Galatians 2:21
Verse
Context
Paul Confronts Cephas
20I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.21I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I do not frustrate - Ουκ αθετω· I do not contemn, despise, or render useless, the grace of God - the doctrine of Christ crucified; which I must do if I preach the necessity of observing the law. For if righteousness - If justification and salvation come by an observance of the law, then Christ is dead in vain; his death is useless if an observance of the law can save us; but no observance of the law can save us, and therefore there was an absolute necessity for the death of Christ. 1. The account of the prevarication of Peter in the preceding chapter teaches us a most useful lesson. Let him who assuredly standeth take heed lest he fall. No person in a state of probation is infallible; a man may fall into sin every moment; and he will, if he do not walk with God. Worldly prudence and fleshly wisdom would have concealed this account of the prevarication of Peter; but God tells truth. This the fountain of it; and from him we are to expect not only nothing but the truth, but also the whole truth. If the Gospel were not of God we had never heard of the denial and prevarication of Peter, nor of the contention between Paul and Barnabas. And these accounts are recorded, not that men may justify or excuse their own delinquencies by them, but that they may avoid them; for he must be inexcusable who, with these histories before his eyes, ever denies his Master, or acts the part of a hypocrite. Had the apostles acted in concert to impose a forgery on the world as a Divine revelation, the imposture would have now come out. The falling out of the parties would have led to a discovery of the cheat. This relation, therefore, is an additional evidence of the truth of the Gospel. 2. On, I through the law am dead to the law, etc., pious Quesnel makes the following useful reflections: "The ceremonial law, which is no more than a type and shadow of him, destroys itself by showing us Jesus Christ, who is the truth and the substance. The moral law, by leaving us under our own inability under sin and the curse, makes us perceive the necessity of the law of the heart, and of a Savior to give it. The law is for the old man, as to its terrible and servile part; and it was crucified and died with Christ upon the cross as well as the old man. The new man, and the new law, require a new sacrifice. What need has he of other sacrifices who has Jesus Christ? They in whom this sacrifice lives, do themselves live to God alone; but none can live to him except by faith; and this life of faith consists in dying with Christ to the things of the present world, and in expecting, as co-heirs with him, the blessings of the eternal world. And who can work all this in us but only he who lives in us? That man has arrived to a high degree of mortification, who can say Christ liveth in me, and I am crucified to the world. Such a one must have renounced not only earthly things, but his own self also." 3. Is there, or can there be, any well grounded hope of eternal life but what comes through the Gospel? In vain has the ingenuity of man tortured itself for more than 5000 years, to find out some method of mending the human heart: none has been discovered that even promised any thing likely to be effectual. The Gospel of Christ not only mends but completely cures and new makes infected nature. Who is duly apprised of the infinite excellency and importance of the Gospel? What was the world before its appearance? What would it be were this light extinguished? Blessed Lord! let neither infidelity nor false doctrine rise up to obscure this heavenly splendor!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I do not frustrate the grace of God--I do not make it void, as thou, Peter, art doing by Judaizing. for--justifying the strong expression "frustrate," or "make void." is dead in vain--Greek, "Christ died needlessly," or "without just cause." Christ's having died, shows that the law has no power to justify us; for if the law can justify or make us righteous, the death of Christ is superfluous [CHRYSOSTOM]. Next: Galatians Chapter 3
John Gill Bible Commentary
I do not frustrate the grace of God,.... Or "cast it away", as the Vulgate Latin version reads it; or "deny it", as the Syriac and Arabic; or "despise, reject, and make it void", as other versions; meaning either the grace of the Son of God in giving himself for him, just mentioned by him; or the particular doctrine of grace, justification, he is speaking of, as proceeding from the grace of God, upon the foot of the righteousness of Christ; or the whole Gospel, all and each of which would be denied, despised, rejected, made null and void, be in vain, fallen and departed from, should justification be sought for by the works of the law: but this the apostle did not do, and therefore did not frustrate the grace of God: which to do would be to act the most ungenerous and ungrateful part to God, and Christ, and to that love and grace which are so largely displayed in the free justification of a sinner. For if righteousness come by the law; if a justifying righteousness is to be attained unto by the works of the law, or men can be justified by their obedience to it, then Christ is dead in vain; there was no necessity for his dying: he died without any true reason, or just cause; he died to bring in a righteousness which might have been brought in without his death, and so his blood and life might have been spared, his sufferings and death being entirely unnecessary; which to say is to cast contempt upon the wisdom, love, and grace of God in this matter, and to offer the greatest indignity to the person, character, sufferings, and death of Christ. Wherefore it may be strongly concluded, that there is no righteousness by the law of works, nor to be attained that way, otherwise Christ had never died; and that justification is solely and alone by his righteousness. Next: Galatians Chapter 3
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:21 Perhaps Paul’s opponents in Galatia suggested that his message would make God’s grace to Israel meaningless, since it was connected with the law (cp. Rom 3:1-2, 31). Instead, it was Paul’s opponents who treated the grace of God as meaningless by voiding the need for Christ to die.
Galatians 2:21
Paul Confronts Cephas
20I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.21I do not set aside the grace of God. For if righteousness comes through the law, Christ died for nothing.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Through the Bible) Galatians 1-2
By Chuck Smith2.6K1:20:45MAT 20:26ACT 20:24GAL 1:8GAL 1:13GAL 2:16GAL 2:21In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of Peter's encounter with Cornelius, a Roman centurion. Cornelius had a vision in which an angel instructed him to send for Peter to learn about the way of God. Peter, despite his initial hesitation due to Jewish customs, went with Cornelius' messengers to his house in Caesarea. There, Peter shared the gospel with Cornelius and his friends, and to his surprise, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, indicating that Gentiles could also receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes the importance of a loving relationship with God through Jesus, rather than a legalistic approach to following rules. He also highlights the need for humility and servanthood in the church, as taught by Jesus.
Characteristics of the Mind of Christ
By Dennis Kinlaw2.0K58:11Mind of ChristJHN 3:15JHN 3:17GAL 2:19GAL 2:21PHP 2:5PHP 4:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing that it goes against the teachings of Scripture. He highlights four characteristics of a person who has the mind of Christ, two of which are mentioned before a hymn and two after. These characteristics include avoiding selfish ambition and vain conceit, refraining from complaining and arguing, and embracing the cross and despising shame. The speaker reflects on how Jesus exemplified these characteristics and challenges listeners to strive for a selfless mindset. Additionally, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and observations about complaining and finding contentment in one's circumstances.
Adamic Administration - Promise in the Adamic Administration
By John Murray1.6K42:38AdamicGEN 2:17ROM 3:20ROM 4:4ROM 5:17ROM 6:23GAL 2:21EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the tree of life in the Adamic administration. They suggest that the tree of life served a purpose similar to the sacraments in the economies of covenant grace. It would have been sacrilege for Adam to partake of the tree of life after he had sinned, as it would have violated the divine order. The speaker also explores the idea that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil may hold the key to understanding the tree of life. They propose that the knowledge of good and evil could describe the alternative of the probation choice.
Do Not Frustrate the Grace of God
By Robert Traill0ACT 10:43ROM 7:10ROM 10:32CO 6:1GAL 2:21HEB 2:3HEB 3:12REV 22:17Robert Traill preaches on the sin of frustrating the grace of God by seeking righteousness through works of the law, which makes Christ's death in vain. He emphasizes the importance of receiving the grace of God through faith alone, highlighting the sacredness of God's grace and Christ's death. Traill warns against committing the great and horrible sin of frustrating God's grace by not receiving it when offered or seeking other ways for righteousness. He explains how this sin is committed through ignorance, pride, indifference, and unbelief, leading to fancies and devices to please God, reliance on works of the law, and struggles even among those being saved.
Spontaneous Worship
By David Wilkerson0Spontaneous WorshipRevelation of God's GloryEXO 34:8PSA 95:6PSA 100:2PSA 150:6ISA 6:3JHN 4:24ROM 12:1GAL 2:21HEB 12:28REV 4:11David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of spontaneous worship, as demonstrated by Moses in Exodus 34:8, where he worships after experiencing a profound revelation of God's mercy and love. This moment marks the first instance of Moses worshiping, highlighting that true worship arises from an overwhelming recognition of God's glory rather than mere prayer or intercession. Wilkerson points out that worship is a heartfelt response to God's grace, acknowledging that we deserve destruction due to our sins, yet God still loves us. He encourages believers to embrace God's glory and let it inspire their worship, reminding them that true worshipers claim the blessings of God's promises. Ultimately, the revelation of God's nature should be the foundation of all worship.
What Will You Do With Grace? Grace - 3
By Anton Bosch01CO 10:122CO 6:1GAL 2:21GAL 5:4EPH 2:5HEB 4:1HEB 12:15HEB 12:28Anton Bosch emphasizes that while God's grace is limitless and unfailing, it requires acceptance and reception from the recipient to be effective. He warns against living in sin or returning to legalism under the assumption that grace will cover all actions. Bosch highlights the danger of receiving grace in vain, setting aside His grace, falling from grace, and falling short of God's grace, as outlined in various Bible verses.
Law, Grace and Victory
By Theodore Epp0Justification By FaithLaw vs. GraceJHN 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 6:14GAL 2:21GAL 3:4GAL 5:4EPH 2:8Theodore Epp emphasizes that the Christian life is rooted in faith rather than the Law, as articulated by Paul in Galatians. He argues that if righteousness could be achieved through the Law, then Christ's sacrifice would be rendered meaningless. Epp explains that the Law serves to highlight our guilt and need for grace, and that true justification comes through faith in Christ, not through adherence to the Law. He clarifies that while the Law is not dismissed, it is fulfilled through Christ's death, which satisfies its demands. Ultimately, grace and truth are realized through Jesus, contrasting the limitations of the Law.
Christ Did Not Die in Vain
By Robert Traill0JHN 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 8:3GAL 2:21GAL 3:10GAL 3:21GAL 5:2HEB 7:18HEB 9:15Robert Traill preaches on the significance of not seeking righteousness through the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that seeking righteousness through the law frustrates the grace of God and renders Christ's death meaningless. Traill delves into the impossibility of attaining righteousness through the law due to the law's condemnation of sin and the inability of man to fulfill its requirements. He highlights the necessity and purpose of Christ's death in fulfilling God's decree, covenant, and scriptures, bringing everlasting righteousness and purchasing grace and glory for believers.
God's New Israel - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks0MAT 10:8JHN 15:25ROM 3:24ROM 6:232CO 11:7GAL 2:21EPH 2:82TH 3:82PE 1:3REV 21:6REV 22:17Greek Word Studies for aid_number 36083 delves into the concept of 'dorean,' emphasizing that it conveys the idea of a gift bestowed freely, without price or compensation, underscoring the grace of the Giver. The term signifies being given without charge, undeservedly, and without a cause or reason, as seen in various biblical contexts. It is highlighted in Romans 3:24 that justification is a gift by God's grace, not through human effort. The sermon explores the profound truth that God's gift of salvation is freely given, costing us nothing but Christ everything, emphasizing that justification is solely by faith and not by works.
How Holy Is the God of Islam?
By Matt Slick0ISA 64:6JHN 14:6ROM 3:23GAL 2:21EPH 2:8TIT 3:5HEB 9:221PE 1:16Matt Slick discusses the difference between Christianity and Islam regarding forgiveness of sins. He explains that in Christianity, God's holiness is so complete that even our sincerity and repentance are not enough to earn forgiveness, highlighting the need for a blood sacrifice to bridge the gap between God's holiness and our sinfulness. On the other hand, Islam teaches that a person's good works and repentance can earn forgiveness, which Slick argues is based on pride and self-worth. He emphasizes that only in Christianity does God provide forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice, showcasing God's infinite love and holiness compared to the God of Islam.
Grace and Justification
By Robert Traill0ROM 3:24ROM 5:8ROM 5:20ROM 8:332CO 5:212CO 8:9GAL 2:21REV 22:17Robert Traill preaches on the apostle Paul's reproof of the church in Galatia for mixing the works of the law with the righteousness of Christ for justification. Traill highlights the arguments Paul presents against this error, emphasizing the practice of the believing Jews, the consequences of seeking righteousness by the law, and the nature of the new life in Christ. He delves into the concept of frustrating the grace of God and making Christ's death in vain, equating it to the unpardonable sin. Traill explains the grace of God as the doctrine and blessing itself, never to be frustrated, and the act of frustrating it as defeating its purpose. He concludes by emphasizing the glorious display of God's grace in justifying sinners through the righteousness of Christ alone.
The Rule of the Christian Life (3:25 to 5:24)
By C.I. Scofield0ROM 3:19ROM 7:18ROM 8:3GAL 2:21GAL 3:13GAL 3:26GAL 4:61TI 1:7C.I. Scofield preaches about the believer's relationship with the law and the freedom found in grace through faith in Christ Jesus. He emphasizes that true obedience to God's will comes from a renewed heart that longs to do His will, even though the flesh may struggle to obey. The believer is no longer under the law but is a son of God, born into sonship through faith in Christ, and empowered by the Spirit to live a holy life. The contrast between law and grace is highlighted, showing that they are incompatible principles that cannot be mixed.
He Saw the Spirit of God Descending Like a Dove
By C.H. Spurgeon0ROM 5:202CO 5:172CO 7:4GAL 2:21The preacher delves into the concept of 'abounded' in the Bible, emphasizing how grace superabounds over sin, using Romans 5:20 as a focal point. The sermon explores the idea that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, illustrating the overwhelming nature of God's grace compared to sin. Various commentators and theologians are referenced to highlight the depth and extent of God's grace, showcasing how it surpasses and overflows abundantly. The preacher emphasizes the conscious awareness of God's grace in our lives, transforming us and granting victory over sin, ultimately leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Galatians Ii. 16
By John Owen0ROM 3:28ROM 4:5GAL 2:16GAL 2:21EPH 2:8John Owen delves into the epistle of Galatians, emphasizing the core message of justification by faith in Christ alone, without the works of the law. He highlights how believers transitioned from Judaism to the gospel based on their conviction of this fundamental truth. Owen explains that all works, regardless of type or manner of performance, are excluded from playing a role in our justification, emphasizing the danger of seeking righteousness through the law. He underscores the apostle's assertion that if righteousness could be attained through the law, then Christ's sacrifice would be in vain, emphasizing the pivotal role of faith in Jesus Christ for our justification.
Examine Yourselves in the Light of God's Grace
By Robert Traill02SA 23:5JOB 40:4PSA 119:128ACT 7:59ACT 15:1ROM 3:21ROM 7:12GAL 2:21PHP 3:8HEB 11:71JN 4:1Robert Traill preaches on the importance of not frustrating the grace of God by seeking righteousness through the law, emphasizing that true believers cannot commit this sin. He highlights the glorious display of God's grace in justifying sinners through the righteousness of Christ and warns against doctrines that darken, perplex, mix, or oppose the grace of God. Traill urges the congregation to test the spirits, align their thoughts with God's Word, and examine their own hearts in light of God's law, Christ's righteousness, and the grace of God.
What Do You Believe In?
By Theodore Epp0SalvationFaith in ChristACT 16:31GAL 2:21EPH 2:8COL 1:4Theodore Epp emphasizes the significance of having faith in the right object, which is Jesus Christ, rather than merely having faith in faith itself. He commends the Colossians for their faith in Christ, highlighting that true belief must be rooted in the understanding of Christ's sacrificial death for our sins. Epp stresses that faith in Jesus is essential not only for salvation but also for spiritual growth, as it acknowledges our need for His grace and forgiveness. He concludes that saving faith is a total commitment to Jesus as our Lord and life.
And Would Pervert the Gospel of Christ.
By Martin Luther0ROM 11:6GAL 1:7GAL 2:21EPH 2:8Martin Luther emphasizes the danger of false apostles who distort the Gospel by mixing Law and Gospel, leading to the elimination of Christ's grace. He highlights the impossibility of coexisting grace and law in the conscience, stressing that it is either one or the other. Luther warns against the severe consequences of blending faith and works, as it obscures the true knowledge of grace and removes Christ from the equation.
Does Islam Teach Salvation by Works?
By Matt Slick0JER 17:9JHN 6:47ROM 4:3ROM 5:11CO 15:1GAL 2:21EPH 2:81PE 2:24Matt Slick discusses the contrasting views of salvation between Christianity and Islam, emphasizing that Christianity teaches salvation by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ, while Islam combines Allah's grace with the works of the believer for forgiveness and entry into Paradise. Slick points out the uncertainty and lack of assurance in Islam regarding salvation, as it depends on the balance of good and bad deeds on Judgment Day, contrasting with the assurance of salvation in Christianity through faith in Christ's finished work on the cross.
Paul's Vehement Opposition to Legalism
By Art Katz0Grace vs. LegalismThe Atonement of ChristISA 6:1JHN 14:6ROM 3:20ROM 6:4ROM 7:122CO 5:17GAL 2:21GAL 5:4EPH 2:8PHP 3:9Art Katz emphasizes the Apostle Paul's vehement opposition to legalism, particularly in his letter to the Galatians, where he warns against adding the Law to faith in Christ. Paul understood that any attempt to achieve righteousness through the Law contradicts the purpose of Jesus' sacrificial death, which was to condemn the flesh and self-righteousness. His personal encounter with the resurrected Christ on the road to Damascus profoundly shaped his understanding of grace and the necessity of seeing the death of Jesus as a complete atonement for sin. Katz argues that this revelation is crucial for believers today, as any return to self-righteousness undermines the grace of God and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding and appropriation of the atonement to avoid making the grace of God ineffective.
Christ's Righteousness the Believer's Comfort
By Robert Traill0ACT 10:43ROM 3:20ROM 5:8ROM 8:1GAL 2:21HEB 9:26Robert Traill preaches on the significance of the grace of God and the death of Christ, emphasizing that seeking righteousness through the law frustrates the grace of God and renders Christ's death in vain. He highlights that no one can attain righteousness through the law, and Christ's death would be in vain if righteousness could be achieved through any other means. Traill warns against the dreadful sin of making Christ's death in vain, as it goes against God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, impacting believers and non-believers alike.
Do Not Seek Righteousness by the Law
By Robert Traill0PSA 110:3ACT 26:9ROM 11:6GAL 2:21EPH 2:8Robert Traill preaches on the importance of not frustrating the grace of God by seeking righteousness through the law, emphasizing that true righteousness for justification is found only in Christ. He highlights the two grand absurdities of this doctrine: that it frustrates God's grace and renders Christ's death in vain. Traill explains that seeking righteousness through the law is a great and horrible sin, as it opposes the gospel's message of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. He delves into the consequences of frustrating God's grace, cautioning against the dangers of self-righteousness and legalism.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
I do not frustrate - Ουκ αθετω· I do not contemn, despise, or render useless, the grace of God - the doctrine of Christ crucified; which I must do if I preach the necessity of observing the law. For if righteousness - If justification and salvation come by an observance of the law, then Christ is dead in vain; his death is useless if an observance of the law can save us; but no observance of the law can save us, and therefore there was an absolute necessity for the death of Christ. 1. The account of the prevarication of Peter in the preceding chapter teaches us a most useful lesson. Let him who assuredly standeth take heed lest he fall. No person in a state of probation is infallible; a man may fall into sin every moment; and he will, if he do not walk with God. Worldly prudence and fleshly wisdom would have concealed this account of the prevarication of Peter; but God tells truth. This the fountain of it; and from him we are to expect not only nothing but the truth, but also the whole truth. If the Gospel were not of God we had never heard of the denial and prevarication of Peter, nor of the contention between Paul and Barnabas. And these accounts are recorded, not that men may justify or excuse their own delinquencies by them, but that they may avoid them; for he must be inexcusable who, with these histories before his eyes, ever denies his Master, or acts the part of a hypocrite. Had the apostles acted in concert to impose a forgery on the world as a Divine revelation, the imposture would have now come out. The falling out of the parties would have led to a discovery of the cheat. This relation, therefore, is an additional evidence of the truth of the Gospel. 2. On, I through the law am dead to the law, etc., pious Quesnel makes the following useful reflections: "The ceremonial law, which is no more than a type and shadow of him, destroys itself by showing us Jesus Christ, who is the truth and the substance. The moral law, by leaving us under our own inability under sin and the curse, makes us perceive the necessity of the law of the heart, and of a Savior to give it. The law is for the old man, as to its terrible and servile part; and it was crucified and died with Christ upon the cross as well as the old man. The new man, and the new law, require a new sacrifice. What need has he of other sacrifices who has Jesus Christ? They in whom this sacrifice lives, do themselves live to God alone; but none can live to him except by faith; and this life of faith consists in dying with Christ to the things of the present world, and in expecting, as co-heirs with him, the blessings of the eternal world. And who can work all this in us but only he who lives in us? That man has arrived to a high degree of mortification, who can say Christ liveth in me, and I am crucified to the world. Such a one must have renounced not only earthly things, but his own self also." 3. Is there, or can there be, any well grounded hope of eternal life but what comes through the Gospel? In vain has the ingenuity of man tortured itself for more than 5000 years, to find out some method of mending the human heart: none has been discovered that even promised any thing likely to be effectual. The Gospel of Christ not only mends but completely cures and new makes infected nature. Who is duly apprised of the infinite excellency and importance of the Gospel? What was the world before its appearance? What would it be were this light extinguished? Blessed Lord! let neither infidelity nor false doctrine rise up to obscure this heavenly splendor!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
I do not frustrate the grace of God--I do not make it void, as thou, Peter, art doing by Judaizing. for--justifying the strong expression "frustrate," or "make void." is dead in vain--Greek, "Christ died needlessly," or "without just cause." Christ's having died, shows that the law has no power to justify us; for if the law can justify or make us righteous, the death of Christ is superfluous [CHRYSOSTOM]. Next: Galatians Chapter 3
John Gill Bible Commentary
I do not frustrate the grace of God,.... Or "cast it away", as the Vulgate Latin version reads it; or "deny it", as the Syriac and Arabic; or "despise, reject, and make it void", as other versions; meaning either the grace of the Son of God in giving himself for him, just mentioned by him; or the particular doctrine of grace, justification, he is speaking of, as proceeding from the grace of God, upon the foot of the righteousness of Christ; or the whole Gospel, all and each of which would be denied, despised, rejected, made null and void, be in vain, fallen and departed from, should justification be sought for by the works of the law: but this the apostle did not do, and therefore did not frustrate the grace of God: which to do would be to act the most ungenerous and ungrateful part to God, and Christ, and to that love and grace which are so largely displayed in the free justification of a sinner. For if righteousness come by the law; if a justifying righteousness is to be attained unto by the works of the law, or men can be justified by their obedience to it, then Christ is dead in vain; there was no necessity for his dying: he died without any true reason, or just cause; he died to bring in a righteousness which might have been brought in without his death, and so his blood and life might have been spared, his sufferings and death being entirely unnecessary; which to say is to cast contempt upon the wisdom, love, and grace of God in this matter, and to offer the greatest indignity to the person, character, sufferings, and death of Christ. Wherefore it may be strongly concluded, that there is no righteousness by the law of works, nor to be attained that way, otherwise Christ had never died; and that justification is solely and alone by his righteousness. Next: Galatians Chapter 3
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:21 Perhaps Paul’s opponents in Galatia suggested that his message would make God’s grace to Israel meaningless, since it was connected with the law (cp. Rom 3:1-2, 31). Instead, it was Paul’s opponents who treated the grace of God as meaningless by voiding the need for Christ to die.