Welcome to episode 156 of Grasp the Bible. In this episode, we continue our study in the Book of Galatians, covering chapters 5:2-12. The series is called “Free.” Today, we will cover: Resist the Dangerous Message of Bondage: It Involves the Requirement of Circumcision (vv. 2-6) Resist the Dangerous Message of Bondage: Its Perpetrators will be Judged (vv. 7-12) Key takeaways: If they rely on circumcision for salvation, they cannot lean on Christ for the same. Those who attempt to derive their justification from the law are severed from Christ and cut off from grace, for they are attempting to accomplish their own salvation instead of trusting in the grace and mercy of Christ. Paul wishes that the opponents who are so enamored with circumcision and the cutting of the flesh would go the whole way and emasculate themselves. The Galatians’ progress has been hindered so that they are in danger of not obeying the truth of the gospel. No one who teaches falsely will receive an exemption from God’s judgment. Their reputation or stature is irrelevant. If they introduce destructive teaching into the church, they will not be spared on the last day. Quotable: The law tries to find righteousness by doing and obeying; grace and Christ bestow righteousness as a gift. Application: Putting oneself under the law is a burden because perfect obedience is required to be right with God. One cannot merely observe part of the law, for it will scarcely do to observe some of its precepts and ignore others. No work of the law counts before God as the basis of justification. Salvation cannot be divided between the work of Christ and human accomplishment. The cross, however, rejects any and all human attempts to be right with God. Righteousness is found only in what Christ Jesus has done for sinners. Part of what it means to persevere is to continue to believe in the gospel despite the objections that are constantly raised against it.