Galatians: If the Law could save us, then Christ died for nothing

The book of Galatians, written by the apostle Paul, is to a group of churches in the region of Galatia. Galatia was a Roman province in modern-day Turkey inhabited by Jews and Gentiles. Paul established the churches in Galatia during his first missionary journey, and he later revisited the region on his third journey.

The Galatians faced a critical issue in their faith: the false teaching that salvation could be attained by following Jewish law. This teaching was spreading among the churches and was threatening to undermine the message of the Gospel. Paul wrote the book of Galatians to correct this false teaching and to emphasize the importance of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ.

Now we need to understand Paul’s teachings on salvation by faith; it is essential to understand the historical and cultural context in which he wrote. The Jewish law was an integral part of the Jewish religion and culture and governed every aspect of Jewish life. The law was given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai and was meant to set the Israelites apart as God’s chosen people.

The law included commandments on various aspects of Jewish life, including worship, morality, and social interactions. The law was also meant to be a temporary measure until the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the law and establish a new covenant between God and humanity.

The False Teaching of Salvation by Law-Keeping

The false teaching prevalent in the early Christian church was that salvation could be attained by following Jewish law. This teaching was based on the belief that the law was still in effect and necessary for salvation. The proponents of this teaching believed that Gentiles who wanted to become Christians had to first become Jews and follow the law.

This teaching directly contradicted the Gospel message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul was concerned that this false teaching would lead people astray and cause them to miss the true message of the Gospel. He emphasized that law-keeping could not attain salvation and that the only way to salvation was through faith in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 2:15-18: The Futility of Salvation by Law

In Galatians 2:15-18, Paul strongly argues against the false teaching of salvation by law-keeping. He asserts that salvation cannot be achieved by following the law and that Christ’s death on the cross would have been in vain if it were possible. Paul states that if righteousness could be attained through the law, Christ died for nothing.

Paul’s argument is based on the fact that no one can keep the law perfectly, and therefore, no one can be justified by the law. The law was given to reveal humanity’s sinfulness and point people toward their need for a savior. Paul emphasizes that salvation can only be attained through faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law and paid the penalty for our sins on the cross.

Galatians 3:15-22: The Promise of Salvation Through Faith

In Galatians 3:15-22, Paul further expounds on salvation by faith. He explains that the promise of salvation was given to Abraham through faith, not through the law. Paul argues that the law came later and was meant to reveal sin and point people toward their need for salvation.

Paul uses the example of Abraham to illustrate his point. Abraham was justified by faith, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. Paul emphasizes that those who have faith in Jesus Christ are the true descendants of Abraham and heirs of the promise of salvation.

Paul clarifies that salvation cannot be attained by following the law but only through faith in Jesus Christ. He states that the law was a temporary measure until the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the law and establish a new covenant between God and humanity based on faith.

Galatians 4:17-18: The Allegory of Hagar and Sarah

In Galatians 4:17-18, Paul uses Hagar and Sarah’s allegory to illustrate faith’s superiority over the law. Hagar was a slave who bore a son to Abraham, while Sarah was his wife who bore him a son in his old age. Paul explains that Hagar represents the law, and Sarah represents the promise of salvation by faith.

Paul argues that those who follow the law are like the children of Hagar, who are slaves and are not true heirs of the promise of salvation. But those who have faith in Jesus Christ are like the children of Sarah, who are free and are true heirs of the promise. Paul emphasizes that salvation can only be attained through faith in Jesus Christ and not through the law.

Galatians 4:21-25: The Superiority of Faith over the Law

In Galatians 4:21-25, Paul continues to use Hagar and Sarah’s allegory to illustrate faith’s superiority over the law. He compares the two covenants, the old covenant of the law and the new covenant of faith. Paul argues that the old covenant was temporary and was meant to point people toward their need for a savior.

Paul emphasizes that the new covenant of faith is superior to the old covenant of the law. He states that those who follow the law are like the children of Hagar, who are slaves and are not true heirs of the promise of salvation. But those who have faith in Jesus Christ are like the children of Sarah, who are free and are true heirs of the promise.

Paul’s message is clear: salvation can only be attained through faith in Jesus Christ and not through the law. The law was a temporary measure until the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the law and establish a new covenant based on faith.

The Relevance of Paul’s Teachings on Salvation by Faith in Contemporary Christianity

Paul’s teachings on salvation by faith are still relevant in contemporary Christianity. The Gospel message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of Christian theology. Christians must understand that salvation cannot be attained by following the law but only through faith in Jesus Christ.

The false teaching of salvation by law-keeping still exists in some Christian circles today. Some Christians believe that they can earn their salvation by following a set of rules or by performing good works. But this belief is contrary to the Gospel message of salvation by faith.

Understanding Paul’s teachings on salvation by faith are essential for a deeper understanding of Christian theology. It helps us grasp the significance of Christ’s death on the cross and the new covenant of faith he established.

Misinterpretations of Paul’s Teachings on Salvation by Faith

Paul’s teachings on salvation by faith have been misinterpreted in some Christian circles. Some Christians have used his teachings to justify antinomianism, which is the belief that Christians are free from the moral law and can behave however they want.

But this view is a misinterpretation of Paul’s teachings. Paul did not argue that Christians are free from the moral law. Instead, he emphasized that salvation cannot be attained by following the law but only through faith in Jesus Christ. Christians are still called to follow the moral law as a response to their salvation and to live out their faith.

Paul’s Message of Salvation by Faith in the Broader Context of the Bible

Paul’s message of salvation by faith is not unique to his writings. The entire Bible points towards the message of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. The Old Testament foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the law and establish a new covenant based on faith.

The New Testament fulfills this promise, emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation. The Gospel message of salvation by faith is the central theme of the New Testament, and understanding this message is essential for a deeper understanding of the Bible as a whole.

Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding Paul’s Teachings on Salvation by Faith for a Deeper Understanding of Christian Theology

In conclusion, Paul’s teachings on salvation by faith are essential for a deeper understanding of Christian theology. Understanding the historical and cultural context in which he wrote is crucial for grasping the significance of his message.

His teachings on salvation by faith in Jesus Christ are still relevant in contemporary Christianity. They help us understand the Gospel message of salvation. Misinterpretations of his teachings should be avoided, and his message should be understood in the broader context of the Bible.

As Christians, we should strive to deepen our understanding of Paul’s teachings on salvation by faith and to live out our faith in response to the salvation that we have received.

 

 

 

Bruce Mitchell is a speaker, writer, and Bible teacher who loves to share God’s Word in everyday life. He has studied at Biola University and Dallas Theological Seminary. His blog (Allelon.us) is all about the principles of Agapao Allelon (Loving One Another) and God’s Mercy, Grace, Love, and Forgiveness and how it applies to our daily lives as Christ-Followers. (1 Peter 4:8)