When we continue in dead works, we become enslaved to a legalistic system which demands of us works only the Holy Spirit can produce in us. The New Covenant is a new heart, not a new set of external demands. Since we cannot achieve these works on our own, we fail to meet our own standards. For this reason, we experience constant bondage and condemnation. 

Condemnation always produces a deep uncertainty or lack of confidence toward God. We dread approaching Him and find all kinds of excuses not to draw near to Him in prayer and communion. Even when we do make a petition to God, we are unable to ask with confidence because of the internal nagging of condemnation. Instead of serving God out of love for Him, we do so out of fear. 

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Gal. 5:1)