Genesis 12:1-8, Galatians 3:1-14
Jesus was seen to be put to death by the Romans using the most cruel method they knew how. They slowly tortured criminals to death by crucifixion. Jesus suffered great shame and agony, both physically and spiritually when he was cut off from the Father, in a way we can’t fully comprehend. He did it because he loved us and so that he would obtain our freedom from slavery!
Can we possibly add to that which Jesus has finished by His death and resurrection? It’s our natural tendency to try to gain favour with God by doing good works or acts of penance, instead of simply trusting in Jesus for our salvation. Galatians chapter 3 is clear that we can’t be made righteous by keeping the law, only through faith.
Abraham wasn’t justified by the law (which didn’t come until over 400 years later!), or by circumcision, which wasn’t given until after he was declared righteous. He was justified because he believed God’s promises and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6 & Romans 4:3). )
It is no different for all who believe God and trust in Christ. Salvation can’t be obtained through works of the flesh; it is through faith in Jesus alone.
“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Galatians 3:1-3