Galatians 3:15-18

Brothers and sisters, I offer an example from everyday life: When a covenant has been ratified, even though it is only a human contract, no one can set it aside or add anything to it.  Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. Scripture does not say, “and to the descendants,” referring to many, but “and to your descendant,” referring to one, who is Christ.  What I am saying is this: The law that came four hundred thirty years later does not cancel a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to invalidate the promise.  For if the inheritance is based on the law, it is no longer based on the promise, but God graciously gave it to Abraham through the promise.

Paul is speaking to the church in Galatia, warning them about adding things to the gospel message. Jesus is the promise to Abraham. In Christ we are not bound to any requirement of the Old Testament law, but are saved by grace through faith alone in Christ alone. "Works of the law" need not accompany our faith in order to validate it. Deeds flow from an authentic faith in Christ Jesus (James 2:14-26). Faith does take action...and it produces fruit.