GALATIANS- warning to the Church

[George Muller]

The true standard is submission unto the Spirit of God by which righteousness is produced through the believer.

The word you are looking for is obedience.


JLB

Well if one does not surrender and submit to the Spirit, there is no true obedience. The Pharisee claimed "obedience" Legalism is not obedience, it is the religion of the flesh. Dead religion- dead works are what the bible calls this sort of obedience to the "letter"

 

[George Muller]

Now I have not seen any personal attacks, but my friends have been rather pleasant today, but I do hope to keep the conversation based upon the topic of the thread? Therefore I will respond to those who respond to the topic and will ignore those who attempt to get this thread shut down through rude behavior.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Anyone teaching the law in part or whole (always in part) are teaching doctrines of error.

Anyone? Then certainly James was teaching error:

"8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” (Leviticus 19:18) you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality (Leviticus 19:15), you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14),” also said, “Do not commit murder (Exodus 20:13)” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty." (James 2:8-12 NASB)

"22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22-25 NASB)

It seems when James teaches these things it's okay, but if someone else dare say the same things that person is accused of pushing a gospel of works justification.

Now if some want to do this or that as an personal act of faith, that is between them and the Lord, If God accepts it as faith then good, but sound doctrine is judged according to Pauls Gospel.

Then you agree that 'law keeping' is not categorically and without exception equivalent to belieiving in and following a damnable works gospel. It depends on the heart of the person and whether it's a "personal act of faith", or a personal act of trying to merit justification. Paul plainly says the Galatians were guilty of the latter.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

The true standard is submission unto the Spirit of God by which righteousness is produced through the believer.

The word you are looking for is obedience.


JLB

Well if one does not surrender and submit to the Spirit, there is no true obedience. The Pharisee claimed "obedience" Legalism is not obedience, it is the religion of the flesh. Dead religion- dead works are what the bible calls this sort of obedience to the "letter"

The religion of the flesh is trying to be justified by doing righteous works (the law is the fundamental standard of what those works are). It is the fleshly effort of trying to be justified by what you do instead of being justified by faith in the blood of Christ--that blood making you right before God.

Even works in the body that are born of faith don't justify. Only faith in the blood of Christ to forgive sins justifies. Period. Any boast of works for justification, whether accomplished by the ministry of the Spirit at work in a person, or the effort of the person alone, is a misguided gospel of works justification.

 

[George Muller]

Anyone teaching the law in part or whole (always in part) are teaching doctrines of error.

Anyone? Then certainly James was teaching error:

"8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” (Leviticus 19:18) you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality (Leviticus 19:15), you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14),” also said, “Do not commit murder (Exodus 20:13)” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty." (James 2:8-12 NASB)

"22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22-25 NASB)

It seems when James teaches these things it's okay, but if someone else dare say the same things that person is accused of pushing a gospel of works justification.

Now if some want to do this or that as an personal act of faith, that is between them and the Lord, If God accepts it as faith then good, but sound doctrine is judged according to Pauls Gospel.

Then you agree that 'law keeping' is not categorically and without exception equivalent to belieiving in and following a damnable works gospel. It depends on the heart of the person and whether it's a "personal act of faith", or a personal act of trying to merit justification. Paul plainly says the Galatians were guilty of the latter.

again Jethro, James was NOT teaching the law, but uses the law as a witness to love, which is the "law of Christ" Now of course he was teaching Jews how the law is fulfilled in love. The same as Paul taught, if you see a conflict between james and Paul doctrines? The conflict is in your own lack of understanding.

 

[George Muller]

The true standard is submission unto the Spirit of God by which righteousness is produced through the believer.

The word you are looking for is obedience.


JLB

Well if one does not surrender and submit to the Spirit, there is no true obedience. The Pharisee claimed "obedience" Legalism is not obedience, it is the religion of the flesh. Dead religion- dead works are what the bible calls this sort of obedience to the "letter"

The religion of the flesh is trying to be justified by doing righteous works (the law is the fundamental standard of what those works are). It is the fleshly effort of trying to be justified by what you do instead of being justified by faith in the blood of Christ--that blood making you right before God.

Even works in the body that are born of faith don't justify. Only faith in the blood of Christ to forgive sins justifies. Period. Any boast of works for justification, whether accomplished by the ministry of the Spirit at work in a person, or the effort of the person alone, is a misguided gospel of works justification.

Yes that is legalism, "the letter kills" that is trying to be justified by obedience to the "letter" and not to the "Spirit" Obedience to the Spirit is fulfilled in faith working by love and is very different from legalism.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Anyone teaching the law in part or whole (always in part) are teaching doctrines of error.

Anyone? Then certainly James was teaching error:

"8 If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” (Leviticus 19:18) you are doing well. 9 But if you show partiality (Leviticus 19:15), you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14),” also said, “Do not commit murder (Exodus 20:13)” Now if you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty." (James 2:8-12 NASB)

"22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22-25 NASB)

It seems when James teaches these things it's okay, but if someone else dare say the same things that person is accused of pushing a gospel of works justification.

Now if some want to do this or that as an personal act of faith, that is between them and the Lord, If God accepts it as faith then good, but sound doctrine is judged according to Pauls Gospel.

Then you agree that 'law keeping' is not categorically and without exception equivalent to belieiving in and following a damnable works gospel. It depends on the heart of the person and whether it's a "personal act of faith", or a personal act of trying to merit justification. Paul plainly says the Galatians were guilty of the latter.

again Jethro, James was NOT teaching the law, but uses the law as a witness to love, which is the "law of Christ" Now of course he was teaching Jews how the law is fulfilled in love. The same as Paul taught, if you see a conflict between james and Paul doctrines? The conflict is in your own lack of understanding.

You aren't paying attention.

The arguments you use to make 'looking to the law' the damnable sin of trying to justify yourself by the law are present right here in James' letter, yet you insist he is not teaching a damnable works gospel. You are the one producing the conflict. This has nothing to do with Paul. This has everything to do with what James is plainly saying here and which you claim (when other people say it) is nothing more than teaching the damnable gospel of works righteousness. So, either you're wrong about what constitutes teaching and following the damnable heresy of justification by works of the law, or James is guilty as charged. Which is it going to be, George? Don't try to wiggle out of it. I've hemmed you in.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Well if one does not surrender and submit to the Spirit, there is no true obedience. The Pharisee claimed "obedience" Legalism is not obedience, it is the religion of the flesh. Dead religion- dead works are what the bible calls this sort of obedience to the "letter"

The religion of the flesh is trying to be justified by doing righteous works (the law is the fundamental standard of what those works are). It is the fleshly effort of trying to be justified by what you do instead of being justified by faith in the blood of Christ--that blood making you right before God.

Even works in the body that are born of faith don't justify. Only faith in the blood of Christ to forgive sins justifies. Period. Any boast of works for justification, whether accomplished by the ministry of the Spirit at work in a person, or the effort of the person alone, is a misguided gospel of works justification.

Yes that is legalism, "the letter kills" that is trying to be justified by obedience to the "letter" and not to the "Spirit" Obedience to the Spirit is fulfilled in faith working by love and is very different from legalism.

Wrong again. You are NOT justified by doing works of obedience by the Spirit. What you push is nothing more than the modern version of what the Pharisees did--believing that what you do (whether it be by faith, or by works) you are justified by that doing. Whether you realize it or not BOTH are legalistic works of self-righteousness.

The ONLY thing that justifies is faith in the blood of Christ to forgive sins. PERIOD. Not even the boast of works done in the righteousness of faith justifies. Either boast, works done according to lawful requirements alone, or those works done by the Spirit is taking credit where credit is not due. The only thing that can be counted to legal righteousness is believing that God forgives for the asking. PERIOD. Anything else is a boast of the merit of works to be justified.

 

[George Muller]

Well if one does not surrender and submit to the Spirit, there is no true obedience. The Pharisee claimed "obedience" Legalism is not obedience, it is the religion of the flesh. Dead religion- dead works are what the bible calls this sort of obedience to the "letter"

The religion of the flesh is trying to be justified by doing righteous works (the law is the fundamental standard of what those works are). It is the fleshly effort of trying to be justified by what you do instead of being justified by faith in the blood of Christ--that blood making you right before God.

Even works in the body that are born of faith don't justify. Only faith in the blood of Christ to forgive sins justifies. Period. Any boast of works for justification, whether accomplished by the ministry of the Spirit at work in a person, or the effort of the person alone, is a misguided gospel of works justification.

Yes that is legalism, "the letter kills" that is trying to be justified by obedience to the "letter" and not to the "Spirit" Obedience to the Spirit is fulfilled in faith working by love and is very different from legalism.

Wrong again. You are NOT justified by doing works of obedience by the Spirit.

What you push is nothing more than the modern version of what the Pharisees did--believing that what you do (whether it be by faith, or by works) you are justified by what you do. Whether you realize it or not BOTH are legalistic works of self-righteousness.

The ONLY thing that justifies is faith in the blood of Christ to forgive sins. PERIOD. Not even the boast of works done in the righteousness of faith justifies. Either boast, works done according to lawful requirements alone, or those works done by the Spirit is taking credit where credit is not due. The only thing that can be counted to legal righteousness is believing that God forgives for the asking. PERIOD. Anything else is a boast of the merit of works to be justified.

Now you have lost me Jethro? How you get some of the conclusions you get is just beyond my ability to understand? I believing in a "living faith" empowered by the Spirit of God, that brings forth fruit unto God. I believe love is the fulfillment of all the laws of God and love is the commandment of Christ. In short I believe "nothing profits but faith working by love" Now if you have a point to make on the topic, I will respond. If you are trying to get this thread closed by making personal insults, you will be ignored and very well may receive an infraction by the honest and just mods of this forum?:naughty

 

[Jethro Bodine]

I see this thinking in the church, that one is justified before God because they do works by faith (and calling that the 'having faith' that justifies), waaaaay more than I do the thinking that simply reading the law and doing it is how to be justified. Waaaaaaaaaaaay more.

 

[George Muller]

You aren't paying attention.

The arguments you use to make 'looking to the law' the damnable sin of trying to justify yourself by the law are present right here in James' letter, yet you insist he is not teaching a damnable works gospel. You are the one producing the conflict. This has nothing to do with Paul. This has everything to do with what James is plainly saying here and which you claim (when other people say it) is nothing more than teaching the damnable gospel of works righteousness. So, either you're wrong about what constitutes teaching and following the damnable heresy of justification by works of the law, or James is guilty as charged. Which is it going to be, George? Don't try to wiggle out of it. I've hemmed you in.

Again you fail to understand the reason James uses the law as a witness to love? You fail to understand the purpose of the law, and why Paul was so clear and direct in his rejection of legalism.

 

[George Muller]

I see this thinking in the church, that one is justified before God because they do works by faith (and calling that the 'having faith' that justifies), waaaaay more than I do the thinking that simply reading the law and doing it is how to be justified. Waaaaaaaaaaaay more.

Well start a topic on that! but this thread is about the warnings in the epistle to the Galatian Church.

 

[George Muller]

Ac 15:1 ¶ And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

Ac 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Ac 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Ac 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
Ac 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.



Now to understand the 2nd Chapter of Galatians, one must understand the context to which Paul is speaking, the issue of "circumcision" is in view and the issue of which Paul is speaking is the "law of moses" - liberty from the law is that which the Holy Ghost desired.

Re: GALATIANS- warning to the Church

Ga 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles
9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
11 ¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

In this epistle, Paul and his authority as it relates to true and sound doctrine, is established above all others. All doctrine must be judged by Pauls epistles.
Those who seek to be justified by any part of the law, have in effect made the death of the Lord vain as it relates to their own standing in the Grace of God.
​

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Yes that is legalism, "the letter kills" that is trying to be justified by obedience to the "letter" and not to the "Spirit" Obedience to the Spirit is fulfilled in faith working by love and is very different from legalism.

Wrong again. You are NOT justified by doing works of obedience by the Spirit.

What you push is nothing more than the modern version of what the Pharisees did--believing that what you do (whether it be by faith, or by works) you are justified by what you do. Whether you realize it or not BOTH are legalistic works of self-righteousness.

The ONLY thing that justifies is faith in the blood of Christ to forgive sins. PERIOD. Not even the boast of works done in the righteousness of faith justifies. Either boast, works done according to lawful requirements alone, or those works done by the Spirit is taking credit where credit is not due. The only thing that can be counted to legal righteousness is believing that God forgives for the asking. PERIOD. Anything else is a boast of the merit of works to be justified.

Now you have lost me Jethro? How you get some of the conclusions you get is just beyond my ability to understand? I believing in a "living faith" empowered by the Spirit of God, that brings forth fruit unto God. I believe love is the fulfillment of all the laws of God and love is the commandment of Christ. In short I believe "nothing profits but faith working by love" Now if you have a point to make on the topic, I will respond. If you are trying to get this thread closed by making personal insults, you will be ignored and very well may receive an infraction by the honest and just mods of this forum?:naughty

No insults going on here. If you're offended by me exposing your doctrine, well, that is not a TOS violation. That's a matter between you and yourself, alone.

Let me explain it to you this way using the scripture you just quoted...

"the only thing that profits is faith..."

Alone, period, nothing more. Faith all by itself justifies.

That faith, that justifies all by itself apart from ANY righteous work of any kind, whether done in the Spirit (what your doctrine boasts about), or works done in the flesh (what legalistic law keepers boast about) is the faith that can be seen in love for others. IOW, as Paul says, the faith justifies all by itself is the faith that can be seen "...working through love."

Faith in the cross to forgive justifies all by itself. The signature of the faith that justifies is love for others. The love for others is not the 'faith' justifies. Faith means faith in the blood of Christ, not what you do by faith. The 'working through love' doesn't justify. There is no boast in that. No more than there is in the legalist who thinks his law keeping justifies.

The ONLY boast anyone is to have is the 'boast of the cross of Christ' (reference not handy at the moment--somewhere in Romans?). It's dead wrong to think the work of love because it's done by the Spirit justifies any more than other works of the law in the flesh justify. The Pharisee is the one who boasts of his righteous doing. The cross removes ALL boasting, even the boasting of those who obey by the Spirit.

 

[George Muller]

Let me explain it to you this way using the scripture you just quoted...

"the only thing that profits is faith..."

Alone, period, nothing more. Faith all by itself justifies.

Ga 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Again Jethro, I do not even understand what point you are trying to make? Paul teaches faith that justifies, and love that perfects ones faith.
This is his teaching throughout his epistles, and this is what I have promoted at all times on this thread and others as true and sound doctrine.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

In this epistle, Paul and his authority as it relates to true and sound doctrine, is established above all others. All doctrine must be judged by Pauls epistles.
Those who seek to be justified by any part of the law, have in effect made the death of the Lord vain as it relates to their own standing in the Grace of God.
[/INDENT]

Then you have to agree that not even love by the Spirit of God justifies.

You have erroneously concluded one of two things, or both:

1) Love is not a work of the law.

2) Loving others by the power of the Spirit is exactly equivalent to the faith that justifies a person before God in heaven.

 

[Jethro Bodine]

Let me explain it to you this way using the scripture you just quoted...

"the only thing that profits is faith..."

Alone, period, nothing more. Faith all by itself justifies.

Ga 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Again Jethro, I do not even understand what point you are trying to make? Paul teaches faith that justifies, and love that perfects ones faith.
This is his teaching throughout his epistles, and this is what I have promoted at all times on this thread and others as true and sound doctrine.

Just answer this question:

Are you justified because loving others is the 'having faith' that justifies?

Answer that and you should be able to grasp exactly what I'm driving at and which is wrong with your doctrine.

 

[George Muller]

Let me explain it to you this way using the scripture you just quoted...

"the only thing that profits is faith..."

Alone, period, nothing more. Faith all by itself justifies.

Ga 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Again Jethro, I do not even understand what point you are trying to make? Paul teaches faith that justifies, and love that perfects ones faith.
This is his teaching throughout his epistles, and this is what I have promoted at all times on this thread and others as true and sound doctrine.

Just answer this question:

Are you justified because loving others is the 'having faith' that justifies?

Answer that and you should be able to grasp exactly what I'm driving at and which is wrong with your doctrine.

A believer is justified by faith, a living faith. I have taught this positions for months now, and upheld it at all points. So for you to act as if I have not, is kinda hard to understand? And my doctrine is sound, for the Holy Spirit has taught me the mystery of godliness. Please try to stay on the topic of this thread and refrain from making this thread a thread of personal insults. In fact if you cannot address the topic? you will be ignored from this point forward.

 

[George Muller]

In this epistle, Paul and his authority as it relates to true and sound doctrine, is established above all others. All doctrine must be judged by Pauls epistles.
Those who seek to be justified by any part of the law, have in effect made the death of the Lord vain as it relates to their own standing in the Grace of God.
[/INDENT]

Then you have to agree that not even love by the Spirit of God justifies.

You have erroneously concluded one of two things, or both:

1) Love is not a work of the law.

2) Loving others by the power of the Spirit is exactly equivalent to the faith that justifies a person before God in heaven.

Love is not a "work of the law" it is a fruit of the Spirit. And I have not promoted that "love" apart from faith justifies, what I have promoted is love perfects ones faith.

 

[George Muller]

Ac 15:1 ¶ And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
5 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

Ac 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

Ac 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
21 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.

Ac 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:
24 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
Ac 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.



Now to understand the 2nd Chapter of Galatians, one must understand the context to which Paul is speaking, the issue of "circumcision" is in view and the issue of which Paul is speaking is the "law of moses" - liberty from the law is that which the Holy Ghost desired.

Re: GALATIANS- warning to the Church

Ga 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles
9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
11 ¶ But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

In this epistle, Paul and his authority as it relates to true and sound doctrine, is established above all others. All doctrine must be judged by Pauls epistles.
Those who seek to be justified by any part of the law, have in effect made the death of the Lord vain as it relates to their own standing in the Grace of God.
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Here is the topic of the thread, in case some have forgotten?