Law vs. Grace
GALATIANS 2:17 - 3:9
(September 16)
In a further attempt to squelch the argument that Gentiles had to first become Jews before they could become Christians, Paul exposes the flaw in this argument by reminding the people of Galatia that it is FAITH that gives you your salvation in Christ, not the LAW.
There was no way for man to meet all the requirements detailed in the law. That is why Christ died for our sins. It is through grace that we are saved. If this weren't true, what would have been the purpose of Christ dying on the cross?
If this were not true, what would be the purpose of the Holy Spirit? It is through receiving the Holy Spirit that new life can start within us. That is when God can begin to work miracles in your life. All because of your faith ... because you BELIEVE!
Paul reminds them of Abraham, and the faith he had in God. God saw the righteousness in Abraham through his faith. That is why the REAL children of Abraham are the ones filled with faith, not obedience to the law. Just as Abraham was saved by faith, so are all who believe, from every nation and every age.
What a great heritage for us today. What a solid foundation this gives us for living our lives for Christ, not for the law. We, as believers filled with faith, get to share in the same blessing Abraham received.
Our hope does not come from being obedient to the Law of Moses. Our hope comes from the assurance that God is our Father and Jesus is our Savior, and because of this, our sins are forgiven, and we are granted eternal life with him.
Is this what you put your hope in each day? Do you trust in the Lord with all your heart? Do you rest in the assurance that you will meet him face to face someday?
Even if that hope you have is still a little uncertain, and you are still trying to strengthen your faith, don't worry. God's Word tells us that faith even the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. We all have to start somewhere. And once we start with that small seed, we water it and nurture it, watching it grow into something beautiful and solid.
But it all starts with that first tiny seed ... that first little step away from the law and into faith. That is what Paul wanted the Galatians to understand, and it is the same thing God wants US to understand today.