Those who depend on the law to make them right with God are under his curse, for the Scriptures say, “Cursed is everyone who does not observe and obey all the commands that are written in God’s Book of the Law.” Gal 3:10
The Apostle Paul was one of the greatest men when it came to upholding the Mosaic Law.
His zeal for it went far beyond that of many others. You know what I was like when I followed the Jewish religion—how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. I was far ahead of my fellow Jews in my zeal for the traditions of my ancestors. Gal 1:13-14
In his zeal, Paul agreed completely with the killing of Stephen (Acts 8:1) and moved forward, going from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. Acts 8:3
Eventually he secured letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. Acts 9:2
But he was saved along the way and began to build what he once destroyed.
Despite his enthusiasm for the Law, he understood God’s grace, redemption, and the filling of the Holy Spirit.
He asked this question which needs to be asked of those that would place the yoke of the Law back upon the church: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Gal 3:2
The answer is no!
So why was the Law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. Gal 3:19
Paul also said, “If you are counting on circumcision to make you right with God, then Christ will be of no benefit to you.” Gal 5:2
Perhaps they would say they are not talking about circumcision but the keeping of the Sabbath and the Feasts. Circumcision (Lev 12:3) is as much a part of the Law as the Sabbath and the Feast. You cannot do one without doing the other.
If you are trying to find favor with God by being circumcised, you must obey every regulation in the whole law of Moses. Gal 5:3 Likewise if they keep the Sabbath and Feasts they will be indebted to keep the whole Law.
When we place our faith in Christ Jesus, there is no benefit in being circumcised or being uncircumcised. What is important is faith expressing itself in love. Gal 5:6
Is it possible to then say that the keeping of the Sabbath or the Feasts also has no benefit?
The benefit is not in keeping of New Moons and days but in keeping one’s heart and relationship right with God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. Col 2:16-17