◄ What Does Galatians 5:10 Mean? ►

In the later chapters of Galatians, Paul concentrates on applying the truths he taught earlier in his epistle. Having defended his divinely appointed apostleship, clearly expounded the gospel of grace, and insisted that justification is by faith alone through faith in Christ, and not by works of the Law, he turns his attention on how to put his teachings into practice; how to live by faith.

Earlier, he taught about the freedom we have in Christ and that trying to reintroduce works of the Law into our Christian life, as the Judaisers taught, would place us back under its bondage. In this section, Paul wants his readers to apply the truth of God's Word and appropriate what is already ours by faith in Christ, for we have ALL we need for life and godliness, as a gift of God's grace. 

He not only insists that we are truly free because Christ has set us free, but gives guidance on how to avoid becoming enslaved, once again, under the Law. We are to stand firm in the faith by looking to Jesus. We are not to submit to the yoke of slavery which Christ removed when we were saved, and we do this by believing the truth of His Word, and not listening to the lies of the enemy or unbiblical teachings from false prophets.

We are to refuse to find 'favour' with God through practices like circumcision, rather than by faith in Christ alone. We are to reject the lie that following rules, regulations, rites, or rituals (as the Judaisers insisted), will gain us 'brownie points' with God. There is only one way to please God and gain His approval and that is by faith in Christ (believing His Word and fulfilling His will).

We are to walk worthy of our position in Christ by faith. Not by trying to carry out a list of 'conditions' but by believing His Word, for without faith it is impossible to please God. We are to accept that our salvation depends on what Christ did for us and not what we do for God. 

Paul knew that Christians who return to the Law have fallen from grace. They have substituted the slavery of the Law for the freedom we have in Christ. They have submitted to a yoke of slavery rather than cherishing our freedom in Christ, and rejoicing in the hope of our salvation. But Paul's confidence was in the Lord. He firmly believed the One who started a good work in these believers would faithfully complete it. 

He knew the Father has promised to hold us firm to the end. God has said in His Word that He will confirm us blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, for those He justified, He has promised to glorify. Paul knows God is able to work all things together, for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose and so he was able to write: "I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will adopt no other view." 

Judgement would indeed fall on the false teachers and Judaisers who were leading the Galatians astray, but Paul's trust was in God to bring these believers through to the end. Paul was convinced they would adopt no other view of salvation but the truth of God's written Word. But what a sombre warning for those who lead God's children astray: "The one who is disturbing them will bear his judgment, whoever he is."

Those who deliberately lead God's children astray will one day have to face the terrible consequences of their evil actions.

Heavenly Father, thank You that You started a good work in me at my salvation and have promised to complete it at the day of Christ. Protect my heart and mind from any of the false teachings that have infiltrated Christendom today, and help me never to substitute slavery to the Law for the freedom I have in Christ. Thank You that justification is by faith alone in Christ alone and not by works of the Law. I pray that I would hold fast to the truth of Your Word, day by day, and study to show myself approved unto You. This I ask in Jesus' name, AMEN.