Galatians Gone Backwards: Adding to the Gospel
Listen to:
“You began your life in Christ by the Spirit. Now are you trying to make it complete by your own power?” — Galatians 3:3 (NCV)
Starting Strong, Slipping Back
The churches in Galatia had a powerful beginning. They believed the gospel of grace. They received the Spirit, and their lives began to change. Paul reminds them of this:
“Did you receive the Spirit by keeping the law? No, you received the Spirit because you heard the good news and believed it.” (Galatians 3:2 NCV)
But somewhere along the way, they drifted. The pure message of Christ crucified was being buried under layers of rules, rituals, and religious performance.
Lesson: The danger is not only in rejecting the gospel, but in adding to it.
The Subtle Drift of Legalism
Paul’s question cuts to the heart: “Who has tricked you?” (Galatians 3:1). False teachers convinced the Galatians that faith in Jesus wasn’t enough—they had to keep the old laws to be truly accepted.
This wasn’t just error—it was slavery.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. So stand strong. Do not let yourselves be tied up again like slaves to the law.” (Galatians 5:1 NCV)
Legalism is sneaky. It often looks like discipline, dedication, or devotion—but underneath, it says, “I must earn what God has already given.”
Lesson: Legalism doesn’t look like rebellion. It looks like religion.
Grace from Start to Finish
Paul makes it plain:
– We are saved by grace: “You have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God.” (Ephesians 2:8 NCV)
– We are sustained by grace: “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NCV)
– We are completed by grace: “God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished.” (Philippians 1:6 NCV)
Grace doesn’t just open the door of salvation—it keeps us in the house and brings us to glory.
Lesson: Grace is not just the entry point; it is the whole journey.
Modern Galatian Drift
The Galatians aren’t the only ones who slip backward. We can do the same when we…
– Think God loves us more on our “good days” than our “bad days.”
– Replace intimacy with performance—prayer becomes a box to check, not a conversation with God.
– Serve to earn approval rather than from a place of love.
– Compare ourselves to others instead of trusting Christ’s finished work.
It’s like climbing out of a lifeboat into a sinking raft—trading grace for works.
Lesson: Any attempt to “upgrade” the gospel makes it weaker, not stronger.
Coming Back to the Basics
Paul’s call is urgent: “Come back.” Don’t add. Don’t subtract. Hold fast to the simplicity of Christ.
– Jesus’ last words on the cross were, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)
– Nothing needs to be added to His work. Nothing can be taken away.
The gospel is not Jesus plus rules. The gospel is Jesus, period.
Lesson: The gospel doesn’t need our polish. It calls for our faith.
Reflection Questions
Closing Thought
The Galatians remind us that it’s possible to start in grace and drift back into works. The good news is that God’s grace is still the answer—not just for salvation, but for every step afterward.
Don’t upgrade what God already made perfect. Stand in grace. Walk in the Spirit. Trust that the One who began the work in you will be faithful to finish it.
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve tried to add to what You already finished. Remind me daily that Your grace is enough—yesterday, today, and forever. Keep me resting in Your love, walking in Your Spirit, and trusting in Your perfect work. Amen.
GRACE…God’s Really Awesome Cleaning Equipment