Family Chapel

What was once a dreadful symbol of torture and death, the cross is instead embraced by Christians as a proof of hope, victory, and love. If there's ever a need to remind ourselves that God is with us, for us, and loves us, we only have to look to the cross. There is victory in and through the cross, the finished work of Jesus Christ. And as we celebrate and reflect on this day of victory that Jesus purchased for us through his blood, let us walk in victory. Even in the midst of our trials and circumstances, we can thrive.

What was once a dreadful symbol of torture and death, the cross is instead embraced by Christians as a proof of hope, victory, and love. If there's ever a need to remind ourselves that God is with us, for us, and loves us, we only have to look to the cross. There is victory in and through the cross, the finished work of Jesus Christ. And as we celebrate and reflect on this day of victory that Jesus purchased for us through his blood, let us walk in victory. Even in the midst of our trials and circumstances, we can thrive.

Wrapping up his theological argument, Paul concludes this section with one final thrust to bring the Galatians back to the truth of the Gospel. In using the picture of Sarah and Hagar, Paul turns a common attack used by the Judaizers on its head, and declares that only those who rest upon faith alone are the true children of God, the children of promise. While life on this side of eternity may and often will be difficult, we have a hope and promise that allows us to live in true freedom.

After putting forth tightly weaved arguments to defend the truth of justification by faith, Paul takes a little pause in his letter and he makes a direct appeal to his friends who have turned their backs on Christ. And by setting an example, Paul encourages us to minister to our backsliding friends by leaning into the relationship, speaking the truth in love, and holding on to joyful hope.

Justification has two implications: one legal (we are not guilty but declared righteous) and the other relational. Here in Galatians 4:25-4:7 we are looking at the relational aspect that comes with justification by faith. To the Jews, their distinctive identity and justification surrounded the Law (Torah) and their heritage (that they were Abraham’s offspring by circumcision). In response, after dealing with the true purpose of the Law, Paul is now arguing that being a true offspring of Abraham is not based on ethnicity or works (circumcision), but rather faith in Christ. Therefore, justification by faith leads to a whole new relational identity with God and with one another as adopted sons and daughters of God. In addition, we become heirs through Christ to all the promised blessings to enjoy for all eternity. We will explore this glorious truth of adoption given by grace and promise.

After making it very clear that we are not saved by works of the Law, Paul now addresses the question: Then what's the purpose the Law? Far from being a contradiction to the promise made to Abraham (justification by grace alone through faith alone), the Law serves very important subordinate and complementary purposes: to point out our sin and to point to our Savior. The Law reveals the depths of our sinfulness and the Law reveals our desperate need for our Savior. In doing these important functions, the Law fulfills its role in God's plan of salvation.

After the Apostle Paul argues that justification is by faith alone, he addresses the issue of justification through the works of the Law. Paul makes clear that all those who seek to live by the Law will need to perfectly do all of the Law. If not, they will die by the Law. The Law is inflexible and uncompromising. The Law demands perfection. And all those who don't measure up fall under its curse. But the good news of the Gospel is that Christ has taken on the curse of the Law on our behalf. And so instead of being cursed, all those who put their faith in Christ, are blessed and receive the promise of the Holy Spirit.

In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul hammers home the heart of the Gospel: justification by faith. We are justified not by means of our works, but by means of faith in Christ. However, we can find ourselves functionally living out of justification by works. Paul points to our experience of conversion and the example of Abraham to encourage us to hold on to justification by faith alone.

Previously, we saw Paul presenting the issue at hand regarding a false gospel. Then he defends his position for the true gospel and also confirms that it is in accordance with the Jewish leaders. And so this week, we get to the heart of what that true gospel is. The true gospel says that we are justified by faith and faith alone. It is not Christ + something else. It is Christ alone. To the Galatians, they were tempted to make the gospel about Christ + circumcision (law). To us, we are tempted to make the gospel about Christ + our own efforts (good works, self-justification). But justification is by faith alone. This does not lead into loose sinning, rather it leads to a life of power and freedom through our union with Christ. The world thinks good works precedes justification, but the true gospel says justification precedes good works. And we discover this to be true because love is the greatest motivator and "Christ in me" the ultimate power.