Christ died in vain (v. 21)—This can be better translated, “Christ died needlessly.” Those who insist that they can earn salvation by their own efforts undermine the foundation of Christianity and render unnecessary the death of Christ. Understanding the Text 4) How did Peter deviate from the true gospel and become hypocritical? How did Paul respond? (verses to consider: Acts 10) 5) If the law is incapable of saving people, as Paul argued, what is the law’s purpose? (verses to consider: Romans