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My readings in Galatians continued today through the entire third chapter/ Here now, my reflections.
Paul is asking, in effect, the question, should we hold fast to faith or to the law? He asks this because he is riled up because somehow the Christian believers in Galatia have been convinced, or "bewitched" by someone, to follow just the law. What this has meant to them is the've come to hold just to the do's and don't's of the law, observing the traditions and practices of the Jewish faith and forgetting the tenets of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul reminds them that through Jesus, they have received the blessing, power, and presence of the Holy Spirit. They have seen and experienced miracles and signs that do not come by keeping of the law.
He reminds them of Abraham, father of the faith, whose belief and faith in God resulted in the covenant, which Paul sees as a foretaste of the gospel, and quotes God from the Genesis 17 passage: "All nations will be blessed through you," Paul further adding that all who have faith share in this blessing along with Abraham, the father of faith.
Paul believes that those who just hold to observing the law, are cursed. For Paul, it is more important to know that the "righteous shall live by faith." Jesus Christ, Paul believes, redeemed us from the law by becoming himself a curse, in accordance to the verse from Deut. "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." But Paul knows this curse brought us the blessing of Abraham to all people, for by faith we receive the promise of the Spirit.
The promise of the covenant made with Abraham remains in effect for us; God's grace shown to Abraham continues on to those who believe in Christ Jesus. Paul argues that the law has served its purpose in helping humankind come to understand its sinfulness; but through Christ has found forgiveness and freedom from that sin. Jesus' message is all about freedom from sin and fullness of life. Now that faith has come, believers are no longer subject to the law.
Paul declares that we are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Through baptism we have clothed ourselves with Christ, and therefore, there are no distinctions necessary between all people. Paul said, no longer are there Jews and Greeks; slaves or free; male or female - we are all one in Christ Jesus. If we believe in Christ, then we are children of Abraham and co-heirs to what God promised him.
GO AND GROW PRAYER: Loving God, make us all one in Christ. May we receive from You fullness and freedom in life. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
