But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:18-23 (ESV)

 

According to the Apostle Paul, our new life in the Spirit frees us from the need to keep the law for our salvation. In the context of Galatians, failing to rest in what the Holy Spirit has begun within us will result in works of the flesh. The works of the flesh are the works of legalism, and people who strive to justify or maintain their salvation by their own righteousness are contradicting or compromising the gospel. Moreover, Paul tells us that anyone who rely on the works of legalism are under a double curse (Galatians 1:6-9; 2:16; 3:10).

Legalism does not produce holiness.

On the contrary, it leads to destructive behaviour and practices (cf. Galatians 5:19-21) which the Law of Moses specifically warns against. Our new life in the Spirit, on the other hand, enables us to produce fruits of sanctification that reflects the character and conduct of Christ. This is why Paul would say that there is no law to condemn or punish us since our confidence is in Christ's righteousness rather than our own.

God who justifies us sanctifies us.

As we walk in the Spirit, these fruits of sanctification will supernaturally grow and mature, touching every element of our lives. We become so transformed that we fulfil what pleases God without thinking about it or without trying. It is effortless because the grace of God is working powerfully in us to will and work for God’s good pleasure and delight (Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:29).

Holiness is the work of the Holy Spirit. Thus, holiness is not a goal to be achieved, bur a divine gift to be sustained and maintained by the power of the Holy Spirit.