(This post is from the Nelson Sudy Bible NKJV from the public library.)
Galations 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (KJV)
- By the grace of God (v.21), the only way to be justified (declared righteous or pardoned) is through faith in Jesus Christ. Any other way allows works, whether keeping the law of Moses or performing good deeds in general, to play a role in justification. This is the main point of Paul’s letter to the Galatians: Salvation or righteousness cannot be obtained by obeying the law. Salvation is only through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:20).
2:17-19 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. (KJV)
- Paul strongly rejects the erroneous conclusion that being justified by faith in Christ actually made Jews sinners, thus painting Christ as a promoter of sin. Those who attempt to be justified through “the works of the law” are “cursed” (3:10). If anyone attempts to reassert the “works of the law” as having any part in justification before God, the law itself convicts that person of being a transgressor (see 3:19-25). The law itself is not sinful; its purpose is to convince individuals of their personal spiritual deadness in sin outside of faith in Christ (see Rom.7:7-13).
2:20 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.(KJV)
- Paul and every believer were crucified with Christ in order to die to sin, the law, and “this present evil age” (1:4). While believers live on physically, Christ also lives within them spiritually. Christ’s resurrection power through the Spirit is worked out through the Christian (see Rom 6:4-11) who chooses to live by faith in the Son of God.
2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. (KJV)
- If righteousness is attainable through keeping the law of Moses, then God’s gracious act of sending Christ to die on the Cross to pay for sin was unnecessary and useless (see Rom. 3:4-26).
