Question:
Answer:
Galatians 5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. 4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come
from Him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
The entire book of Galatians is a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to the people of Galatia, who were starting to tell new believers that they must first get circumcised, in other words first become Jews, before they could become Christians. They are relying on their works of getting circumcised, to save them, which is impossible for any human being to do. Jesus Christ died for our sins, so we can receive salvation and eternal life, because of what He has done for us, not because of anything we have done or can do.
Paul now tells them, that if they are starting to believe in salvation by works (circumcision), then they will have to keep the entire law as well, not that it will help them, as the keeping of the law does not save anyone, but only God’s grace. Trying to be saved (justified) by circum-cision and keeping the law, will not save, but will also cut them off from God’s grace, which is the only method of salvation. Whether they were circumcised or not, would not save them, only God can, as it is impossible to be saved by our works, however wonderful they are. He ends by saying that the one who started this wrong doctrine, will be judged by God.
Circumcision is not required for salvation, that is abundantly clear.
