Legalism undermines grace and perverts the gospel by insisting that law-keeping is necessary for salvation (Galatians 5:10).
Legalism negatively affects the Christian faith by adding conditions to salvation, which ultimately denies the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. It compels believers to return to a system of law that cannot justify or sanctify them. Galatians 5:10 expresses confidence that true believers will not be swayed by such false teachings, emphasizing that the gospel of grace alone must be upheld. When legalism is present, it distracts from the truth that Christ's death and resurrection alone can secure our place in God's family.
Commentary