Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. — Galatians 5:1

Paul wrote to assist new believers in maintaining their actual freedom in Christ: freedom from attempting to earn their righteousness via law-keeping (Galatians chapters 3 and 4). The law could not excuse them in the eyes of God. Only trust in Jesus gave them the freedom to be whatever Christ had re-created for them through grace (Galatians 2:14-16; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). They were God’s children through faith, prompted by the Spirit to assume the persona of Jesus (Galatians 5:16-27). We, too, must recognize that as God’s children, we have been set free from the burdens of law-keeping and sin by our confidence in Jesus and our participation with him in baptism by faith (Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 6:3-14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-7). We must never again excuse ourselves via the works of any law, set of norms, or religious obligation. To do so is to surrender our independence and return to servitude. Paul implores us to rely on what Jesus accomplished for us rather than on works of the law. The crucifixion of Christ and the empty tomb free us from sin, death, and servitude to that which cannot rescue us.

 

Thought

Paul wrote to assist new believers in maintaining their actual freedom in Christ: freedom from attempting to earn their righteousness via law-keeping (Galatians chapters 3 and 4). The law could not excuse them in the eyes of God. Only trust in Jesus gave them the freedom to be whatever Christ had re-created for them through grace (Galatians 2:14-16; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). They were God’s children through faith, prompted by the Spirit to assume the persona of Jesus (Galatians 5:16-27). We, too, must recognize that as God’s children, we have been set free from the burdens of law-keeping and sin by our confidence in Jesus and our participation with him in baptism by faith (Galatians 3:26-29; Romans 6:3-14; 1 Corinthians 15:3-7). We must never again excuse ourselves via the works of any law, set of norms, or religious obligation. To do so is to surrender our independence and return to servitude. Paul implores us to rely on what Jesus accomplished for us rather than on works of the law. The crucifixion of Christ and the empty tomb free us from sin, death, and servitude to that which cannot rescue us.

 

Prayer

Holy and Righteous God, my Abba Father, thank you for liberating me from the shame and power of sin! Thank you for releasing me from attempting to earn my salvation via law-keeping. I believe that you will strengthen and transform me by your Spirit. By the Spirit’s strength, I know I can now put my wicked past behind. I want to celebrate your grace by living a life of character and blessing in my family, in my career, and in your world. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. Amen.