October 8, 2024 - Galatians 1-3

“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed” (1:8), and “so now I say again:  If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed” (1:9).  Paul says it twice, in quick succession.  Think it’s important to Paul that the Galatians get the gospel right?  Yet, they don’t!  That’s the problem.  They have mixed the gospel of grace with a type of Pharisaical legalism.  The good news is clear:  “A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus . . . because by works of the law no one will be justified” (2:16).

To Abraham, the Lord had said:  “In you shall all the nations be blessed” (3:8).  “So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith” (3:9).  That’s us!  We are the “those of faith” and “the sons of Abraham” (3:7)!  We are “Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise” (3:29) and that not by works but by grace

I greet Thee, who my sure Redeemer art,

my only trust and Savior of my heart,

who pain didst undergo for my poor sake;

I pray Thee from our hearts all cares to take.

Thou art the King of mercy and of grace,

reigning omnipotent in every place:

so come, O King, and our whole being sway;

shine on us with the light of thy pure day.   –Attributed to John Calvin (16th century)