Bible Pathway - Dec. 1, 2011

Highlights:

The greatest news in history — there is only one Gospel that calls us into the grace of Christ (Gal. 1:6-9)! The Lord sent Peter to Jews, Paul to Gentiles (2:8). We are not justified by the works of the Law. But did you know justification is by faith in Jesus Christ, that we might live unto God (2:16-21; Matt. 5:16; John 6:36)? Christ liveth in me (Gal. 2:19-20).

The Galatian letter forever settles the fact that there is only one way to avoid eternal hell and to be assured of eternal life with Christ in heaven. The Apostle Paul recorded: Though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Gal. 1:8-9). Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world (1:3-4). We can only be justified (declared righteous in God's eyes) by the faith of (in) Christ, and not by the works of the Law (2:16).

Abraham is mentioned eight times in chapter three (vss 6-9,14,16,18,29) to remind us: Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. . . . therefore . . . they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. . . . And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed (3:6-7,29). Abraham believed God meant that, without exception, Abraham was obedient to God. James explained true faith when he wrote: Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect (James 2:21-22)?

Furthermore, the Law was given so that we would see what great sinners we really are and how impossible it would be for us to please God without a new nature (James 1:12-13; 3:3-7). Wherefore the Law was our Schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ (Gal. 3:24). A schoolmaster was a faithful servant who was entrusted with the care of a child until it reached maturity. The Law, like a faithful schoolmaster, reveals that we are sinners who need the forgiveness, mercy, and love of God. We must recognize our lost sinful nature, repent of our sins, and be born again through personal faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus, the Son of God, said: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me. . . . If ye love Me, keep My Commandments (John 14:6,15).

Thought for Today:

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (I Pet. 1:23).

Cross References:

For Gal. 3:6: See Gen. 15:6. Gal. 3:8: See Gen. 12: 3; 22:18. 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.

Word Studies:

1:13 conversation, daily behavior, attitude of life; 2:13 dissimulation, insincerity, hypocrisy, and pretense.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military Worldwide • International Broadcasts in honor of Jesus • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Officials: Gov. Richard Scott (FL) and Rep. Gary Peters (MI) • Country: Guyana (705,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: English and Amerindian dialects • The government is becoming increasingly Marxist, radical, and atheistic • 36% Hindu; 28% Protestant; 10% Roman Catholic; 9% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pour out your heart in prayer to the Lord for your children (Lam. 2:19).

NOTE: We list 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: Romans 6:15