In Gal 3, Paul asks two questions to those who was emphasizing the need of keeping the law (ceremonial/moral/10 commandments) after being born again. Here’s the first question:
There’s a question Paul asked in Galatians that still holds power today:
“Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?” (Galatians 3:2-3)
Paul was addressing a common trap that believers—even today—fall into: starting in faith but trying to finish by works. It’s a mistake as old as the early church. It’s what happens when people who were saved by grace suddenly start believing that their walk with God now depends on their ability to keep the law, follow rules, and maintain their salvation by works.
How Did You Receive the Holy Spirit?
Let’s answer Paul’s question.
Did you receive the Holy Spirit because you perfectly obeyed the Ten Commandments? Because you followed every religious rule? No.
You received the Holy Spirit by faith. Ephesians 1:13 confirms it:
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”
The moment you believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit. Not because you checked off a spiritual to-do list, but because you had faith.
So, if we received the Holy Spirit by faith, why do we now think we need rules and regulations to continue in Him?
The Trap of Legalism
Here’s where many Christians fall into error. They start with faith and then slowly drift into legalism—the belief that they must now maintain their salvation through works.
- “You have to keep the Ten Commandments to stay in God’s favor.”
- “You should pray every day, or else God will be angry.”
- “You need to read the Bible daily, or you’ll lose your connection with God.”
- “You must dress a certain way, or you’re not truly holy.”
- “If you want to be blessed financially, you must tithe”
Some even take it further. In certain denominations, if a person wears jewelry, they are barred from communion!
But here’s the truth: if keeping the law could make us holy, Jesus wouldn’t have had to die.
Paul was bold about this:
“If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (Galatians 2:21)
That’s why Paul called legalism foolishness. The Greek word he used—“ANOETOS”—literally means unintelligent or sensual (focused on outward things rather than spiritual truth).
Legalism is not just wrong—it’s based on sensual, it is the flesh.
Grace Is Not Just for Sinners—It’s for Saints Too
Here’s another thing I’ve noticed: Christians are quick to preach grace to the unsaved—but once someone gets saved, they start holding them to an impossible standard.
Before salvation:
“Come as you are! God loves you!”
After salvation:
“Now that you’re saved, you better clean up your act or else…”
So, was God’s love conditional all along?
If a drunkard or a prostitute walks into a church, Christians will tell them about God’s unconditional love and grace. But let that same person get saved and make a mistake, and suddenly, that grace disappears. Now, they’re told, “God is angry with you.”
If salvation worked that way, then people would be better off waiting until their deathbed to accept Christ—because at least that way, they wouldn’t have time to mess up!
But that’s not the Gospel. We are not saved by grace only to be maintained by works.
Paul was clear:
“As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” (Colossians 2:6)
How did you receive Christ? By faith.
How should you continue in Christ? By faith.
The Difference Between Discipline and Legalism
Now, let me be clear: discipline is not the same as legalism.
- Legalism says, “I read the Bible daily so that God will accept me.”
- Discipline says, “I read the Bible daily because I know I am accepted, and it helps me walk in who I am.”
- Legalism says, “I pray every day so God won’t be angry with me.”
- Discipline says, “I pray because I love God and want to spend time with Him.”
Do you see the difference? One is fear-based, the other is love-based.
Legalism tries to earn what has already been freely given. But discipline flows from the truth that we are already accepted.
Stop Trying to Finish in the Flesh
If we were saved by faith, we must continue by faith. Not by rules. Not by religious to-do lists. Not by striving to be “good enough” for God.
Jesus already made us righteous. He already sealed us with His Spirit.
So let’s walk in the Spirit—not in a set of rules.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
Let’s Talk!
Have you ever struggled with legalism? How did you break free from the mindset that you had to “earn” God’s love? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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