Galatians 5-6

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love” (5:6). Paul was concerned that the Gentile believers were being persuaded that keeping Jewish Law, such as circumcision, was necessary for salvation. He warned them that doing so would be rejecting the righteousness of Christ in favor of their own efforts (5:2-4), which would fail. Instead, Christ covers our sins and “sets us free” (5:1) from the slavery of the Law code.

Rather than trying to look righteous by fulfilling ritual obligations, Paul says, the Spirit of Christ empowers us to reject “the desires of the flesh” (5:16) and truly walk in love (5:14).