Galatians 5

ScriptureGalatians 5:2Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.Observation - What does it say?Some had begun to spread a teaching within the Galatian church that contradicted the gospel. They were essentially saying that Christ’s work on the cross wasn’t enough for us to be justified before God and that it was necessary to also follow certain laws – namely the command of circumcision.The Apostle Paul wrote with tons of emotion and frustration that this group of Christians he loved so much was being led astray from the gospel of Jesus Christ.Understanding - What does it mean?Christ ceases to be of any value to us the moment we attempt to make ourselves acceptable to God on the basis of our works!Either Christ is everything to us or nothing. Either his death and resurrection is sufficient for our salvation or it’s not.  I think we can look at it this way: When something is of no value to us we throw it away. When we attempt to appeal to God for his favor and acceptance on the basis of a our good behavior, it’s as though we are taking Jesus’ work on the cross and throwing it in the trash. Christ is of no value to us if we try to pull out the, “I’m a good person so I’m just hoping God has a spot for me in heaven,” card. I heard someone say once, “If your works couldn’t save you, what makes you think they can sustain you?” This is what the Galatians were doing. They came to God through faith in Christ, but then were later trying to add their works to what Christ had done.

Paul concludes this thought by saying, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” The only thing at all that counts before God is faith! Believing Jesus’ work is enough for us is the way to pleasing God, and allowing that faith to express itself in love toward God and others.

 

But didn't Jesus tell his disciples to store up treasure in heaven? Didn't he say we will be rewarded for what we've done? Confused? Paul here is talking about salvation. Salvation and eternity in heaven is only achieved through faith in Christ. Rewards for our good works are completely separate from the reward of salvation. 

 

Life ApplicationMaybe God’s question for us isn’t, “Will you try harder?” but “Will you believe more?”

God, for the sake of your son Jesus Christ, please have mercy on us and forgive us for ever thinking we could add to what you’ve done. Jesus, you are enough. Our righteousness before you is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We all have fallen short and are desperate for your grace. May we put our hope in Christ and not in any ‘works’ for our salvation. And fill us with faith that expresses itself in love. Amen.

 

- Levi Thompson

 

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