What does Galatians teach about adding works to the gospel?

In Galatians, Paul strongly admonishes against the practice of adding works to the gospel, stating that doing so compromises the very essence of salvation. He relates how false brethren sought to impose circumcision and the law upon believers, asserting that this would put them back under bondage (Galatians 2:4). Paul’s passionate defense of the true gospel reveals that salvation is dependent entirely on faith in Christ, and any effort to complement that with human works frustrates the grace of God (Galatians 2:21). This teaching serves as a critical reminder that believers are called to rest wholly in the finished work of Christ for their salvation.