Galatians 2:3-5 But even Titus, who was with me, was not
forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Yet because of false brothers
secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in
Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery—to them we did not yield
in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be
preserved for you.
It is a
dangerous thing for us to replace the work of Christ on Calvary with any other
requirement for acceptance by God. In Christ alone are we found in favor by
God. Through faith in Him and the completed work of the atonement is God
accepting of us.
The
ministry of Christ among the Pharisees, scribes and teachers of the law was to
refute the legalism they promoted. While keeping the Law of Moses was
commanded, it don’t bring a change in the heart of the individual. Obedience
reflected an inner change that presented itself in the person through love,
patience, humility and devotion to Christ. Jesus knew that no man or woman
could ever fulfill the Law’s meticulous requirements. If it could be completely
fulfilled by a person, then Christ the Savior would not have been needed.
Paul,
himself an expert in the Law, knew this central teaching of Christ. He accepted
this truth because of the Holy Spirit’s work in his mind and heart. He was
struck blind by the truth in order that it might be shared with Gentiles,
people like you and me.
Today,
the Christian is free when his or her entire life is cloaked in faith and trust
in Jesus. Anything more in terms of devotion or obedience is adding to what
Christ has already done for us. Such additional teachings in fact rob us of the
freedom that Christ brings to the one once enslaved to the law of Moses or the
law of this world.
Enjoy
your freedom in Christ. There is no greater freedom than to be in submission
and living in obedience and devotion to Him. He loves You.
