December 1
Galatians 1 -- 3
This letter forever settles the fact that there is but one way to avoid eternal hell and to be assured of eternal life in Heaven by either Jew or Gentile: Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world (Galatians 1:3-4). We are reminded that no one deserves or earns the right to Heaven by keeping the Law. We can only be justified by our faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law. . . . I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me (2:16,20). The Law, given by God to Moses, was threefold: Ceremonial, Judicial, and Moral. The Ceremonial Law included numerous civil regulations to be observed in the worship of God. The Judicial Law described governing ordinances of the nation and provided for the punishment of offenders. The Moral Law was not only given to the Jews, but our Creator holds all mankind accountable. The Ceremonial and Judicial regulations were all types and illustrations of Christ, who fulfilled all the Law. But the full meaning of His grace and undeserved lovingkindness was revealed when Jesus died on the cross that we might be delivered from the judgment of our sin and eventually be in Heaven with Him.
Since no one has the ability to keep the Law of God, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us (3:13). These facts lead us to recognize our great need of a Savior. The Law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster (3:24-25). However, we are led and empowered by the indwelling Holy Spirit to be the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (3:26-29).
Identifying with Christ in baptism demonstrates that we have put on Christ, immersed in His character, filled with His Spirit, and commissioned by Him to reach our world with the Good News that Jesus Christ will soon return to rule the world as King of kings, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen (Galatians 1:5).
Cross References:
For Galatians 3:6: See Gen. 15:6. Gal. 3:8: See Gen. 12:3. Gal. 3:10: See Deut. 27:26. Gal. 3:11: See Hab. 2:4. Gal. 3:12: See Lev. 18:5. Gal. 3:13: See Deut. 21:23.
BPM Staff: Dr. John A. Hash · Pray for your church leaders · Pray for the Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast sponsored by Summer Institute of Linguistics, Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea · Pray for the Arabic Bible Pathway International Radio Broadcast for the month of December sponsored by Terry and Denise Rehfeldt · Country: Macedonia (2 million) in southeastern Europe · Major languages: Macedonian and Albanian · strongly Orthodox country · 60% Macedonian/Albanian/Bulgarian Orthodox; 30% Muslim; 2% Roman Catholic; .2% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Trust the Lord to lovingly care for you and guide you (Deuteronomy 32:11-12).
NOTE: We are listing the President, Vice-President, Supreme Court Justices, Cabinet Members, Senators, Representatives, and Governors on their birthdays. Because we publish in advance, our list may not reflect the results of the most recent elections.
Memory Verse for the Week:
James 2:26