Justified by Faith, Not by Works | Galatians 2.15-19

There are passages in Scripture that feel like the foundation stones of our faith. Galatians 2:15-19 is one of them. Paul brings the conversation from behavior to belief, from actions to identity, from external pressure to internal transformation. He points to a truth that stands at the center of the gospel. You are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law. This truth brought freedom to the early church, and it brings freedom to your life today.

Paul writes with clarity and conviction because the stakes are high. If the law could make a person righteous, then Christ’s death would be unnecessary. But Paul knows that salvation comes through faith, not human effort. He invites you to step out of striving and step into the freedom of grace. As you reflect on this passage, let God speak to the places where performance weighs heavily, and allow His truth to bring rest.

We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners. Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. So we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin It certainly is not. For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. (Galatians 2:15-19, ESV)

Justification comes through faith in Christ alone, freeing believers from striving and calling them to live for God.

---

Big Idea 1: Justification Is a Gift Received, Not a Reward Earned

Paul begins by stating what every believer must understand. The works of the law can justify no one. This was a shocking statement for the early church. Many were raised to believe that righteousness came through obedience, sacrifice, and ritual. Yet Paul declares that the law cannot produce what only Christ can accomplish. It exposes sin, but it cannot remove it. It reveals the need for a Savior, but it cannot become the Savior.

This truth speaks to every believer who has ever felt pressure to earn God’s approval. Paul reminds you that justification is not a spiritual paycheck. It is not something you receive after enough effort or moral success. It is a gift given by grace through faith. Christ paid the price, fulfilled the law, took your sin, and gave you His righteousness.

When you embrace this truth, pressure begins to lift. You no longer live under the weight of trying to prove your worth. You live with the confidence that Christ has given you a righteousness you could never achieve on your own.

Big Idea 2: The Law Reveals Sin but Cannot Make You Righteous

Paul goes deeper by explaining the law’s purpose. It was never meant to justify. It was meant to expose. The law functions like a mirror. It shows what is wrong, but cannot fix what is broken. This realization was meant to lead people to Christ, not back into striving.

Paul warns against rebuilding what Christ has torn down. When believers slip back into self-effort, they step out of the freedom Christ provides. Trying to earn God’s approval through behavior leads to frustration, guilt, and spiritual exhaustion. Paul’s message is simple. Do not return to the old system that could never save you.

The law drives you to your need for grace. Grace gives you the strength to live for God. The law reveals sin. Christ removes it. The law points to your shortcomings. Grace points to your Savior. Understanding this difference brings clarity and freedom.

Big Idea 3: Dying to the Law Gives You Freedom to Live for God

Paul ends this section with a powerful truth. Through the law he died to the law, so that he might live to God. This is not poetic language. It is a spiritual reality. When you place your faith in Christ, you die to the old system of earning righteousness. You step out of performance-based faith and into relationship-based faith.

Dying to the law does not mean rejecting God’s commands. It means rejecting the idea that those commands can produce righteousness—the motivation shifts. You obey because you love God, not because you fear failure. You serve because you are free, not because you are trying to earn favor.

Living for God becomes joyful when you understand that your standing with Him is secure. You no longer chase acceptance. Instead, you express gratitude. You are not struggling to win His approval; you are walking in the freedom His grace provides.

Conclusion

Galatians 2:15-19 invites you to rest in the truth of the gospel. You are justified by faith in Christ alone. The law could never make you righteous, and your efforts never could either. Christ has done for you what you could not do for yourself.

This passage calls you to stop striving, stop performing, and stop carrying burdens Christ already lifted. You are free to live for God because Christ has made you righteous. Let that truth bring peace to your heart and strength to your walk.

Action Step

Identify one area where you are still trying to earn God’s approval. Surrender it to Christ today and thank Him for the righteousness He has given you.

Reflection Questions

1. What makes it difficult for you to rest in the truth that you are justified by faith
2. Where do you sometimes fall back into performance-based faith
3. How would your daily walk change if you fully embraced the freedom Christ gives

“Grace is not opposed to effort. It is opposed to earning.” Dallas Willard

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of justification through Christ. Help me rest in the righteousness You have given and live with the freedom Your grace provides. Deliver me from striving and teach me to walk in joyful obedience. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

---

It begins with Christ!

If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it begins with the first step. Believe in Him and make Him Lord of your life! Committing your life to serve Him is the most significant decision! For more information on serving the Lord, CLICK HERE!

Thank you for reading. Stay updated with my latest adventures and insights by subscribing to my blog and joining the journey.

Blessings,

Chad 

Stay Connected! Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Support This Ministry

If this blog has been a blessing to you and you’d like to help keep it going, would you consider donating? Your support helps cover the costs of maintaining this site, creating devotional content, and reaching more people with encouragement from God’s Word. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. Click Here To Give! You can also follow the link to Buy Me a Coffee above or follow the links below for products for which I receive a commission.