Faith Not Laws

The letter of Paul to the Galatians is often called the "Magna Charta of Christian Liberty," because it deals with the question of whether a Gentile must become a Jew before he can become a Christian. The goal of Galatians is to help us find true freedom in Christ, not just freedom from the penalty of sin but freedom also from the "performance trap." (David B. Curtis)

During Paul's absence from this church, certain men (Judaizers) began to teach that a person needed to perform certain rituals (circumcision) and keep certain Jewish laws (the Law of Moses) - before they could be sure that they were in right standing with God. We call this "legalism."

Do we often think along these lines ourselves? You know what I mean? "Well, they don't volunteer around the church that much," or "they do not attend Sunday School," or "I wonder if they have been baptized," or "do they serve on some important committee??" We can conjure up a long list of do's and don'ts not found in the Bible. Our list - what we expect other believers to conform to - is a "performance trap or legalism," and it attacks the very heart of the Gospel.

Salvation comes as a free gift of God. We have not earned it; we have not bought it; and it is not a reward for our good behavior. It has always been bestowed upon those who are sinful, undeserving, unworthy, and unlikely in the world's eyes to receive such a gift. Not to the rich and famous, wealthy and wise, but to ordinary people like us. This faith is not in ourselves, not in our ability to do or not do certain things, but our faith in the work of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Christ's death on the cross, in which he was cursed for us, according to the law, provided the payment by which anyone might receive the blessing of Abraham and the Holy Spirit by faith. (Holman Bible Dictionary).

Just as Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness, (Gal. 3:6), we are in the same category. It is faith, not works or obeying laws, that saves us.

My faith has found a resting place, not in device nor creed;

I trust the Ever-living One, His wounds for me shall plead.

I need no other argument; I need no other plea,

It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.

Enough for me that Jesus saves, this ends my fear and doubt;
A sinful soul I come to Him, He'll never cast me out.

And, these few days before Christmas, I want to wish each of you dear ladies and those that are reading this Blog, a Blessed and Merry Christmas.