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Understanding True Freedom in Christ: Breaking Free from Legalism

Writer's picture: Sam WadsworthSam Wadsworth

Living under grace instead of law is one of Christianity's most profound yet challenging concepts. Through Paul's letter to the Galatians, we discover what true freedom in Christ means and why we often struggle to fully embrace it.


What Was Paul's Concern with the Galatian Churches?


Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia because they were falling into a dangerous trap of legalism. Rather than relying solely on faith in Christ, they began adding religious requirements like circumcision and observance of Jewish festivals as requirements for salvation. This effectively turned faith into a mere checklist item rather than the foundation of salvation.


Why Is Legalism So Dangerous to Our Faith?


When we start trusting in our own efforts to earn salvation, we



  • Devalue what Christ accomplished on the cross

  • Create artificial hierarchies among believers

  • Build walls that Christ came to tear down

  • Return to slavery when Christ has set us free



What Does It Mean to Be Free in Christ?


Christ frees us from the impossible task of earning our way to God. Under grace:


  • Our good works cannot justify us

  • Our failures cannot condemn us

  • God's favor is given freely, not earned

  • We are treated as sons and daughters, not slaves


How Do Good Works Fit into Grace?


As Dallas Willard wisely stated, "Grace isn't opposed to effort, it's opposed to earning." We are still called to:


  • Serve others

  • Do good works

  • Grow in our faith

  • Practice spiritual disciplines


The key difference is our motivation - we serve out of love and gratitude, not to earn God's favor.


Life Application


This week, examine your heart and motivations:


  • Are you serving God out of love or obligation?

  • Do you feel the need to earn God's approval?

  • In what areas are you picking up chains Christ has broken?


Challenge: Each time you find yourself trying to earn God's favor this week, pause and remind yourself that you are already loved and accepted through Christ. Let this truth motivate your actions rather than a need to perform.


Remember: We have a choice whether to stand firm in freedom or return to slavery. Choose to let love, not law, be your dominant principle.



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