Galatians 4:8-11 ESV

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.

-----

8 Subalit noong una, nang hindi pa ninyo kilala ang Diyos, kayo'y naging mga alipin ng mga hindi likas na diyos. 9 Subalit ngayong nakikilala na ninyo ang Diyos, o sa halip ay kinikilala na kayo ng Diyos, bakit muli kayong nagbabalik sa mahihina at hamak na mga panimulang aral, na sa mga iyon ay nais ninyong muling maging mga alipin? 10 Nangingilin kayo ng mga araw, mga buwan, mga panahon, at mga taon. 11 Ako'y natatakot na nagpagal ako sa inyo nang walang kabuluhan.

KNOWN BY GOD.

Knowing God means freedom from enslavement of sin. It’s a fact and a great blessing that we know God. But, most appropriately, it is He who knows us. We know Him because He initiated it. He revealed himself. Paul had expressed the impossibility of knowing God in Rom 3:10-11, that is;

“as it is written:

“None is righteous, no, not one;

no one understands;

no one seeks for God.”

Being known by God is effectual. The believer becomes a new person. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”[2 Cor 5:17]. This means, he has a new heart, with new desires and passions.

However, Paul had concerns to the believers at Galatia. His labor [preaching and teaching them the gospel] might be in vain. Having been surprised, he asked, “how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?” Peter said, “What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”” [2 Pet 2:22]

The believer’s life must be marked by a significant difference between his former and present life. The once cherished life of sin is now abandoned and rejected. The old and the new can’t be pursued simultaneously as mixing oil and water. By rejecting the past, a new lifestyle direction is pursued. As Paul had resolved in his life, we may also declare today, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” [Gal 2:20]

Since you trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, do you see a significant change in your life? Do others perceive that you have changed in your talk and walk of life? Let us be sure that when we claim before people that we are Christians that it will confirm their suspicions, not to surprise them.

-----------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Galatians 4:4-7 ESV

4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

_____

4 Subalit nang dumating ang ganap na kapanahunan, isinugo ng Diyos ang kanyang Anak, na ipinanganak ng isang babae, at ipinanganak sa ilalim ng kautusan, 5 upang tubusin ang mga nasa ilalim ng kautusan, upang matanggap natin ang pagkupkop bilang mga anak. 6 At sapagkat kayo'y mga anak, isinugo ng Diyos ang Espiritu ng kanyang Anak sa ating mga puso, na sumisigaw, “Abba, Ama!” 7 Kaya't hindi ka na alipin kundi anak; at kung anak, ay tagapagmana.

REDEEMED.

It was God who first prophesied about the coming of the ‘seed of the woman’ when He pronounced the curse to the serpent. Gen 3:15 says;

“ I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and her offspring;

he shall bruise your head,

and you shall bruise his heel.”

God covenanted this unilaterally. Sooner or later, His promise would be fulfilled. God is faithful [Num 23;19] “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.”[ Ecc 3:11]

Jesus was born under the law in order to redeem those who were under the law. Jesus was born into an ordinary Jewish family, Joseph and Mary. It was a miracle for Mary had conceived and gave birth while she was a virgin. [Matt 1:18].

As a Jew, Jesus was born literally "under the law." He was the only human who kept the law perfectly. And in so doing, He had declared that He had "fulfilled" the law (Matthew 5:17). That is, He had satisfied all of its requirements. And ultimately, He died on the cross to pay the penalty for sinners. (Galatians 3:13).

His mission is to redeem us from the law. The word translated as "redeem" is from the Greek root word exagorazo, which means to buy a slave out of bondage. Because were literally slaves to our own sinfulness with no hope of escape, Jesus paid for our ransom at the cross, declaring “It is finished”, literally “Paid in full”. [John 19:30]

Moreover, in our redemption, He sent the Holy Spirit as confirmation to our adoption. Thus, He makes it possible for us to call God our “Abba” Father! Can any child who is not a legitimate child of a person call him daddy? Of course not!

Paul had elaborated this in his epistle to the Romans. He writes, “ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.”[Rom 8:14-17]

-----------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Galatians 4:1-3 ESV

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.

-----

1 Ganito ang ibig kong sabihin: ang tagapagmana, habang bata pa ay hindi nakahihigit sa mga alipin bagama't siya ang may-ari ng lahat, 2 subalit siya ay nasa ilalim ng mga tagapangalaga at mga katiwala hanggang sa panahong itinakda ng ama. 3 Gayundin tayo, nang tayo'y mga bata pa, tayo'y naalipin sa mga panimulang aral ng sanlibutan.

Paul draws the domestic imagery pertaining to man’s relationship with the law. The child has then entitled heir of his wealthy father. But, he won’t be able to possess it until his legal age. Thus, during his childhood, he is under guardians and managers. They dealt with him not different from a slave. In other words, he lived day by day with limited freedom. While they oversee the estate and make decisions about property and investments, they also discipline the child. And until a specific date, he would inherit his portion of the family estate as designated by the father.

WHEN THE SON IS LIKE A SLAVE.

Notedly, the Jews are heirs to the promises of Abraham by birth. Similarly, Christians [ Jews and Gentiles] are heirs by faith in Christ. Yet all, as children are enslaved to the “elementary principles of the world”. Paul has referred this to all religions (including the Old Testament Law and especially its ritual system) before and outside of Christ. All of us have lived in a similar predicament.. decisions about property and investments, they also discipline the child. And until a specific date, he would inherit his portion of the family estate as designated by the father.

Such was the case of the nation of Israel while they were under Moses. And in a similar sense, this apply to the Gentile believers' previous history when they were under the pagan philosophies of their own culture as well. Gentile believers once lived as slaves to "the elementary principles of the world" until Christ came.

Notedly, the Jews are heirs to the promises of Abraham by birth. Similarly, Christians [ Jews and Gentiles] are heirs by faith in Christ. Yet all, as children are enslaved to the “elementary principles of the world”. Paul has referred this to all religion (including the Old Testament Law and especially its ritual system) before and outside of Christ. All of us have lived under a similar predicament.

In this light, Paul had warned us. He said, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”[Col 2:8]

“Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind.”[Col 2:16-18]

What does this mean for us today? Should we allow these things in the world to govern our lives, we are sons who live like slaves. Let us not allow compromises, that is by not “making void the word of God by your tradition[ man made] that you have handed down.”[Mark 7:13]

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

-Galatians 3:26-29 ESV

26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.

-----

26 Sapagkat kay Cristo Jesus, kayong lahat ay mga anak ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya. 27 Sapagkat ang lahat na sa inyo na binautismuhan kay Cristo ay ibinihis si Cristo. 28 Walang Judio o Griyego, walang alipin o malaya, walang lalaki o babae, sapagkat kayong lahat ay iisa kay Cristo Jesus. 29 At kung kayo'y kay Cristo, kayo nga'y mga binhi ni Abraham, mga tagapagmana ayon sa pangako.

WE ARE ONE IN CHRIST.

More than sons of Abraham, the believers in Christ are all sons of God. The Gentiles no longer needed to think of themselves as lesser members in the family of God. Full rights and privileges of a full son or daughter of God are granted to all who trust in Christ for their salvation from sin.

Every believer is baptized into Christ. Most likely, this refers not about water baptism. More likely, Paul means that believers are baptized in (or into) the Holy Spirit when they trust in Christ for salvation. It is the instantaneous act of the Spirit to come and indwell in their hearts. "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."[1 Cor 12:3]

The picture is like putting on a robe or a garment. Thus, every believer has ‘put on’ Christ. Hence, he is identified with Christ. His righteousness is clothed upon each one of us. “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” [Rom 10:4]

Nobody has the monopoly of the Spirit. We are all equal in our standing before God. However, we maintain our distinctions in our functions. Like for example in marriage. Both husband and wife are equal before God positionally. Yet, the husband is the head and the wife submits to his leadership as a help meet.

The gospel provides unity despite our diversity. It is our recognition and faithful conduct of our unique and distinct roles or functions in the body that promote unity. This is to distinguish from uniformity. Everyone should be unique and distinct as he or she is, and not strive to be like somebody else. And one’s role doesn’t diminish his or her importance in the body of Christ. This Paul has elaborated, by saying, “ On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.”[1 Cor 12:22-26]

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Galatians 3:21-25 ESV

21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

21 Kung gayon, ang kautusan ba ay salungat sa mga pangako ng Diyos? Huwag nawang mangyari. Sapagkat kung ibinigay ang isang kautusan na makapagbibigay-buhay, samakatuwid, ang katuwiran ay sa pamamagitan ng kautusan.22 Subalit ibinilanggo ng kasulatan ang lahat ng mga bagay sa ilalim ng kasalanan, upang ang ipinangako sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya kay Jesu-Cristo ay maibigay sa mga sumasampalataya.23 Ngunit bago dumating ang pananampalataya, nabibilanggo tayo at binabantayan sa ilalim ng kautusan, hanggang sa ang pananampalataya ay ipahayag.24 Kaya't ang kautusan ay naging ating tagasupil hanggang sa dumating si Cristo, upang tayo'y ariing-ganap sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya.25 Subalit ngayong dumating na ang pananampalataya, tayo ay wala na sa ilalim ng tagasupil.

IS THE LAW THEN CONTRARY TO THE PROMISES OF GOD?

The law and promises of God are not opposed to each other. Apparently, both serve different ultimate purposes. The law was not designed and given to give life, however, because no human being has ever been able to keep it perfectly, aside from Christ Himself. Thus, no human beings could become righteous—"justified"—by following the law.

The Scriptures manifested that we are all imprisoned "under sin,"[see v.22]  And, this leads to condemnation and hopelessness of all sinners.  We are sinful. And, knowing what God wants us to do makes us more guilty. We can not stop sinning. So what is the way out?

It comes only through the promise given to Abraham through his offspring, Christ. That season under the law was just temporary, however. Eventually, faith upon Christ came. Those who believe in Christ "by faith" do receive the promise. Paul will go on to show how receiving that promise, along with Christ, provides for the forgiveness of and escape from our sin.

The law as described by Paul is a "pedagogue." This word in English is commonly referred as "guardian," or "tutor."In Greek families, he was a servant entrusted with protecting and caring for the children until late adolescence. Unlike a teacher, his role is to discipline the child.  He taught them morals and corrected them until the kids got old enough. Then the tutor isn’t needed anaymore.

Similarly, the law does serve its purpose if it directs sinners and points them  to Christ, who only can transform hearts. And once we are in Christ, we are not under the law. There is now no more condemnation to us who are in Christ. [Rom 8:1] We are not made righteous by following the law but by faith in Christ. In Him, we become new creation.[2 Cor 5:17] In fact, we are His workmanship created unto good works, that is, to fulfill the law. Paul said, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” [Eph 2:10]

We are not justified by following the law. We are justified by faith in Christ. Consequently, for being made righteous, we have the power through the Spirit to do righteous acts or obey the law. True freedom in Christ is obeying the law not by obligation but with joy in our hearts.

-----------------------------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook

Galatians 3:19-20 ESV

19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.

19 Bakit pa mayroong kautusan? Ito ay idinagdag dahil sa mga paglabag, hanggang sa dumating ang binhi na siyang pinangakuan; at ito'y ibinigay sa pamamagitan ng mga anghel sa kamay ng isang tagapamagitan.20 Ngayon, ang tagapamagitan ay nangangahulugan na may higit sa iisang panig; subalit ang Diyos ay iisa.

WHY THEN THE LAW?

Perhaps, the insistent Judaizers must have asked this question. What was the point of the law, then? It was added because of transgressions. That is, after Abraham who had received the promise, his descendants continued to transgress. Thus, God gave them the law to show them His standards of what are right actions are they going to take and sinful acts for them to avoid.

Furthermore, God had instituted it to show the Israelites, and all of us, just how sinful we really are. In Rom 5:20, Paul argued, “Now the law came in to increase the trespass.” Without the law, man may not be aware how sinful he is. Against the backdrop of the law, man are made conscious to his rebellion and sinfulness. Simply put, where the law is implemented. There is the knowledge of sin.

Then Paul added that the law was put in place through angels and by an intermediary, from the Greek term mesitou, also translated as "mediator." In other words, the law was a covenant between two parties, God and Israel. God was represented in this agreement by angels. Israel was represented by Moses. The covenant agreement was this: If Israel would keep God's commands, He would bless them. If the people disobeyed, God would curse or punish them. It was a two-way covenant.

God, however, is "one," Paul concludes. He does not require human beings to be involved in order to make a covenant. We call this a unilateral covenant or promise. God gave promises to Abraham and his offspring without demanding anything in return. Abraham simply believed, and God gave. Jesus is "the offspring" who received what was promised to Abraham's descendants. Those who are "in Christ" receive those promises, as well, without need of help from the law.

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook

Galatians 3:15-18 ESV

15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

15 Mga kapatid, ako ay nagsasalita ayon sa tao, kapag napagtibay na ang tipan ng isang tao, walang makapagdaragdag o makapagpapawalang-bisa nito.16 Ngayon, ang mga pangako ay ginawa kay Abraham at sa kanyang binhi. Hindi sinasabi, “At sa mga binhi,” na tungkol sa marami; kundi tungkol sa iisa, “At sa iyong binhi,” na si Cristo.17 Ito ang ibig kong sabihin: “Ang kautusan, na dumating pagkaraan ng apat na raan at tatlumpung taon, ay hindi nagpapawalang-bisa sa tipan na dati nang pinagtibay ng Diyos, upang pawalang-saysay ang pangako.18 Sapagkat kung ang mana ay sa pamamagitan ng kautusan, ito ay hindi na sa pamamagitan ng pangako, subalit ipinagkaloob ito ng Diyos kay Abraham sa pamamagitan ng pangako.

THE PROMISE.

Arguing from a legal standpoint, Paul had emphasized that a ratified will[covenant] could not be annulled even if the person creating it had passed away. This is valid under Greek law. Thus, the fulfilment of God’s covenant to Abraham is not affected by the law, which came 430 years later.

Hence, God’s promise to Abraham and his offspring is unconditional. This covenant was announced by God to Abraham unilaterally. “Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”[ Gen 12:1-3] Clearly, God takes the onus of keeping the covenant upon Himself.

“When a covenant was dependent upon both parties keeping commitments, then both parties would pass between the pieces of animals. In Genesis 15, God alone moves between the halves of the animals. Abraham was in a deep sleep. God’s solitary action indicates that the covenant is principally His promise. He binds Himself to the covenant.”[ from gotquestions.org]

Abraham’s offspring is the Lord Jesus. He is the fulfilment of God’s promise. For through Him, all the nations will be blessed by faith. That is why, today, those who trust him are sons of Abraham. Jesus had initiated the new covenant through His sacrifice, by saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.”[Luke 22:20]

There will come a time in the future that the descendants of Abraham [Jews] will possess the entire territory or land promised to them. When the Messiah will return, he will set up His throne, and through His righteous rule the whole world will be truly blessed. For there will be an abundance of peace, pleasure, and prosperity.

God’s children live by God’s promise. We are adopted into His family through His grace by faith alone. In Jesus, we received those covenant promises made to Abraham. Thus, all who trust in Christ's sacrifice for their sin, positionally "in Christ” do receive the blessings promised to Abraham's offspring. We receive whatever is entitled to Him because we have been given credit from His sinless and perfect life of sacrifice.

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook

Galatians 3:10-14 ESV

10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

-----

10 Sapagkat ang lahat na umaasa sa mga gawa ng kautusan ay nasa ilalim ng sumpa; sapagkat nasusulat, “Sumpain ang bawat isang hindi sumusunod sa lahat ng bagay na nasusulat sa aklat ng kautusan.”11 Ngayon ay maliwanag na walang sinumang inaaring-ganap sa harapan ng Diyos sa pamamagitan ng kautusan, sapagkat “Ang matuwid ay mabubuhay sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya.”12 Subalit ang kautusan ay hindi nakasalig sa pananampalataya; sa halip, “Ang gumagawa ng mga iyon ay mabubuhay sa mga iyon.”13 Tinubos tayo ni Cristo mula sa sumpa ng kautusan nang siya'y naging sumpa para sa atin—sapagkat nasusulat, “Sumpain ang bawat binibitay sa punungkahoy”—14 upang kay Cristo Jesus ang pagpapala ni Abraham ay dumating sa mga Hentil, upang ating tanggapin ang pangako ng Espiritu sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya.

NOT BY STRIVING BUT IN RESTING.

Life under the law is a life under God’s curse. Quoting Deut 27:26, Paul said, “for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” He who insists to obtain righteousness by following the law should be sure to follow everything in it. As Paul said, “The one who does them shall live by them.” But, is there anyone among us who can perfectly follow the law? An onerous task that is easier said than done. James said, “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.”[Jas 2:10] Simply put, we can’t fulfil the law. Thus, we’re guilty and condemned before the Lawgiver.

Indeed, we stand hopeless before the holy God. But, He loves us so that He gave Him to us. “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”[1 Pet 2:24,25] “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”[2 cor 5:21]

What a good news! It’s not by our striving but in resting at the finished work of Christ. The righteous shall live by faith. Man has to repent from his sins. That is, he must recognize that it is sinful to trust in his religion or good works and he should turn away from it. And, he must trust in Christ and His work alone. Paul said, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”[Eph 2:8,9]

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Galatians 3:6-9 ESV

6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?

7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

-----

6 Kung paanong si Abraham ay sumampalataya sa Diyos, at ito'y ibinilang sa kanya na katuwiran.7 Kaya't inyong nakikita na ang mga sumasampalataya ay mga anak ni Abraham.8 At ang kasulatan, na nakakaalam nang una pa man na aariing-ganap ng Diyos ang mga Hentil sa pamamagitan ng pananampalataya, ay ipinahayag ang ebanghelyo nang una pa man kay Abraham, na sinasabi, “Sa iyo ay pagpapalain ang lahat ng mga bansa.”9 Kaya't ang mga sumasampalataya ay pinagpapalang kasama ng mananampalatayang si Abraham.

THE SONS OF ABRAHAM

Since the Old Testament, salvation has been always by faith and not by works. Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” [Rom 4:3] “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” That is, through his offspring, who is Christ [v.16] Jesus did testify about this when He said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”[John 8:56]

As Gentiles, we could be blessed to receive this salvation should we believe Jesus as Abraham did. So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” In fact, “those of faith are the sons of Abraham.” Thus, no believer should feel he is an orphan!

In the Old Testament times, Abraham and others looked forward to the birth of the Messiah. Their lamb sacrifices were expressions of their faith that forgiveness of sins was through the substitutionary death of the sacrifice. And, at the start of Christ’s earthly ministry, John the Baptist had introduced Him and proclaimed, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! [John 1:29] Three years later, Jesus shouted at the cross before He died, “ It is finished!” [John 19:30]

Today, we looked back at the historical event that happened at Calvary more than two thousand years ago. “Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”[1 Cor 15:3-5] “In Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”[Eph 1:7]

We sigh that you and I are sons of Adam. “Just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”[Rom 5:12] But, we can be sons of Abraham too. If we believe in Jesus as our Savior and Lord today.

-------------------------

Visit and FOLLOW Gospel Light Filipino on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram

Galatians 3:1-5 ESV

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. 2 Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith-

-----

O hangal na mga taga-Galacia! Sino ang gumayuma sa inyo? Sa harapan ng inyong mga mata ay hayagang ipinakita si Jesu-Cristo na ipinako sa krus!2 Ang tanging bagay na nais kong matutunan mula sa inyo ay ito: Tinanggap ba ninyo ang Espiritu sa pamamagitan ng mga gawa ng kautusan, o sa pamamagitan ng pakikinig sa pananampalataya?3 Napakahangal ba ninyo? Nagpasimula kayo sa Espiritu, ngayon ba'y nagtatapos kayo sa laman?4 Inyo bang naranasan ang maraming bagay ng walang kabuluhan?—kung tunay nga na ito ay walang kabuluhan.5 Ang Diyos ba ay nagbibigay sa inyo ng Espiritu at gumagawa ng mga himala sa gitna ninyo sa pamamagitan ng inyong pagtupad sa mga gawa ng kautusan, o sa pakikinig sa pananampalataya?

ARE YOU SO FOOLISH?

Paul was very sure that the believers at Galatia understood clearly the gospel. As he introduced Jesus unto them, he had clearly portrayed Him as crucified for their salvation. This was Paul’s central message, as he said, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”[1 Cor 2:2]

However, these believers were dissuaded to believe that their righteousness by faith in Christ as the work of the Spirit was incomplete. They had to work or observe the law. Thus, Paul had not hesitated to call them foolish? Why?

Firstly, it’s an insult to Christ. By doing so, they “nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” [Gal 2:21] Salvation, therefore, is by grace alone without the works of the law.

Secondly, it was not based on good sense. As if they were victims of a spell. They had not thought it over. Should our salvation that began in Spirit[God] be completed in the flesh[man]? Definitely not! It’s like a diver who dives underwater. And, after awhile, he throws his S.C.U.B.A. to keep himself underwater. It’s a ridiculous thought, is it not?

Since we received our salvation by faith in God alone, he does the safekeeping of it. As Peter articulated it in his epistle, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.[1 Pet 1:3-5]

Let’s not be foolish to believe the lies of the devil. As D. L. Moody said, “I believe hundreds of Christian people are being deceived by Satan now on this point, that they have not got the assurance of salvation just because they are not willing to take God at His word [Rom. 10:17]. But, a man said to me, "no one has come back, and we don't know what is in the future. It is all dark, and how can we be sure?" Thank God! Christ came down from heaven, and I would rather have Him, coming as he does right from the bosom of the Father, than any one else. We can rely on what Christ says, and He says: "He that believeth on Me shall not perish, but have everlasting life [Jn. 3:16]." Not that we are going to have it when we die, but right here to-day.”