Heresy of the Judaizers

[Solo]

When will born again, born from above believers be judged?

 

[XTruth]

When will born again, born from above believers be judged?

Rom.14:10; 1 Cor.3:11-15; 2 Cor.5:10

edited...oh yeah, right after the Rapture...in heaven...during the Trib.

 

[Solo]

When will born again, born from above believers be judged?

Rom.14:10; 1 Cor.3:11-15; 2 Cor.5:10

edited...oh yeah, right after the Rapture...in heaven...during the Trib.

What will they be judged for?

 

[XTruth]

When will born again, born from above believers be judged?

Rom.14:10; 1 Cor.3:11-15; 2 Cor.5:10

edited...oh yeah, right after the Rapture...in heaven...during the Trib.

What will they be judged for?

Read the references and you will find out.

 

[Solo]

When will born again, born from above believers be judged?

Rom.14:10; 1 Cor.3:11-15; 2 Cor.5:10

edited...oh yeah, right after the Rapture...in heaven...during the Trib.

What will they be judged for?

Read the references and you will find out.

If you post them and explain them, I will read them.
Otherwise, I am assuming that you agree that all who are in the rapture are born again, and will be judged for their rewards, not their salvation.

 

[Drew]

When will born again, born from above believers be judged?

Like all people, they will be judged at the great judgement described in Romans 2:

God "will give to each person according to what he has done."[a] 7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. 9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; 10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For God does not show favoritism. 12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.

I am mystified that some think that Christians will not be at this judgement. If this is true, and if you believe that only Christians will get eternal life, then Paul is either the most incompetent of writers or is being deliberately deceptive. No competent writer would describe a coming judgement at which some get life and some get wrath and expect the reader to understand that there are precisely zero persons in the first of these categories.

 

[Drew]

Otherwise, I am assuming that you agree that all who are in the rapture are born again, and will be judged for their rewards, not their salvation.

I do not see how one can read the following and conclude that "only rewards and not salvation" will be the result of the great judgement:

6God "will give to each person according to what he has done."[a] 7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life

 

[samuel]

I can quickly name at least three Denominations, that fall into the category of some form of legalism. But for the sake of much debate I won't. Most of these folks don't even realize they have placed themselves under bondage, but they have.

So yes!, the Judaizers are still around even today.

 

[XTruth]

When will born again, born from above believers be judged?

Rom.14:10; 1 Cor.3:11-15; 2 Cor.5:10

edited...oh yeah, right after the Rapture...in heaven...during the Trib.

What will they be judged for?

Read the references and you will find out.

If you post them and explain them, I will read them.
Otherwise, I am assuming that you agree that all who are in the rapture are born again, and will be judged for their rewards, not their salvation.

Of course I believe that. But what about the thread we're in?

 

[samuel]

Since all who will participate in the Rapture, will be members of the Church (true). What reference do you find that makes you believe, they will be judged for any other than faithfulness.

We all know, not all members of any local Church are saved. But those will not be included! in the Rapture either. In fact J. Vernon McGee stated about 10% of the average Church, were actually saved folks. I might have to give it just a bit more, but not much. Especially! since about 40+ years have passed, since he made that statement.

 

[XTruth]

Since all who will participate in the Rapture, will be members of the Church (true). What reference do you find that makes you believe, they will be judged for any other than faithfulness.

We all know, not all members of any local Church are saved. But those will not be included! in the Rapture either. In fact J. Vernon McGee stated about 10% of the average Church, were actually saved folks. I might have to give it just a bit more, but not much. Especially! since about 40+ years have passed, since he made that statement.

2 Cor.5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

The bad is the wood, hay, and stubble that will be burned into nothing, and the overcomers will not be rewarded for that and will not lose their soul (1 Cor.3:11-15).

But this is for the faithful Christians, I really agree w/ all you said. The conditions for the Rapture are the same as for death. One must be sinless to be Raptured and to enter the narrow gate at death. I'm not even sure why this thread turned to this talk. I assume there was a point to be made, but the one who brought up the questions for me to answer never made it.

 

[brakelite2]

I think I need to clear something up here. 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 that are guilty, in the poster's eyes, of legalism and 'Judaizing'. 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?
I am a Seventh Day Adventist. The Sabbath day here in NZ has just finished. 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? 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.

 

[XTruth]

I think I need to clear something up here. 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 that are guilty, in the poster's eyes, of legalism and 'Judaizing'. 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?
I am a Seventh Day Adventist. The Sabbath day here in NZ has just finished. 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? 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.

That's right.

 

[brakelite2]

Solo, do you have a comment on my post? Interested in your opinion.
Regards
Brakelite

 

[Solo]

Solo, do you have a comment on my post? Interested in your opinion.
Regards
Brakelite

Brakelite2,

Your post can be taken multiple ways, and just so I do not misinterpret what you are saying, let me give you my assessment of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ after which you can tell me whether you are in agreement per your post or not. Thanks.

Paul was addressing the Judaizers gospel which is not the gospel of Jesus Christ, but instead is a works based gospel centered on keeping portions of the Mosaic law. Paul tells the believers at Galatia that some were perverting the gospel of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:7), and that if any preach another gospel other than the gospel of Jesus Christ, let them be accursed (Galatians 1:8-9).

Paul continues to tell the churches of Galatia that false believers came in secretly to spy out the liberty that believers have in Christ Jesus just to subvert the truth and to bring believers in to bondage (Galatians 2:4). Paul confronted Peter in front of all at Antioch that he had been walking uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, and corrected him in his thinking (Galatians 2:14).
He spoke of the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that no works of the flesh would justify one into Salvation, but only through the "Faith of Jesus Christ" would one be justified (Galatians 2:16).
Again, only by the "Faith of Christ" is one justified, not of works of any kind. Believers are at liberty to do all things, however, all things are not profitable (1 Corinthians 6:11-12).

Believers are dead to the law, so that we might live unto God. Believers are crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:19), therefore it is Christ that lives in us; and the life that we now live in the flesh is by the faith of Jesus Christ who loved us, and gave Himself for us (Galatians 2:20). If we have to live our lives by the obedience to the law, then Christ's death was in vain (Galatians 2:21).

Paul reproves the churches of Galatia by calling them foolish (Galatians 3:1). He asks them how they received the Spirit; by works of obedience to the law, or by the hearing of faith (Galatians 3:2). He continues rhetorically whether they were going to be foolish by believing that they began their new life in Christ by the Spirit, yet will be made perfect by works of the flesh (Galatians 3:3). He continues to ask them whether the Spirit works miracles among them by the works of obedience to the law, or by the hearing of faith (Galatians 3:5).

Paul goes into depth about the condemnation of being under the works of the law, and how those that are under the works of the law are under the curse of the law; and the curse of the law is such that one who does not continue in obedience to the law will be under the curse of the law and must die (hanging on a tree) (Galatians 3:10-13).

No one is justified by being obedient to any law, but are only justified by faith (Galatians 3:11-14).

The faith of Jesus Christ is given to them that believe (Galatians 3:22). The law was given so that the Faith of Jesus Christ would be revealed, and that all could recognize the need of Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:23).

The law was given to show that none were righteous, and that none could keep the law of God for righteousness sake; therefore, the faith of Jesus Christ could be revealed for those who believe. The law was our schoolmaster which showed us that we needed a savior, and to bring us to Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:24). After Faith has come, there is no longer a need to be under the schoolmaster (Galatians 3:25), for we are now all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26). All those who have believed in Christ have been baptized into Christ and have put on Christ forever (Galatians 3:27).

Paul uses an analogy to teach that those that were under the law were as children which were no different than servants even though they were lords of all; but they were under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. Therefore, when the covenant of the law was established, the children were under bondage to the elements of the world, but when the appointed time of fullness had come, God sent His Son to redeem those who were under the bondage of the law, that they might received the adoption of sons. And because believers are now adopted as sons, they receive the Spirit of His Son into their hearts whereby they cry Abba, Father. No more are they servants, but sons, and heirs of God through Christ Jesus; no longer under the law (Galatians 4:1-7)

Paul asks the Galatians why, after being freed from being servants to obedience to the law how they could turn again to the "beggarly elements" being again in bondage (Galatians 4:9). This bondage ties them once again to observe days, and months, and times, and years (Galatians 4:10).

Paul uses another allegory to describe the difference to being under bondage of the law, or under the promise of faith. He uses Abraham's two sons, one birthed by a bondwoman and the other born of freewoman. The offspring of the bondwoman is allegorized as being of the flesh, and the offspring of the freewoman as being the promise. Believers are not the children of the bondwoman, but of the free promise (Galatians 4:21-31).

Paul exhorts the churches of Galatia to stand fast in the liberty in which Christ Jesus has made us free, and to not become entangled again with the yoke of bondage (Galatians 5:1). He goes on to explain that all who practice an obedience to the law for the purpose of justification, one must keep the entire law; and that Christ Jesus will not profit these one little bit. All who seek to be justified by the keeping of the law must keep the whole law; whereby Christ has become no effect to them; and those who are justified by obedience to the law are fallen from grace (Galatians 5:2-4). As believers, we wait through the Spirit that seals us until the day of redemption for the hope of total righteousness by faith (Galatians 5:5). Neither following the law or not following the law avails anything in Jesus Christ, but faith works by love (Galatians 5:6).

Disobedience to the truth does not come from God Almighty who calls us (Galatians 5:7-8). A little leaven leavens the whole lump, therefore whoever troubles believers with this false gospel will bear their own judgment (Galatians 5:9-10).

Believers have been called unto liberty from the bondage of works; but we are not to use this liberty for an occasion to sin in the flesh; but instead we are to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). All of the law is fulfilled in one word, "Love"; "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." (Galatians 5:14). Also, walk in the Spirit so that you do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh (Galatians 5:16). The flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh for they are contrary to each other so that you cannot do the things that you would, but if you are led of the Spirit, you are not under the law (Galatians 5:17-18).


The works of the flesh are shown to be adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and those which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Those that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts, therefore, if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:19-25).

Chapter 6 speaks greatly and cannot be elaborated on any better than is already done, so here it is:

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom F13 the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. (Galatians 6:1-18)

Only the Faith of Jesus Christ justifies; works of keeping the law do absolutely nothing.

 

[Joe67]

Solo,

Works of the law increase our sin.

Rom 7:4-5
5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. NAS

Rom 5:19-20
20 And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; NAS

Joe

 

[Solo]

Solo,

Works of the law increase our sin.

Rom 7:4-5
5 For while we were in the flesh, the sinful passions, which were aroused by the Law, were at work in the members of our body to bear fruit for death. NAS

Rom 5:19-20
20 And the Law came in that the transgression might increase; NAS

Joe

Right, and don't forget that were the offense of sin abounds, the grace of God much more abounds.

19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: 21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:19-21 KJV

 

[brakelite2]

I agree with you in general, however, I think , if I read you correctly, that you seem to believe that obedience to the Ten Commandments is unnecessary for the Christian?
I f you reread my post you may realize that nowhere was I advocating obedience to the law for the purposes of justification, in fact quite the opposite. That was the Galatians problem. Paul did not say that obedience was unnecessary, but that we cannot rely on it to be justified.

I am not a builder, but I've knocked up a few dog boxes over the years. A building inspector would not have been impressed but the dogs loved them. Set me loose on a larger project however like a house and it will soon become apparent that I am not even vaguely familiar with the laws and principles that govern design, architecture, carpentry, engineering or any other associated trade. I would be quite hamstrung by my lack of familiarity and knowledge.

A skilled tradesman however, through his knowledge, experience and obedience to the the laws that govern the building trade can erect a house that is safe and habitable, and he may also add his own personal touches to enhance it's appearance.

The same with music. One who keeps to the laws of harrmony, rythym, and melody may add personality to the music and the result is pleasant and acceptable to the ears.

But put someone like me in charge of building a house who doesn't understand and therefore cannot obey the appropriate laws and you will end up with a leaky house that will inevitably fall over in the first wind. Put me in charge of a concerto and you will finish with punk rock.

All walks of life are the same, and are governed by law. Trade, commerce, sport, entertainment, politics, society as a whole. All have laws.

Why is it then that so many Christians balk and doubt when it comes to the kingdom of God? Shall not God have laws also to govern His kingdom? Yet so many claim that Christians are exempt, or 'free' from the laws of God. Shall the Creator of the universe, who placed such awesome natural laws in place to govern the physical (eg gravity), then choose to dispense with laws to govern the spiritual? Shall the powers and rulers of this world legislate law to govern society yet the God who allows them to rule have no law?

I put it to you that God's laws are as valid and as binding ,even more so, than any other law. Even more so for the Christian who claims God as his Father. As can be seen from the examples above, familiarity and obedience to law, enables us to express ourselves with true freedom. The more familiar and experienced we become, the better the craft we practice, the greater the skill we are able to employ. In whatever trade are hobby or pastime we apply ourselves to, if we obey the laws that govern those particular areas of our lives we can then add our own personality to them and we are then leading a more fulfilled, ordered, purposeful and complete life.

Jesus promises an abundant life to all who love and know Him. This abundancy can only be fully realised as we obey the laws of God that He has put in place for our good, and our welfare.

True freedom comes only within the confines of law, outside of law freedom becomes chaos, disorder, lawlessness, and in the spiritual realm, death.

This is quite typical of modern ministry - teaching only half the gospel. You neglect the resurrection, for our Lord's death may have taken our debt away, but does not complete our hope of eternity. His resurrection ensures our life.
Ro 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

Not only our eternal life, but the power of His resurrection also brings to us the changes that He makes to our lives in the here and now.
Ro 5:17 For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

His resurrection enables us to receive His Spirit and be conformed into His image and character. Thi simage and charcater into which we must be formed must be in comformity with His laws. His ministry in heaven as our intercessor and mediator before the throne of God is just as essential a part of the plan of salvation as was His sacrifice. The OT temple services were a type of the gospel. The sacrifice was just the first step.
Obedience for the Christian to the commandments of God is just as essential as obedience was for Israel. It's a complete package.

One more thing. When Israel was freed from their slavery in Egypt, a type of our conversion to Christ and our redemption, the very next step for them was to submit to the Law at Sinai. The law did not justify them, the passover lamb had already accomplished that purpose, but they could not bypass Sinai, and accept the rules of relationship that was to be their guide to the promised land. Nor can we, once we accept Christ, ignore His commandments. Notice that when God gave His commandments, He said that they were now free from bondage Ex 20:1 and then He gave them His law. Careful not to claim that the Ten Commandments is bondage.

 

[Solo]

Brakelite2,

Keeping the 10 commandments do not justify anyone to enter the kingdom of God. The 10 commandments are the schoolmaster to teach us that we are incapable of keeping God's righteousness; and that another would have to assuage the penalty of sin for us. The 10 commandments show us the way to our Savior Jesus Christ for He is the fulfillment of the righteous law of God. Our keeping the law is impossible in the flesh.

Therefore, God's law is written on the fleshly hearts of those who are born again, and we are to operate within the law of God. Paul speaks of the inner man delighting in the law of God while the flesh is sold under sin. We are exhorted to walk in the Spirit so that we do not fulfill the lusts of the flesh. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind, and not conformed to this world, for those who love the world are at enmity with God Almighty.

Believers are to walk in the righteous law of God, not for justification but to walk in the Spirit fulfilling the law through Christ Jesus. Does that mean that we should keep the Sabbath day holy? Yes, and not just the Sabbath day, but every single day of the week. Should we rest from our work on the Sabbath day? Yes, and we should rest from our work every day of the week, and instead be about the work of our Father in heaven. Should we not commit adultery? Yes we should not commit adultery, in fact, we should not even look at a woman with lust in our hearts for her. Should we not commit murder? Yes we should not commit murder, in fact we should not even be angry with our brother without cause for it is the same as murder. If we walk according to these principles, will we be justified and born again? NO. We are only justified by the work of Jesus Christ and by the faith of Jesus Christ through our belief in Him.

If we are not saved because we keep the commandments, then how are we saved? We are saved because the Spirit of God births us into the kingdom of God through believing in the faith of Jesus Christ. Nothing on this earth, above this earth, or under this earth can remove us from being the born again children of God Almighty, and we are secure in this salvation which He seals us by Himself as He dwells within us.

Thank you for allowing me to preach one more time on the marvelous salvation that God Almighty has blessed us with through His Son Jesus Christ apart from any work that we can do!

Solo

 

[francisdesales]

I agree with you in general, however, I think , if I read you correctly, that you seem to believe that obedience to the Ten Commandments is unnecessary for the Christian?
I f you reread my post you may realize that nowhere was I advocating obedience to the law for the purposes of justification, in fact quite the opposite. That was the Galatians problem. Paul did not say that obedience was unnecessary, but that we cannot rely on it to be justified.

I agree with the overall gist of your post.

Man responds to God's initiative of the Covenant by obedience to the Law. Not that this obedience earns rewards. But that is the response to the lover who first reaches out to us. It has always been this way in Scriptures and remains so even today. We are in a Covenant with God. And while the meaning of the Law changed with the Christ's explanations, we are still bound to obey as part of our faithful response to God's Love.

Nowhere do I find Paul or anyone else saying we no longer have to love our neighbors...

Obedience to the Law does not justify, God justifies us freely. But that doesn't mean we are not to respond to God's Love by obedience to Him. One John should quickly dispel such notions.

Regards