But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (15) For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor I circumcision available anything, but a new creation. (16) And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.  from now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. (18) Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.  Amen

The letter to the Galatians was written by Paul, an Apostle by the will of God. Paul ends this letter  by wishing the Christian Galatians the grace and peace of God. He has refuted the claims of the Judaizers that observance of the Mosaic Law is necessary for salvation.  Paul has defended his apostolic authority and successfully argued that it is by faith alone that man is saved – he has argued, reproved and overlooked nothing that would benefit the Galatians and their journey with Christ.  Paul’s strength and grace to do so was divinely granted and he prays they be preserved and strengthened in Christ until we reach our everlasting home.

There were/are two views of Christians:  Christians suffer not because they are thieves or murderers but for Christ’s sake.   The world sees us as silly creatures but we rejoice in suffering because Paul is saying the world has been crucified to us, meaning Paul is condemning the world.  We are strangers in a strange land.  We learn from the gospel Paul preached that nothing can make us righteous and a new man/woman except faith in Christ Jesus. Good works avail us nothing; it is faith in Christ alone. Good works can improve our outward appearances but cannot produce a new creature. The new rule is to put on a new man and that is how we should live – the new man is forgiven his sins and enjoys the peace of Christ.