Because Paul was worried at their return to the law of Moses, he wrote a letter to the Saints in Galatia. In the letter, he explained that salvation could not come through the works required by the law of Moses but only through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of the law of Moses was to help the Children of Israel look towards the Messiah and prepare them to receive salvation through Jesus, the Messiah's, Atonement. When Jesus atoned for the sins of mankind, He fulfilled the Law of Moses. Much of the Law of Moses was symbolic of the Atonement.
It is difficult for people to change, especially when they must abandon custom and tradition. The Galatian Saints returned to the law of Moses. Possibly, they were frightened and could not believe that simple right and pure living, kindly serving others, repentance, prayer, and faith were enough to save them. “...whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap...” They didn't know the higher law would bring daily peace and eternal salvation, as opposed to the extensive daily actions of the Law of Moses.
Even in the early days of the Christian church, wolves in sheep's clothing sought to pervert the gospel of Jesus Christ and lead the Saints into danger. This happens today, when contentious people use deception and cunning to confuse youth and adults alike. The best way to guard oneself against this is to know the truth for oneself. If I listen to revelation from the prophets ancient and modern (scripture) and receive a witness of the truth from the Holy Spirit, I cannot be led astray; my foundation is built upon a rock. However, if my testimony is built on sandy foundations of social relationships or intellectual analysis, it may crumble in the storms of life. These outside things will always let us down. Neither logic nor people are the gospel; Jesus is.
When He said, if you love me keep my commandments, I think it was a plea. He loves us dearly and doesn't want to lose even one soul. He seeks our joy and our salvation, because He is personally interested in each one of us. If we listen to Him, believe Him, and pattern our lives after Him, we will be with Him again.
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Reading the scriptures and keeping this journal are my delight. I do not keep an online journal to preach to anyone but myself. I like this format, because I can add pictures and correct my writing easier. If you enjoy reading it, I am happy. If you feel offended, please, realize it is not my intention to offend but to teach myself. No negative comments will not be published.