Book of Galatians - Chapter 2 - Verse 21

The verse "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain." emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between grace and righteousness in Christianity. The Apostle Paul is cautioning against the belief that salvation can be earned through adhering strictly to a set of laws or rules. Instead, he is reminding believers that righteousness and salvation come through the grace of God, which was manifested through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ. By trying to achieve righteousness through their own efforts, people are essentially nullifying the significance of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This verse serves as a reminder to Christians to have faith in God's grace and to accept the gift of salvation that comes through Christ, rather than relying on their own works for righteousness.

One theological interpretation of this verse is that it emphasizes the futility of seeking righteousness through adherence to the law instead of relying on the grace of God. The Apostle Paul is cautioning against the idea that one's own works or deeds can earn salvation, as this would negate the need for Christ's sacrifice. By trying to earn righteousness through the law, one effectively nullifies the grace of God that is freely given to us through faith in Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a reminder of the centrality of grace in Christianity and the importance of recognizing the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice for our salvation. The word "frustrate" here can be understood as undermining or making ineffective, highlighting the danger of relying on our own efforts to achieve righteousness before God. Ultimately, this verse underscores the foundational truth that our salvation is a gift from God, made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.