Conclusion
The primary premise of the book of Galatians is that of legalism potentially cloaking salvation. Paul heard how the people that he had personally taught, and were saved through faith in Jesus as their Savior, had now turned away from the true gospel and were favoring Judaism. The question many ask is, "Who were they?" Were they Jews that slipped back into following the law, or were they Gentiles that were persuaded by some Judaizers? Potentially both. But then that raises another question, "If they truly believed in Jesus did they lose their salvation when they embraced the law?" No, but, well that raises another question, "Why was Paul so concerned?" Since we don't know precisely who his audience was, we can't answer that with a truthful answer.
However, this book brings into 'the light' a major human flaw, okay maybe more than one! First, we don't take sin seriously enough. Having been forgiven and saved, it is easy to take forgiveness for granted and become comfortable with some sin or perhaps with a less-than-God-pleasing life. Since we don't always see sin's hold on us, we often continue until God calls your attention to it (such as through another believer).
But as humans, we are also prone to another serious flaw, which is essentially the opposite as the one above. We want to do something to earn our salvation or seek favor from God (which is not a bad thing if we do with the right motivation). We want to be achievers, not believers. We’re constantly lured back to the false religion of self-effort. Thinking that our achievements will put us in a position deserving of a blessing.
As you can see both flaws can cause us to take our eyes off Jesus. Paul understood that anything that takes our eyes off God is evil and will result in being misled. The author of the book of Hebrews reminds us, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." (Hebrews 12:1-3, NLT)
There is nothing wrong with observing Jewish customs especially as a way of honoring God, but it is when the ritual or protocol is considered necessary for salvation, or the expectation of any special recognition from God, that it becomes a sin. We cannot add anything to our atonement, Jesus paid the full price for every believer.
The lesson from Paul to us through the Book of Galatians is appropriate for non-believers, Jews, and believers alike. Salvation (the entrance to heaven and spend eternity with Jesus there) is available to all and it's free! Nothing else is needed, just invite Him into your life. When? Now! Here is a prayer that you can pray right now:
I know I am a sinner and I believe You died on the cross for my sins. I turn from those sins and put my faith in You right now to be my Lord and Savior, my God and Friend. Thank You for hearing this prayer. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.