Apostle Paul emphasized the observance of deeds instituted by the Mosaic Law to illustrate the exclusivity of salvation, which is achieved not through the external performance of ritual ceremonies but through faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith Over Rituals: Paul's Teaching on Law and Grace

Apostle Paul emphasized the observance of deeds instituted by the Mosaic Law to illustrate the exclusivity of salvation, which is achieved not through the external performance of ritual ceremonies but through faith in Jesus Christ. In his view, the Mosaic Law was temporary and served to expose sin and prepare people for the acceptance of Redemption, yet in and of itself, it could not grant righteousness. Paul pointed out that attempts to justify oneself by works of the law result in a person remaining a slave to external rituals and losing the opportunity to enter into a close relationship with God.

As noted in one source, "When the Good News about Jesus Christ spread ... the question of Christians observing the ritual and daily prescriptions of the Mosaic Law arose. ... In his epistle, Paul resolutely opposes such claims and emphasizes that people become pleasing to God not because they attempt to achieve righteousness through their own efforts and precise observance of the rituals prescribed by the Law, but solely through their faith in Jesus Christ" (source: link txt).

Another source further explains that Paul does not deny the importance of good works, but opposes the false notion that righteousness can be attained solely by observing ritual norms and ceremonies, such as circumcision or keeping the Sabbath. He stated that "a person is justified not by the works of the law, but only by faith in Jesus Christ," and it is precisely faith that is the gift of God's grace, liberating one from the bondage of the law (source: link txt).

Thus, Paul's emphasis on the observance of deeds established by the law had a dual meaning. On one hand, he used the law as an example of how it is impossible to earn salvation through external rituals and formal adherence to rules. On the other hand, he aimed to show his readers how to correctly interpret the teachings of the law in the light of salvific faith, which transforms good works into the fruit of true spiritual renewal.

Supporting citation(s):
"When the Good News about Jesus Christ spread throughout the Mediterranean, in Galatia as well as in several other places, the question arose regarding Christians' observance of the ritual and everyday prescriptions of the Mosaic Law. ... In his epistle, Paul resolutely opposes such claims ..." (source: link txt)

"... A person is justified not by the works of the law, but only by faith in Jesus Christ ..." (source: link txt)