Bible Pathways - Dec. 1, 2007

Read Galatians 1 -- 3

In Today's Reading:

Only one Gospel; justification by faith, not the Law; the Law guides us to Christ

This letter for the Galatians forever settles the fact that there is but one way to avoid eternal hell and to be assured of eternal life in heaven for both Jew and Gentile. We can only be justified (declared righteous in God's eyes) by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law: for by the works of the Law shall no flesh (no person) be justified (Galatians 2:16). Our Lord Jesus Christ . . . gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father (1:3-4). We are reminded that no one — neither Jew nor Greek (3:28; Romans 1:16,10:12) — deserves or earns the right to heaven by keeping the Law (Acts 13:39; Romans 3:10,28).

The full meaning of God's grace was revealed when Jesus died on the cross. Jesus took our place on the cross that we might be delivered from the penalty of sin. Without His sacrifice, no one could be declared righteous in God's eyes. Because of His undeserved loving-kindness (grace) toward us, we can one day enter heaven to be with Him forever.

Because of our sinful nature no one has the ability to keep all of the Law of God (James 2:10) for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Christ hath redeemed us from the curse (righteous penalty of death) of the Law, being made a curse (undergoing on the cross the appointed penalty of the curse) for us (Galatians 3:13). These facts make us realize our great need of a Savior. The Law was our schoolmaster (required guide) to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster (3:24-25).

Instead, 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 ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:26-29).

Cross References:

For Galatians 3:6: See Genesis 15:6. Galatians 3:8: See Genesis 12:3,22:18. Galatians 3:10: See Deuteronomy 27:26. Galatians 3:11: See Habakkuk 2:4. Galatians 3:12: See Leviticus 18:5. Galatians 3:13: See Deuteronomy 21:23.

Word Studies:

1:13 conversation =b> behavior, way of life; 2:13 dissimulation =b> insincerity, hypocrisy, and pretense.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • Country: South Africa (42.6 million) on the southern tip of the African continent • Major languages: Afrikaans and English • Religious freedom • 76% Christian; 1% Muslim; 1% Hindu; 15% Traditional; .5% Jewish; 6.5% None/Other (Baha'i, Jain, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Buddhist, Confucian) • Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord for the privilege of publishing His Word (Psalm 68:11).

Memory Verse for the Week: Titus 2:14