Monday, July 9, 2007
Galatians 3:1 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. I'd like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law or by believing the Gospel message you heard?
CLING STEADFASTLY TO THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST
That was the question Paul laid on the hearts of the recipients of this New Testament epistle. Why did he find it necessary to write such stern words, yes, even to say that "if an angel should preach a gospel other than the one which the Lord's apostles had proclaimed, let him be cursed" (1:8)? Paul had heard the disquieting report that the Galatians were losing their hold on the blessings of the unconditional Gospel of God's love in Christ. They were turning aside to human ideas on how sinners are saved (faith in Christ, plus human efforts). In loving concern for his dear fellow Christians, as a father who loves his children at times finds it necessary to speak to them using harsh language, Paul wrote this letter as an urgent call to his brothers and sisters in Christ to recognize the danger of mixing faith in their Savior with the opinions of men.
Since the Spirit of God included this letter in the divine record we know He has important lessons for us to learn from it too. We live in a day when different messages are still being peddled in the name of God. Many are the conflicting ideas floating around in the world on how sinful humans can achieve right standing with God. We too need to be encouraged and urged to cling steadfastly to the Gospel of Christ. Only the Gospel of Christ originates from God and is therefore authoritative and dependable. Only the Gospel of Christ proclaims what the Son of God did in love to atone for our sins through His holy life and innocent death. God grant us grace to hold fast this message in faith always!
Since Christ hath full atonement made
And brought to us salvation,
Each Christian therefore may be glad
And build on this foundation.
Thy grace alone, dear Lord, I plead,
Thy death is now my life indeed,
For Thou hast paid my ransom.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 377:6)
