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November | November 25, 2021
Thursday, November 25, 2021
We have seen in our study of Galatians that trying to keep the law as a means of getting saved and/or growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ once this relationship has been established, is futile and foolish. The point Paul is making throughout this book is this: the power of faith is not in what the believer produces or accomplishes, but in God from whom the believer receives what was promised and releases it to bless others.
Let’s look at what Galatians says we receive from God by faith. The apostle Paul, who at one time persecuted believers in Jesus Christ, was now “preaching the faith” (Galatians 1:23). He explained in chapter one how he came to receive the true Gospel he now preached. The Gospel cannot be earned or purchased – it is a gift to be received by faith. Those who hear the Gospel preached and receive it are justified “by faith in Jesus Christ” (v. 2:16). To be justified means God accepts you and gives you legal status as one of His children. Before that happens you are a prisoner of sin, and held prisoner by the law (vs. 3:22-23). Now “You are all sons of God through faith in Jesus Christ” (v. 3:26). As sons we “receive the promise of the Spirit” (v. 3:14).
Earlier in chapter 3 Paul asks these rhetorical questions, “Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” The goal of becoming more mature in our walk with God – experiencing the fulfilled life – is only experienced by faith in Jesus Christ.
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