Get Out of Jail Free Card

Galatians 3:10-11 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

The law does not bring justification to an individual. You can't sacrifice, circumcise, genuflect or even quote bible verses to find your way into God's favor. It is what you believe in your heart (Link) that counts (Romans10: 9and 10) Attending one church over another doesn't cut it either. There is only one true church. The true 'eklesia' (Link) today is the body of Christ and Jesus Christ is the head of that body.

Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

We often view the law as a whistle-blower for what is right and what is wrong. God did not give the law in the Old Testament for any other reason but love. The law was a protection, keeping the Israelites out of trouble when they followed it. Evil exists and it endeavors to pull man away from the safety of God. The word 'cursed' in the above verses refers to a proclivity to exposure to the evil that  exists in the world. If a man choses to live by the law, he will reap the benefits of living wisely, but if he misses on even one point he is subject to the effects that result from disregarding the law.

Galatians 5:2-3 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

Trying to do everything just right is stifling. It is impossible to do. If we adopt a legal attitude towards God, that is not what God intended.  It is Jesus Christ that throws us the key to the jail around our hearts and beckons us to live free. We are free to make a choice. Many people choose the option to stay complacent within the invisible bars of their own bonds. They rely on themselves and it is so limiting. Others chose to walk out of the ruts and prisons of life trusting God and they find true joy!

With the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ, the most amazing gift of grace was bestowed on mankind. God poured forth His spirit on mankind.  It was and is His very essence that could fill, strengthen and complete anyone who chooses to believe. Our justification lies in believing what God has done for us, not what we have done for God. When we really understand this, it releases us and we can truly live for God.