknowledge Jesus as the true Messiah, but that they must also be circumcised, become ritually observant Jews and keep the Law in order to be saved. These false brethren the Apostle Paul anathematizes as well as any like them in any age who in whole or in part place our acceptance with God on a works footing.
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