A Few Thoughts on the Book of Galatians

It's amazing how you can read Scripture over and over and each time, find something new to you, and beautiful within. That's how I felt after reading the book of Galatians again. The grace of God just shone through more than it ever has. I thought I'd share a bit here today.

My NKJV introduction says here of the book:

"The Galatians, having launched their Christian experience by faith, seem content to leave their voyage of faith and chart a new course based on works - a course Paul finds disturbing.

His letter to the Galatians is a vigorous attack against the gospel of works and a defense of the gospel of faith."'

I felt both of these deeply: a vigorous attack on works and a defense of grace through faith.

“For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:19-21

That last sentence says it all.

If Jesus didn't die to fulfill the law and make us right with Him through His death and resurrection, than He died in vain. But if He did fulfill the law through His death and resurrection, than when we humbly come to Him in repentance we are set free from the law and become His righteousness.

His grace is sufficient.

"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree' " Gal. 3:13

That's what He did on that cross. He became the curse for us so we could be free of the law and given the gift of grace.

But we must believe.

"But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." Gal. 3:22

Paul gives a harsh warning to the Galatians here:

"You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace." Gal. 5:4

In this verse Paul is letting the Galatians know their own attempt of justification through their own works is estranging (severed) them from Christ and has made them fall from grace.

This tells us of the utmost importance of putting our faith and hope solely in Christ and not in our own works for our justification.

This is a great book to sit down one evening and read through all at once. It's only six chapters and I think it may be easier to grasp if you do so.

I believe the key to understanding Scripture is to be in communion with the Lord. Talk to Him, ask Him anything, ask Him to help you understand. If it's your hearts desire He will be faithful to answer in His time. And when He does you will see how amazing His grace really is.

LORD, You have heard the desire of the humble;
You will prepare their heart;
You will cause Your ear to hear." Psalm 10:17