The Law in Galatians 3

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Paul seems to really rip the Galatians, in Galatians chapter 3, for trying to be justified by the Law.

I became very confused, because I know faith without works is dead. I’ve heard it said the Law Paul was speaking about was ONLY the Mosaic Law. And then I asked myself, well, what parts of the Mosaic Law was Paul talking about?

Circumcision is clearly part of it. Do you think the Galatians were practicing animal sacrifice as well? Now what also confused me, is it would seem that the sabbath and eating unclean meats would also be considered part of it.

But here is the problem: Elsewhere in scripture, Paul says don’t judge regaurding a sabbath, and he talks about if your brother is weak in the faith and doesn’t believe he can eat unclean meats, then leave him alone.

Now that really complicates my whole understanding of “The Law”. How could Paul speaks hypocritcally… What I mean is, Unclean Meats and Sabbaths are no big deal, but if you mention circumcision, then all the sudden you are cut off from Christ and he flips out. It doesn’t make sense. If “The Law” was speaking about circumcision, it seems Paul should be equally upset about sabbath keepers and people who refrain from unclean meats.

Can someone help me clear this mess in my head about the Law is that Paul is speaking of in Galatians 3. And could you provide any more examples then simply Circumcision and Animal sacrifice?

thanks
 
Hey, thanks for your reply! I absolutely LOVE Jimmy Akin, such a blessed saint of our time, i am greatful for his work and words.

Could you please help me sort out the next problem. It seems Jimmy explains thoroughly how it is the Mosaic Law that Paul was referring to.

My next issue is how we are to handle this theology of the Mosaic Law. For instance, if someone refuses to get a tattoo, since that only belonged to the Mosaic Law, are they condemned as if they wanted to get circumcized? Or if someone refrains from eating Unclean meats, because that also belongs to the Mosaic Law, then are they condemned as well? And fabrics weaved with two types of fabics is another commandment in the Torah. Are we to condemn anyone who keeps those Mosaic Law’s as if they wanted to get circumcized to be obedient?
 
Condemn is a harsh word, but I would venture to say that a person has a serious Christology issue if he continues to observe the Mosaic Law. Paul speaks of the passing away of the Old, which served merely as shadows of the New, and Jesus spoke of New wine being unable to be contained in Old wine skins. The over-flowing grace of the New Covenant cannot be contained by the Old, because the Old was merely to point to it, to remind us of our own shortcomings and bring us to God.

If you continue to observe the Mosaic Law (even within grace) as a means to Salvation, you are seeking to be saved by standing in the *shadow *of the Tree of Life rather than reaching for the Tree of Life itself. The grace of the New Covenant in fact calls us to an even higher standard, as evidenced by Jesus’ restoration of marriage as a Sacrament, his attitude toward adultery and even anger being a violation of the commandment regarding murder. With grace in the New, we follow the intent behind the Law rather than the signposts of the Law itself. They were merely meant to point the way to a greater truth.

Also keep in mind, that Paul does in fact refer to different aspects of “the Law” in different passages and books. In many he is referring to Ceremonial, but in others he refers to the Universal Law written on men’s hearts and the Moral Law (such as the 10 commandments).

An older view of “the Law” views all of Paul’s references to the “Law” as being broader; more generalized. It views the other passages speaking of “Law” in Romans through the lens of Romans 4, referring to the concept of man trying to obligate God through his works. In this viewpoint, the Law, necessarily has to refer to ANY work and not merely circumcision, since no work would ever be able to earn our Salvation apart from grace. Circumcision, in this viewpoint, is used as the example par excellence of works of the Law, but is not what is mainly referred to by the term “Law” itself. The idea that Paul meaning “Torah” when he says the “Law” does not argue against this view, since Torah consists of the first five books and so includes Moral, Universal and Ceremonial. Think of the Law as being more of a “system” rather than certain “practices.” We are either under the Law, or Grace.

A newer viewpoint in Catholic theology started in Protestant theology in the late 19th century, but was more recently articulated by James Dunn and NT Wright. This refers to “works of the Law” as referring to the Ceremonial Law, i.e. Circumcision. It makes the debate in Romans, for instance, less of a “faith vs. works” issue so much as a “Jew vs. Gentile” issue. Debating using this viewpoint can initially help explain Romans to a Protestant, but I believe has more problems in the long run, since a major part of Romans deals with the concept of obligatting God to merit one’s salvation to adherence to the Law, and sharp Protestants are quick to point this out.

Both viewpoints are accepted in Catholic scholarship, both have valuable points. I personally agree more with the first view, particularly since Dunn has taken the logical implications of the “New Perspective” on Paul into some uncomfortable directions in some of his work; a problem not found with the more traditional view. That being said, both viewpoints are free to be held by a faithful Catholic. Be aware that these differing viewpoints exist, however, or you may be confused even when dialoguing with another Catholic on the issue. God Bless.
 
thesaviorlives said:
Paul seems to really rip the Galatians, in Galatians chapter 3, for trying to be justified by the Law.

I became very confused, because I know faith without works is dead. I’ve heard it said the Law Paul was speaking about was ONLY the Mosaic Law. And then I asked myself, well, what parts of the Mosaic Law was Paul talking about?

Circumcision is clearly part of it. Do you think the Galatians were practicing animal sacrifice as well? Now what also confused me, is it would seem that the sabbath and eating unclean meats would also be considered part of it.

But here is the problem: Elsewhere in scripture, Paul says don’t judge regaurding a sabbath, and he talks about if your brother is weak in the faith and doesn’t believe he can eat unclean meats, then leave him alone.

Now that really complicates my whole understanding of “The Law”. How could Paul speaks hypocritcally… What I mean is, Unclean Meats and Sabbaths are no big deal, but if you mention circumcision, then all the sudden you are cut off from Christ and he flips out. It doesn’t make sense. If “The Law” was speaking about circumcision, it seems Paul should be equally upset about sabbath keepers and people who refrain from unclean meats.

Can someone help me clear this mess in my head about the Law is that Paul is speaking of in Galatians 3. And could you provide any more examples then simply Circumcision and Animal sacrifice?

thanks
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It seems a little messy, but I think what Paul was trying to expain to the church in Galatia was that keeping the Mosaic law does not procure righteousness in the eyes of God. The Galations may have been instructed to keep the law, or parts of the law for that reason, which is the wrong reason, and Paul was trying to dissuade them from such.

Our righteousness comes through, in, from, and by Jesus Christ. Not only through the forgiveness he procured for us, but by the grace to overcome sin that we have through and in him. Keeping parts of the Mosaic law in order not to offend a weaker brother, or to win Jewish people over to the gospel is the law of love.
 
Has anyone given thought as to how this chapter says we attain faith
 
The Galatians who were being deceived into accepting the ‘Judaizers’ rather than the simplicity of the gospel, certainly had a problem. The problem was not that they were keeping the sabbaths and feasts of the old sanctuary services, (as Paul himself still observed them) , but rather that they were trusting in that observation as a means to being justified. Would anyone dare suggest that it was not wrong to steal? If I as a Christian teach that stealing is morally indefensible which of you would accuse me of legalism? If however I taught that by being honest, I would then be justified before God, then your accusations of ‘Judaising’ and legalism etc would be justifiable.

There have been claims that there are certain denominations and individuals are guilty of legalism and ‘Judaizing’ when promoting the Sabbath or in defending it. How do you know that they are trusting in their works for their justification? Maybe they are simply obeying what they sincerely believe to be the commandments of God and are obeying them because they love Him?

While there may be some in my denomination that think they are justified by their obedience, not only would the church officially disagree with them, but so would I.

After having been justified by the precious blood of Christ and been born again of His Spirit, thus being in the sight of God innocent, and looking ahead to the walk and life of discipleship, you read in the Bible that all liars end up in the lake of fire, (Rev 21:8) what do you do? Do you cease from lying? Of course. However, can you do so in your own strength? No. So you enlist the help of the Holy Spirit to overcome. Now is that legalism? Is that 'Judaizing? What of the Sabbath, for I know that the Sabbath is the sticking point of the law for many. Charges of legalism are only seldom raised with the other nine, but when the Sabbath is mentioned, according to many that person is ‘Judaizing’.

But I keep the Sabbath on the same grounds that I seek to be honest and tell the truth. By the grace of God and in response to the desires of His heart. His law in my heart, His Holy Spirit empowering me to obey. But is my law-keeping a means by which I am justified? No way. But if I stubbornly and persistently refuse to do that which God’s law requires because I don’t believe** that or trust in God’s clear command, or am fearful of what the rest of Christianity might think, or afraid of being unpopular or in the minority,even after accepting Christ’s sacrifice on my behalf, I will end up in the lake of fire.
That is why it is so very very important to live according to what our conscience tells us the word of God teaches, and not on what man says it teaches.
Deception is avoided by having a love of the truth, and Jesus said that it is truth that sets us free. Free from sin, free from condemnation, free from bondage to addictions and habits.Free from traditions of man. And freedom from charges of heresy and ‘Judaizing’ and legalism.

**Rev 21:8 says that the fearful and unbelieving will end up in the lake of fire.
 
I’m not sure your preaching Catholicism there, that sounds more like Protestant theology. The reason I say that is because you move from “Mosaic Law” to “Being Justified by the keeping the commandments”, when I’ve understood the RC theology of this scripture as talking only about Mosaic Law and not being justified by being obedient to God’s commandments. For instance, Paul said if you receive circumcision, then you reject Christ.
So if someone thought circumcision was a commandment, and they received it to be obedient, they would be condemned. In other words Paul is saying don’t get circumcised.

So to be consistant by saying this scripture is talking about being justified by keeping the commandments of Jesus, Paul would also have to say “Have sex outside of marriage” and “Lie, cheat, and steal”. Because if you wait until marriage, you are cut off from Christ.

That’s why i think this can only be referring to the Mosaic Law. Otherwise, who can live deliberately disobedient and still continue to be justified? But on the other hand Paul makes the analogy of your going to keep the Law (the Mosaic Law) you must keep all of it.

I think we need an inter-mediate Catholic thinker to help clarify this between us. =]

This is hard stuff for me to understand, and I understand the idea of being justified by faith and not a life-time of keeping God’s commandments, but I don’t think that is what this scripture is about.
brakelite said:
The Galatians who were being deceived into accepting the ‘Judaizers’ rather than the simplicity of the gospel, certainly had a problem. The problem was not that they were keeping the sabbaths and feasts of the old sanctuary services, (as Paul himself still observed them) , but rather that they were trusting in that observation as a means to being justified. Would anyone dare suggest that it was not wrong to steal? If I as a Christian teach that stealing is morally indefensible which of you would accuse me of legalism? If however I taught that by being honest, I would then be justified before God, then your accusations of ‘Judaising’ and legalism etc would be justifiable.

There have been claims that there are certain denominations and individuals are guilty of legalism and ‘Judaizing’ when promoting the Sabbath or in defending it. How do you know that they are trusting in their works for their justification? Maybe they are simply obeying what they sincerely believe to be the commandments of God and are obeying them because they love Him?

While there may be some in my denomination that think they are justified by their obedience, not only would the church officially disagree with them, but so would I.

After having been justified by the precious blood of Christ and been born again of His Spirit, thus being in the sight of God innocent, and looking ahead to the walk and life of discipleship, you read in the Bible that all liars end up in the lake of fire, (Rev 21:8) what do you do? Do you cease from lying? Of course. However, can you do so in your own strength? No. So you enlist the help of the Holy Spirit to overcome. Now is that legalism? Is that 'Judaizing? What of the Sabbath, for I know that the Sabbath is the sticking point of the law for many. Charges of legalism are only seldom raised with the other nine, but when the Sabbath is mentioned, according to many that person is ‘Judaizing’.

But I keep the Sabbath on the same grounds that I seek to be honest and tell the truth. By the grace of God and in response to the desires of His heart. His law in my heart, His Holy Spirit empowering me to obey. But is my law-keeping a means by which I am justified? No way. But if I stubbornly and persistently refuse to do that which God’s law requires because I don’t believe** that or trust in God’s clear command, or am fearful of what the rest of Christianity might think, or afraid of being unpopular or in the minority,even after accepting Christ’s sacrifice on my behalf, I will end up in the lake of fire.
That is why it is so very very important to live according to what our conscience tells us the word of God teaches, and not on what man says it teaches.
Deception is avoided by having a love of the truth, and Jesus said that it is truth that sets us free. Free from sin, free from condemnation, free from bondage to addictions and habits.Free from traditions of man. And freedom from charges of heresy and ‘Judaizing’ and legalism.

**Rev 21:8 says that the fearful and unbelieving will end up in the lake of fire.
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Hi thesaviorlives.

I started a thread on similar topic, Slaves to the Law. It was inspired from the mass reading last Saturday, Gal 3:22-29. Today (Tuesday) 1st reading, Gal 3:1-6 is a continuation to the same theme.

Christ set us free so that we will not again fastened to the yoke of slavery. Once we seek to be reckoned as upright through the Law, then we have separated ourselves from Christ, and thus fallen away from grace.

Circumcision and the Law do not save us. They only mark us as people of the Law who know what is sin and what is not. We being human can never follow the Law completely on our own and by our own strength. It is through Jesus that we can overcome the consequence of the Law because now we do not only obey the law because we fear it but because we love it. The changes of the heart make the difference.

I thought the responsorial Psalm 119 says it all.

I shall keep your Law without fail forever and ever.
I shall live in all freedom because I have sought your precepts.

Your commandments fill me with delight, I love them dearly.
I stretch out my hands to your commandments that I love, and I ponder your judgment.

God bless.
 
The Galatians where Gentile Christians who were told by some Jewish Christians that they had to be circumcised and keep the Torah. Paul is saying that no…they do not need to do this. He is not saying that Christians are not to follow the 10 Commandments…but rather all the various aspects of being Jewish…

They are justified and thus made holy…freely by Jesus Christ…via Faith and Baptism…not by taking on the Torah.
 
My apologies for my most previous response in this thread, as I just woke up and it was worded poorly. The direction my question is this:

Was Galatians 3 speaks ONLY of the Mosaic Law, or BOTH the Mosaic Law and Natural Moral Law (aka- the law of the Spirit or of Christ)?

I believe if someone can respond to that question with a firm Catholic response, then I will have great help in further understanding Galatians 3.

From what I read of Jimmy Akins, it seems he interpretted it as only referring to the Mosaic Law, but I might be missing something.
 
thesaviorlives said:
My apologies for my most previous response in this thread, as I just woke up and it was worded poorly. The direction my question is this:

Was Galatians 3 speaks ONLY of the Mosaic Law, or BOTH the Mosaic Law and Natural Moral Law (aka- the law of the Spirit or of Christ)?

I believe if someone can respond to that question with a firm Catholic response, then I will have great help in further understanding Galatians 3.

From what I read of Jimmy Akins, it seems he interpretted it as only referring to the Mosaic Law, but I might be missing something.
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No Paul is not talking about the natural moral law (and not about the 10 commandments as the Church understands them) …

so you need to return that 100,000 dollars you stole…🙂
 
In Galatians 3:24 we are told that the law is a schoolmaster bringing us to Christ. Both the moral law of ten commandments and the ceremonial law do this. The ceremonial law revealed to Israel the provision made by God for their redemption, and the means by which Israel might avail themselves of that provision.
The moral law is a transcript of God’s perfect character,revealing how far we have fallen,and is the image of Christ as reflected in Adam and Eve before the fall (Gen. 1:26,27). It is God’s purpose to recreate that image in us (Rom. 8:29), but He had to deal with the effects of sin first.
One, the curse of the law.We are under the curse because of transgression. The curse is the penalty for sin. The scriptures say that Christ became a curse for us (Gal. 3:13); His death took away the penalty and the curse which was upon us because of sin, transgression of that law. Christ’s death enables God to impute to us His righteousness. God looks upon us now as if we had never sinned. We are now as acceptable to the Father just as Jesus Himself is. This is ‘at-one-ment’.
Two, this atonement continues by His resurrected life which enables us to receive the power necessary to keep the law in future. This is possible however only as we abide in Him, as the branch to the vine. Separated, we can by no means accomplish anything for Him and we invariably fall, “for without Me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5). Eternal life is guaranteed only as we maintain our connection to Christ through faith, for the “just shall live by faith”. The moral law is still holy just and good, (Rom.7:12) it has not been done away with in any particular (Matt. 5:17,18) but rather it has been written upon our hearts and minds (Heb. 8:10): IOW God’s very own righteousness or character of love is developed in us by His Spirit,(for love is the fulfilling of the law) and we are recreated in Christ’s image as Adam and Eve were before the fall.
It is God’s part to accomplish this (grace) but it is our part to desire it. God will not do anything without our cooperation and agreement,for “they that hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled” (Matt. 5:6). This takes a lifetime of warfare against the old nature, but as we continue to faithfully trust God to accomplish all He has promised, He will perfect us , finishing the work at His coming. Thus our full redemption from the curse of the law will be complete.
 
i hate having mentals problems. all this talk of the law, Mosaic VS Moral, and justfication and stuff is so hard to understand (as Peter probably would have agreed).

See, the problem I have is I only fear Hell. I simply can’t turn to God because of love or because of my hope in Heaven, because my fear of Hell greatly outweighs any thought I have of Heaven. In fact, I often have wished I was never born, just so I wouldn’t have to fight this impossible battle against sin, and strive so hard to escape the wrath of an eternal Hell.

I asked a priest if my confession would be valid if my only reason for repenting was because of my fear of Hell. He said “Yes”. So I don’t know how that ties in with all this talk of justification, the law, faith, and obedience.

It’s simply not in me to want to follow God out of love when He threatens me with Hell. But Hell certaintly is a motivator for me to want to try to obey Him. So, by me seeking to have faith in Jesus and keep God’s commandments to escape Hell, am I not seeking to be justified by the law, therefore condemned ANYWAYS? You guys have no idea how worse my mental problems have become since I’ve started really trying to follow and believe.
 
I warned you ahead of time that there were two views. The newer view is the “new perspective” that comes from Protestant scholarship. Until you know which the other person subscribes to, things can get confusing.
 
Bookcat said:
No Paul is not talking about the natural moral law (and not about the 10 commandments as the Church understands them) …

so you need to return that 100,000 dollars you stole…🙂
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Are you so sure?

Catechism (emphasis mine):

THE OLD LAW +] 1961 God, our Creator and Redeemer, chose Israel for himself to be his people and revealed his Law to them, thus preparing for the coming of Christ. The Law of Moses expresses many truths naturally accessible to reason. These are stated and authenticated within the covenant of salvation. +] 1962 The Old Law is the first stage of revealed Law. Its moral prescriptions are summed up in the Ten Commandments. The precepts of the Decalogue lay the foundations for the vocation of man fashioned in the image of God; they prohibit what is contrary to the love of God and neighbor and prescribe what is essential to it. The Decalogue is a light offered to the conscience of every man to make God’s call and ways known to him and to protect him against evil: God wrote on the tables of the Law what men did not read in their hearts. (see note 13) [R] +] 1963 According to Christian tradition, the Law is holy, spiritual, and good, (see note 14) yet still imperfect. Like a tutor (see note 15) it shows what must be done, but does not of itself give the strength, the grace of the Spirit, to fulfill it. Because of sin, which it cannot remove, it remains a law of bondage. According to St. Paul, its special function is to denounce and disclose sin, which constitutes a “law of concupiscence” in the human heart. (see note 16) However, the Law remains the first stage on the way to the kingdom. It prepares and disposes the chosen people and each Christian for conversion and faith in the Savior God. It provides a teaching which endures for ever, like the Word of God.

The citation number 15 above refers to Galations 3:24. Notice that “the Law” does, in fact, contain the commandments, and Galations 3 in particular is cited in support of this understanding. Moving on:

1952 There are different expressions of the moral law, all of them interrelated: eternal law - the source, in God, of all law; natural law; revealed law, comprising the Old Law and the New Law, or Law of the Gospel; finally, civil and ecclesiastical laws.
1953 The moral law finds its fullness and its unity in Christ. Jesus Christ is in person the way of perfection. He is the end of the law, for only he teaches and bestows the justice of God: **“For Christ is the end of the law, that every one who has faith may be justified.” (see note 4) **

The moral law comprises natural law, commandments, etc, and yet it is spoken of in the same general terms in the Catechism as pointing to Christ. All of the moral Law, which comprises all types of Law, is what is being described. Yes, this includes the natural law as well, as 1952 makes clear. This is bolstered by the quotations from Romans 10:4 by note 4, where the moral Law encompassing** all **of the Law finds its end in Christ. You will notice that when The Catechism refers to “the Law” throughout, it uses passages from Romans, Galations, etc. interchangeably, without regard to which type of law. This is further testimony, I believe, to the more traditional view of the Church vs. the new perspective (where Paul is focusing on ceremonial law such as circumcision) that is currently en vogue with some Catholics. The key, again, is to read in Romans 4 the theme of man attempting to obligate God to grant him salvation through his works of the Law. No work of the Law can obligate God to owe us anything, since it must be a perfect work. Because of this, the Law necessarily needs to refer to ANY work, and therefore any type of Law. “The Law” is contrasted against grace as a salvific paradigm, and Paul is attempting to show that it cannot be a means to salvation because it was never meant to be, it was meant to point to Christ. I believe the generalized, interchangeable references in the Catechism point to the same traditional viewpoint.
 
thesaviorlives said:
i hate having mentals problems. all this talk of the law, Mosaic VS Moral, and justfication and stuff is so hard to understand (as Peter probably would have agreed).

See, the problem I have is I only fear Hell. I simply can’t turn to God because of love or because of my hope in Heaven, because my fear of Hell greatly outweighs any thought I have of Heaven. In fact, I often have wished I was never born, just so I wouldn’t have to fight this impossible battle against sin, and strive so hard to escape the wrath of an eternal Hell.

I asked a priest if my confession would be valid if my only reason for repenting was because of my fear of Hell. He said “Yes”. So I don’t know how that ties in with all this talk of justification, the law, faith, and obedience.

It’s simply not in me to want to follow God out of love when He threatens me with Hell. But Hell certaintly is a motivator for me to want to try to obey Him. So, by me seeking to have faith in Jesus and keep God’s commandments to escape Hell, am I not seeking to be justified by the law, therefore condemned ANYWAYS? You guys have no idea how worse my mental problems have become since I’ve started really trying to follow and believe.
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My friend, forget the Protestant/Catholic issue here. Your concern, your problem is purely between you and your Creator. The real issue , the question you need to settle here is not whether my view nor anyone elses view is the correct one, the real bottom line is how does God feel about you!!! What is God’s attitude toward you today, right now. Does God want to condemn you to hell? No,no,no, NO! Jesus and His Father are head over heels in love with you.
** If we can’t see His hand…
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...and we don't know His plan, trust His heart.** These are the some of the words from one of my favourite songs. My brothers and sisters in Christ, if only we knew how much God loves us. If only we understood how deeply committed God is to our well being. If only we appreciated the pain that God endured when He gave His only Son to the human race that we might live. The pain and anguish God suffered when Jesus cried those mournful words "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" A pain never before experienced by the heart of God,* and yet felt every time when just one member of His beloved creation turns away from Him.* A pain and anguish He feels when He knows that His offer of mercy and grace has been spurned for the last time, and He **reluctantly **withdraws His Holy Spirit from that one's life. Yet conversely, the total joy and excitement in heaven by the Father, His Son, and all the angels at the acceptance of Jesus by just one repentant sinner. If we understood just a fraction of the depth and extent of God's love, we would not doubt His guiding hand, we would not fear tomorrow, we would trust His love and surrender to Him utterly.
We can do that my friends. Though we cannot see what tomorrow may bring, especially in these last days, though we do not know the end from the beginning, we can be assured that God does. He sees all the pitfalls and swamps and mountains ahead of us, and will guide us accordingly. He has already made provision for every contingency. Nothing takes Him by surprise, there is not one thing that can happen to us for which He is not prepared. He loves us. He** loves** us! He loves **us**! **God **loves us!!! **With a passion** !!!! Trust in that love. Hope in that love. Believe in that love. Rest in that love.
Though you may not understand everything that God does, though you may not understand anything else regarding the nature of God, if you can know His love, then you know Him.** "And this is life eternal, if ye know God, and Jesus Christ Whom He has sent".**(John 17:3) This is not a knowledge about God. Other's opinions and views of God do not obtain for us eternal life. God desires that we know Him personally, as a friend, confidante, as a **Father**.  God is love. Immerse yourself in His love. Immerse yourself in Him. He is to be trusted with your life. Surrender all to Him, and know the joy and peace He brings. Reach out to Him, call upon Him. **Isaiah 55:6... ¶  Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.**

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
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And if anyone has difficulty in their present circumstance grasping the depth of the love of God, **look to the cross**. Look to the life and death of Jesus. God's love personified, exemplified and magnified by His Son. Like Father like Son.*** Jesus did not die to convince the Father to love you. Jesus died because the Father loves you.***
If you cant see His hand, and you don't know His plan, trust His heart....
 
Why do most believe the book of Galatians is talking about the 10 commandments when circumscion in one sort or another is mentioned 16 times in that very short book and the commandments are mentioned not once.
 
You are getting twisted into knots. God loves you. He wants you to rest in Him

Hell is eternal separation from God. Heaven is being eternally in His presence.

Nothing imperfect can survive in His presence. But none of us can perfectly keep the Law. So He has provided a way, by the grace of Jesus’ sacrificial death, that we can be perfected - not by our own efforts, but by cooperating with His grace.

God will not force the gift upon us. But He wants us to receive it. He’s not trying to find excuses to send us to Hell.

If we try to “earn” our way into heaven, we are rejecting His gift. The Judaizers were trying to persuade the Galatians that their Christianity was not “enough” - that they had to become Jews. That’s what Paul was condemning.

If we refuse to cooperate with Him as He is perfecting us, we are also rejecting His gift. This is the error of those who believe that since they’ve been “saved” it doesn’t matter what they do. (Paul speaks of this attitude in Phillipians 3:18-19. Actually Phillipians 3 might be a good passage for you to read as he talks about this same concept - that we are not saved by the Law, but we are called to live godly lives.)

Also, He knows your trials and the limits of your mind, and is not going to punish you for them. Accept His gift of grace with joy, and strive to live according to His will in gratitude, and don’t worry about your motivations or whether you can fully understand the balance (none of us can, in truth).
 
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