Stand Fast in Freedom: Don’t Go Back to Legalism

by Jamie Pantastico | Jun 29, 2025 | Daily Encouragement | 0 comments

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
— Galatians 5:1

The book of Galatians isn’t a gentle letter.

It’s a spiritual emergency flare.

Paul is writing to Gentile believers in the region of Galatia who were being duped, deceived, and derailed—not by the pagan world, but by religious men from the Jerusalem church (Galatians 2:3–4).

These men taught that faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection wasn’t enough (sound familiar?).

They claimed Gentile believers could not be saved unless they were circumcised and kept the law of Moses.

Paul’s response?

Absolutely not.

He didn’t compromise—not for a moment.
Instead, he stood boldly in the truth of the gospel that had been revealed to him by the risen Lord Jesus Christ.

‘to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.’

—Galatians 2:5

“…in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.”
— Romans 2:16

“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”
— Galatians 2:21

A New Revelation from the Risen Christ

This wasn’t just about circumcision—it was about the entire Mosaic law.
Was salvation by grace through faith alone in the gospel, or was it a mix of faith plus law-keeping?

Paul makes it crystal clear:
He didn’t receive his gospel from Peter, James, or John.
He received it by direct revelation from the ascended, glorified Christ (Galatians 1:11–12).

This gospel wasn’t a continuation of Israel’s covenant law—it was something entirely new, entrusted to Paul for the Gentiles:

“But when it pleased God… to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles…”
— Galatians 1:15–16

Paul Confronts the Jerusalem Leaders

Paul didn’t just fire off a letter—he went to Jerusalem (directed by the Lord Jesus Himself) and stood face-to-face with the apostles and elders.

He confronted their commands of keeping the law head-on (Galatians 2:1–5).

He told them plainly:

Salvation is now by grace through faith—period.
Not grace plus law.
Not faith plus works.
Faith alone in the finished work of Christ alone.

“We who are Jews by nature… knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ…”
— Galatians 2:15–16

Why It Still Matters

The Galatian error is alive and well today.
Religious voices continue to blend law and grace—adding rituals, requirements, and works to the gospel of Christ.

But Paul’s warning stands:

‘But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.’

—Galatians 1:8-9

 

“Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?”
— Galatians 3:3

 

“Stand fast… do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”
— Galatians 5:1

The law was a burden no one could bear (Acts 15:10).
Christ came not to reinforce it—but to fulfill it and set us free from its demands (Romans 10:4).

You Are Free—Stand in It

If you’ve trusted in Christ alone for salvation, then this is who you are:

✅ Justified by grace
✅ Sealed by the Spirit
✅ Free from the law
✅ Secure in Christ

So don’t go back.

Don’t let anyone drag you into a gospel of works, fear, or religious performance.

“For you are not under law but under grace.”
— Romans 6:14

Final Word

The gospel Paul preached is the only gospel that saves today:

“…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day…”
— 1 Corinthians 15:1–4

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—apart from the works of the law.

That’s why Paul wrote Galatians.
That’s why he confronted the leaders in Jerusalem.
And that’s why you must stand fast in the liberty Christ has purchased for you.

You are free.
Now walk in it, believe it, and never trade it for the bondage of law again.

📖 Reading Plan: Grace vs. Law

Day 1: Galatians 5:1–6
Stand firm in the freedom Christ purchased. Don’t return to bondage.

Day 2: Acts 15:1–11
Peter confirms that salvation is through grace—not the law.

Day 3: Romans 6:14 & Romans 10:1–4
We are not under the law, but under grace—Christ is the end of the law for righteousness.

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Free PDF Download👉 📄 Stand Fast in Freedom – Study Guide