The book of Galatians is a letter addressing some Christians who had been persuaded into a different type of gospel where they still needed to keep the law—they were still performing performances and ordinances (works) even though Christ paid the penalty in full (grace) and these things were not required anymore.
“Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:7-9)
“A person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16)
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13)
“You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from my grace.” (Galatians 5:4)
This last one is the one that really struck me. Are we trying to be justified by the law? If so, we are not under grace! His grace cannot redeem us as long as we are putting our focus on performances and ordinances!
In the Book of Mormon, the Nephites were taught, “ye must keep the performances and ordinances of God until the law shall be fulfilled which was given unto Moses.” (2 Nephi 25:30)
So why are we still doing performances (rituals) and ordinances?
Are there works you are preoccupied with, making sure you get done correctly, in order to be worthy of His grace? Like food laws, rituals, paying money, and other commandments done for the wrong reasons?
If you are a part of a religion that focuses on works in order to receive grace, you do not understand that it is a free gift. You are focusing on your own worthiness instead of that of Jesus Christ.
He invited ALL to come unto Him, and He did not mention any strings attached. In fact, He said “let no man judge you for what you eat and drink.” (Col 2:16) Paul taught that tithing should be voluntary, not a commandment.
And Jesus said he that if you add any further ordinances to the Doctrine of Christ, the gates of hell stand ready to receive you (3 Nephi 11:39-40).
Indeed, some have been taught a gospel contrary to that which is in the New Testament, and Paul declares a curse on you (Gal 1:8) and a penalty on those who taught this to you (Gal 5:10).
Learn the gospel of Jesus Christ, from His own words! Let no man (or even angel — see 1:8) confuse you! If you put your trust in dead works, you are cutting yourself off from His grace.
All I Possess 