Kathy and some of the ladies at the church are studying Paul’s epistle to the church in Galatia. Galatians also frequently appeared as an answer to my recent post asking what your favorite book of the Bible was. That’s not a surprise; it’s often called a gospel of grace.
While not a true gospel, the message of grace is clear: right standing with God comes from God’s initiative, not human achievement.
In the Greek, Paul uses the word charis (grace) seven times. He uses words in the freedom family eleven times. That’s a pretty strong emphasis.
Paul clearly makes the claim that justification is by faith, not by our works. He compares and contrasts grace and legalism.
Paul teaches that as a result of God’s incredible grace, we are free. We have a new beginning and a new identity in Christ. We are included because of faith in what Christ has done.
Paul defines grace by rejecting any system that turns acceptance with God into something to be achieved rather than received. All of that is marvelous news.
Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and stewards until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were enslaved under the elemental things of the world. But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. Galatians 4:1-7
God’s Word proclaims freedom for the believer. We are the adopted sons and daughters of the Most High God. We are beloved of the Father, filled with Holy Spirit and paid for by Christ.
The entirety of the godhead has set us free. Our challenge is to live in that freedom.
Will you?
Be blessed
Kevin
You might also enjoy
