What does 'Christ is become of no effect' mean?
It means that when a person seeks justification by law, legalism, or fleshly works, they cancel the work of the cross. Christ cannot even touch them in that condition; they have turned their back on God's provided grace, not lost salvation.
Les explains that circumcision was the big issue because Jewish people were bringing it into Gentile churches, but the same principle applies to anything done in the energy of the flesh—joining the church, being baptized, taking the Lord's Supper, or good works—if tied to salvation. Such things cancel the work of the cross, because God finished everything that needed to be done. Paul testifies that anyone circumcised for justification becomes a debtor to the whole law, which only Christ Himself could keep; keeping the whole law is an utter impossibility. So “Christ is become of no effect” describes those justified by law, legalism, or doing something in the energy of the flesh: He cannot even touch them in that state. “Fallen from grace” does not mean saved people fell out; it means they turned their back on what God provided.
More Questions
Who does Christ become of no effect to?
Christ has become of no effect to anyone who is justified by the law, legalism, or by doing something in the energy of the flesh.
Who does Paul say Christ becomes of no effect to?
Christ is of no effect to anyone who seeks to be justified by the law, by legalism, or by doing something in the energy of the flesh.