Justification by faith (Galatians 1-3)

Paul challenges the Galatians with a set of beliefs that is found only in Christianity: justification by faith.  In every other belief system the way to eternal life is paved by doing good works.  In Christianity, the way to eternal life is not paved by good works because there is no one good enough to make it all the way there.  After all, how good is good enough?  Can a person lie one too many times?  How would an impartial judge determine someone's destiny is such a situation?  Ultimately no one is capable of being good enough to make it to heaven.  So how do we get there?  Through Christ's death.  Your justification before God is made through your faith that Christ's death paid your debt of sin.  In other words, Jesus died so you don't owe God anymore.  Apparently the Galatians were confused on this because they were trying to live up to the Law to earn their tickets into Heaven.  It's a nice idea, but it's not realistic.  That's one thing that makes Christianity different than any other religion: you can NEVER be good enough; you have to simply trust in Christ.  And let's be honest, what could be more fair than that?  It's an open invitation to anyone who wants to accept it.  All are welcome; none is turned away.  You can't earn it; you simply have to trust.