Galatians 1:3-5 Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the
present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the
glory forever and ever. Amen.
Paul’s letter is relevant today because it attacks the unchanged desire of men and women to achieve their salvation by their own efforts. From the days of Paul until now, Christians have the tendency to live their Christian life by their own power and strength. This effort becomes legalistic in that we measure our faith by the many things we are capable of obeying. Such effort on our part can be inconsistent, leading to feelings of failure or disappointment.
The world in which we live today is not much different
than in Paul’s day. The immorality and lawlessness displayed in our culture was
present in his day, too. Paul’s teaching is a reminder that our freedom in
Christ is not found in lawlessness or unbridled living. Our freedom is realized
in trusting that Christ has opened the door for us to have an individual
relationship with our Heavenly Father. Because of Christ’s effort we are
accepted by God the Father. Nothing more is to be earned by us.
The
world will continue to hold you accountable to their standards as they related
to our eternal destiny. But such people are mistaken because they do not rely
on Christ alone for their salvation. Christians know their flaws and know the
Holy Spirit is working in them to overcome the day’s temptations and trials.
You have overcome this present evil age by faithfully trusting in Jesus Christ
alone for your eternal destiny. Rejoice in Him.
