It is easy to look at this passage from Galatians and immediately assume that Paul is talking about false religions like the Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses. While one can certainly apply this passage to those religions, the fact is that both religions didn't originate for nearly 1,800 years after Paul wrote this passage of scripture. So, what was Paul referring to when he wrote this? I believe he was referring to the gospel of works that was coming out of Jerusalem at the time. If you read a bit further into Galatians, Paul talks about having to oppose Peter to his face because of Peter's hypocritical behavior after "men from James" came to Antioch. The fear that Peter had of these men led to Paul asking him, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs (Galatians 2;14)?" Peter was reverting back to living like one under the Law and Paul called him out for it. Paul goes on to say, "We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:15-16)." Paul makes a clear distinction between living by faith and living by works. Living by faith is trusting and depending on what Jesus Christ has done for you. Living by works is trusting and depending on what you try to do for Jesus through your obedience and repentance to the Law. By trying to be justified by the works of the law you are under a curse. Why are people under a curse for trying to justify themselves by the works of the law? In Romans 4:15, Paul says, "because the law brings wrath." The law brings wrath because nobody can live up to it. In Deuteronomy 27:26, Moses said, "Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out." In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect (Matthew 5:48)." Even James, whom Paul had a problem with, wrote, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it (James 2;10)." Therefore, since nobody can live up to the righteous requirements of the law, all that remains for them is the wrath of God.
Most Christians today will say, "I don't try to be justified by works." But, there are some that do, but either won't admit to it or don't know they are doing it. You can tell a person believes works plays some part in a Christian's justification simply by listening to them talk about what they believe. They will say that they believe in keeping the "Sacraments." Others will use phrases like "have to" a lot; You "have to" go to church. You "have to" confess your sins. You "have to" tithe. They will even misuse scripture. Someone might say, "Jesus said, 'if you love me, keep my commands.'" And, ultimately, obedience will find its way into the conversation. For example, you may hear something like this said, "Obedience—living the "good Christian" life—flows from a loving relationship. And obedience helps us remain in God's love and therefore experience His joy." These examples are just a few of ways in which works finds there way into the lives of Christians. This is because sacraments, have to's, commands and obedience all have to do with controlling a person's behavior through outside means; i.e. laws. This just leads to failure because whether it is God's law, the law of our church or denomination or the laws we make up on our own, we will never fully obey them. Therefore, we always feel that we are separated from God in some and in jeopardy of facing His wrath. When you are trying to live a life you cannot live in order to justify yourself before God that is the definition of being under a curse. But, there is hope. The Christian life is about believing God and then trusting and depending on Him to live the Christian life in and through you. Believing in the finished work of Jesus Christ on your behalf leads to rest. You rest because by Jesus Christ's work on your behalf, you are justified, freed from the law and saved from God's wrath! Therefore, you can now start growing in the grace and knowledge of your God and Savior Jesus Christ because the focus is on Him and off of you. The curse has been lifted because you know and believe the true Gospel.
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