Galatians 2:4
“But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.”
The message of the gospel is liberating. Jesus talks about His yoke being easy and His burden light (Matthew 11:30). There’s something about human nature that seeks to increase burdens. I suppose there are some half truths involved. We know that hard work and diligence produces results. So, we tend to apply that to God. I am not confusing this with seeking Him with a whole heart, but the human tendency of increasing burdens.
In Paul’s case these were judaizers. These were christians that were attempting to convince other christians to adopts portions of the law as part of their faith practice. There was a council held in Jerusalem to discuss such issues. The result was not to burden the new believers with the law, but only to encourage them to avoid food offered to idols and fornication. The former was advised to not offend jewish brethren.
Religion is the human attempt to reach god. There are many of them in the world. What most of them have in common is the burden that is put on the shoulders of their followers. An example is the method of reaching heaven. It usually involves being as good as possible. While this makes a better citizen, the bible’s method of salvation is different. It’s already been paid for. All we have to do is accept Him as Lord and savior. It’s free.
Some have a problem with the free nature of the gospel. A sign of a cult is adding to it. They might say, “This extra thing needs to be done, then one will have an extraordinary relationship with the Lord.” I heard a pastor use the passage where Jesus said to “not make an oath” as a springboard to encourage the group to make an oath. It’s purpose was to be super dedicated to God. While this church wasn’t a cult, that message was in error. This pastor had a legalistic bent and frequently would pass this on to the church. He had a problem with the free offer of salvation.
All of the wonderful things that the Lord provides are free. He gets the credit for blessed lives. No one can say, “due to my dedication, I’ve been blessed.” I Corinthians 1:31 says, ‘in order that, as it has been written: “The one boasting, let him boast in the Lord.”‘
Lord, thank You for all your blessings. Help us to praise You. If there be any part of us that claims credit, purge it from us.