Gal. 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
Paul starts Galatians by emphasizing who he is—an apostle called by Jesus Christ and God the Father. He also emphasizes that it was the Father who raised the Son from the dead. Paul clearly declares that God is the Father of Jesus. The fact that He raised Jesus from the dead serves as His stamp of approval on all that Jesus said and did.
I can't help but wonder how many in the ministry today are actually called by God rather than by men. If truly called by God, you would think that they would trust God more for their needs rather than feeling like they have to beg for support all of the time. You would think it would be obvious that they cared more for God’s stamp of approval than man’s. You would think that they would be careful to teach the whole counsel of God in truth and not just the part that fits their own agenda.
Gal. 1:2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
This verse shows that Paul considered as brothers all those who were of like mind with him concerning the Savior, and some of them were with him. Family should always be concerned about how other family members are doing.
Galatia = An area in today’s Turkey that was originally populated by descendants of the Gauls.
Gal. 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
In this verse, he wills them grace and peace from God the Father and “our” Lord (supreme authority) Jesus (God the Son in flesh) Christ (Messiah, the anointed one). You've heard the old definition for grace - God's riches at Christ's expense. I think the order of reference is significant since we can never have peace without God's grace. I know the Godhead is three in one, but I think it is significant that preeminence is given to the position of the Father. The Spirit is always so careful to be consistent with the principles taught in the Word. The difference in verse one is that he is describing who spoke to him when he was called.
Gal. 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
Verse 4 has many interesting points—
Jesus gave himself for our sins. He did not go to the cross unwillingly.
He gave Himself to deliver us from this present evil world. This also implies to me that the world will be different in the future.
Jesus' will was in perfect harmony with His Father's will.
As believers, God the Father is also our Father.
Gal. 1:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Verse 5 states the truth that no matter what choices we make—God will be glorified forever.
Amen = surely, so be it, verily
Gal. 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Gal. 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
The word marvel jumped out at me. Paul was so entrenched in God's truth and love that he couldn’t believe that these people were even considering the possibility of another “gospel”— and evidently after just a short time. We often hear preachers talk about the enthusiasm of a new believer and how we should take ourselves back to that time. They don't often talk about how vulnerable a person is at that time for Satan to be able to attack and try to destroy the foundation of their faith, which I think is what was happening here.
Paul is quick to say that there is no other gospel. He recognizes, however, that there are people at work trying to pervert (add to or take away from or change the truth of) the gospel of Christ. And that is still true today!
Gal. 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Gal. 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Paul clearly states that there is only one gospel. If he or an angel from heaven tries to teach them differently from the gospel that they have already been taught, that one should be accursed. The Greek for “accursed” implies excommunicated. In his word studies K. Wuest defines “accursed” as set apart for spiritual destruction.
Paul emphasizes the fact that there is only one gospel—salvation though faith in Jesus by grace.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel…by which also ye are saved….how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Acts 4:10–12 “Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Gal. 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Paul then gets a bit introspective. Who is he trying to please, men or God? You can't be the servant of God and please men in general. Those who focus on trying to please men are not real servants of Christ.
It is obvious from the many cults and religions that abound that men do not want to hear that there is only one true gospel, one true way to heaven—by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Gal. 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal. 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
"certify" - Paul is letting them know that he is saying what is true. He is not preaching a gospel that was given to him by man. He didn't receive it from man; he wasn't taught by man. This gospel was revealed to him through Jesus Christ. He had received personal instruction from the Savior.
Again, I liked the definition given by K. Wuest in his word studies for the word “revelation.” “The act of God the Holy Spirit uncovering to the Bible writers truth incapable of being discovered by man’s unaided reason, this revelation being accompanied by the imparted ability to understand what is uncovered.”
Gal. 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Gal. 1:14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Paul reminds his audience of the kind of person he had been in the past as a participant of the Jewish religion. He persecuted believers unmercifully (beyond measure—to the greatest extent he was able) and tried to destroy the "church" of God. Obviously, the church is a body of believers—not buildings.
Because of his zealousness in this persecution, he attained a higher position than many others of his age and ethnicity. He practiced the traditions of his fathers with "extreme" zealousness (energy, action, speech, etc.). Tradition is a reference to the oral law as recorded in the Mishnah, men’s interpretation of the law. Tradition had become more honored than God’s word
“Jew’s religion” – This phrase jumped out at me. Paul, who had attained a high position in this “religion” now realized it for what it was—a religion, not a relationship. It was the carrying on of a tradition, rather than the practicing of a faith. It was a ritual response rather than worship or obedience from the heart. It was a practice that glorified men and not God.
Gal. 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
"when it pleased God" - We can be confident that God has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. “When” specifies that there is significance to the timing of the things that impact us in our lives. These things please God as they impact us to glorify Him. God calls us by His grace; it's a choice made on our behalf from the time we are in the womb. (How can people discard the worth of human life just because it isn't outside the womb? It is still one of the hardest things for me to understand.) Whether we understand it or not—It is God's choice! I am so blessed!!!!!
Romans 8:29-30 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (See journal on Romans.)
To be “called by His grace” is a reference to responding to His divine influence upon one’s heart.
Gal. 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Gal. 1:17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
God’s purpose for Paul was to reveal the Son through his life—which is also God’s purpose for each man and woman of faith. Obviously, this includes more than just words—it's through how we live. Paul's specific task was to preach Jesus to the "heathen." Technically, this meant anyone that wasn't Jewish. I couldn't resist looking this word up in the dictionary. Besides stating the above, it included those who were irreligious, uncivilized, unenlightened, etc. Again, I think we can consider ourselves, like Paul, called to preach Jesus to the "heathen."
Beginning with the last part of verse 16, I'm not sure what Paul was thinking. It seems that he was so overwhelmed with the truth that had confronted him regarding his life and the Savior that he had to get away and meditate and prepare his heart. In Acts we are told that Saul immediately began to preach in the synagogue, but as he became more powerful in his preaching, the Jews became more distrustful of him and set out to kill him, but fellow believers helped him escape. This appears to be the time that he headed to Arabia. He realized that he wasn't ready to present himself to the apostles or the people and get them to believe that he could change so dramatically overnight.
To me that pictures a very smart new Christian. He wants to get strong in the foundation of his faith and prepared with his answers. Being very learned, he wanted to rethink all his teaching concerning the scriptures and reapply it with
the truth that had been revealed to him.
Why go to Arabia? Maybe because he was so well known that he wanted to go somewhere that he was unknown and had fewer distractions so as to devote himself fully to the task of preparation. Returning to Damascus was like returning to his spiritual birthplace, allowing him to spend some time with Ananias and his first supporters before beginning his ministry.
Gal. 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
Gal. 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
Paul didn’t rush the process of preparation; he took a full three years. Then, he was ready to go to Jerusalem and see Peter, the recognized leader of the apostles. That he spent two weeks with him indicates that he was probably interrogated pretty heavily. He also saw James, the brother of Jesus, the recognized leader of the budding new church.
The time that Paul and Peter spent together was used by God to benefit both these servants to better equip them to minister to the body of believers. It takes time to share and compare personal experiences and revelations.
James was not one of the 12 disciples. This confirms “apostle” as a valid office for other than the 12.
Gal. 1:20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
Paul is then careful to assure them that the contents of this letter are the truth as God is his witness.
Gal. 1:21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
Gal. 1:22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
Gal. 1:23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
Gal. 1:24 And they glorified God in me.
Paul continues with his background and tells them that he went next into Syria and Cilicia where he was unknown by the people of these churches by face, but they did know him by reputation. It is your reputation, how you live your life that is most influential. The fact that he had turned his life around with a very obvious 180 made his message even more influential. It gave cause for the churches to give God great glory because of the miraculous change in his life.
We often think a person has a more powerful testimony if they have lived a more ungodly life before their salvation. It does bring God great glory to demonstrate His power through a dramatically changed life. Frankly, in this day and age I think the testimony of one who was saved at an early age and remained faithful through the years is quite a powerful testimony.
The key is that God has a purpose for each one of us (cf. vs 15), and our lives will glorify Him more fully as we submit to His working in our lives in whatever way through the circumstances and environment in which He has placed us.
Gal. 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
Paul waited 14 years before returning to Jerusalem. He was more concerned with doing what God had told him to do (preach to the Gentiles) than in gaining the recognition of the recognized church leaders. We should all be so focused. The allure of recognition and a place of influential position seem to be what is more important to so many in this day and age. As children of the King, our focus should always be first and foremost to obey God.
When Paul did return, he returned with a purpose (cf Acts 15). Men were going into the area where he had been ministering and telling the believers that they could not be saved unless they were circumcised. So Paul and his helpers, Barnabas and Titus, headed to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and get this corrected. Salvation is a matter of grace alone, a gift of God; and again it was Peter and James who gave Paul their support.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Gal. 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
“I went up by revelation” - I would assume this means according to God’s revealed will for him.
Paul respected the leaders that God had positioned in the church and made his case to these leaders, not the whole church. He explained the gospel of salvation that he was preaching to the Gentiles not knowing whether or not his message would be received favorably.
“privately….of reputation” – I think this is a point worth emphasizing. God has established positions of leadership, and we should honor those positions. Paul wasn’t going in with loud, public accusation or argument. He met with the leaders of the church privately. Instead of facing a defensive leadership who felt the need to protect their pride and reputation, he met with a group that was ready to listen and seek God’s guidance for the question at hand. Had he done otherwise, he would not have accomplished the purpose of his trip.
It's really important that we choose our place of worship well, giving strong consideration to the reputation of the pastor since he has such strong influence as to our understanding of the word God has given us.
Gal. 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
The case being presented and considered, he was given the support of the church leaders. Circumcision was not to be required; salvation is by grace through faith alone. Titus, who was Greek, was not pressured to be circumcised.
How easy it is for humans to look for things they can DO to earn their salvation. You would think that taking a gift would be the easiest thing in the world to do. But when it comes to salvation, man doesn't seem to want to feel like they owe God. They want to think they have earned their salvation. Strange isn't it?
Gal. 2:4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
This verse goes on to emphasize what I just said. It's interesting that those who presented the false teaching claimed to be "brothers of the faith." Paul is quick to point out that they were "false" brethren.
People today are bombarded with so many false teachers who use biblical language and seem to represent what is good, but they are really instruments of Satan to deceive and confuse those who are seeking for something to fill the emptiness in their lives. I have a lady in my small group right now from a Catholic background, who has a Jewish husband, and who has experimented with New Age etc. I know she is lost and hopefully got her to recognize that fact last night. When you explain salvation to her, she will say that is what she believes. But when you have her explain her salvation to you, the "holes" show up. She wants to accept part of the truth in the Word but not the whole truth. (She doesn't like the way women were treated in the OT, and she finally admitted that she wasn't convinced that there was only one way to heaven. She still waffles between evolution and creation.) This is a lady in a class of "new believers." She figured that since she "passed" the interview to get her child into the Christian school, she must be OK. I really believe she is seeking the truth, but she is a real challenge for me. I continually pray for the LORD to take hold of my mouth and to bless me with discernment when dealing with her.
"our liberty in Christ Jesus" - It is such a wonderful feeling of liberty not to have to yield to sin, to know that we can have victory if we but appropriate the power that God places at our disposal. It's interesting that the world considers our liberty to be bondage and their bondage to be liberty. Satan is so deceptive.
Gal. 2:5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Paul was quick to point out that he rejected these false teachers and their teaching immediately. This was done for the good of the Galatians as well as all other believers. One of our motivations for being saturated in the Word and with His truth should be that we can encourage and educate other believers. All believers should be careful to guard and defend the Word with a ready "answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you." (I Peter 3:15)
Gal. 2:6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
I like this phrase "who seemed to be somewhat" — that’s all it is in the eyes of man, but God doesn't approve people based on their outward appearance or their position of influence. We all know that a person can pretend to be someone he isn't and can fool man, but he can never fool God.
Gal. 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
The church leaders recognized that Paul was directed to preach to the "uncircumcision," the Gentiles, and that Peter was directed to preach to the "circumcised," the Jews—but that the gospel being preached was one and the same.
Gal. 2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
"He that wrought…" - The same God was empowering both Peter and Paul and causing both of their ministries to be effective. That's another key truth for the believer to hold on to. It makes me think of the passage in I Corinthians that talks of one body and many parts. God has a plan for each of his children. No matter what that plan, He will empower each one to be effective as the vessel He intends for them to be if they commit their lives to being the servant of God. Whether as pastor or church volunteer or wife or parent or caregiver or _________________, God is glorified when we are effective in our service through His enablement.
Gal. 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
James, Peter and John, the recognized leaders of the church as far as the Jewish community was concerned, recognized that Paul and Barnabas had been given the same grace that they had been given and gave them public affirmation of the position to which God had called them in ministering to the Gentiles. It's a shame that more "denominations" in the church don't adopt that same recognition of the fact that God has different ministries for different audiences. It's not a cookie cutter church. If the true gospel according to the Word is being preached, that is the truth that matters.
Gal. 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
It's hard to imagine that one could honestly preach the gospel and not reach out to the less fortunate. Paul didn't seem to take offense at this request; he just recognized it as a natural part of the ministry. The fact that Paul was "eager" regarding reaching out to the poor tells me that he considered this a priority and a privilege, not just a duty. How many things do we do because of duty? (It's better to perform from duty than not to perform at all.) I ask the LORD often to show me if my heart becomes motivated by any other desire than to serve Him. It's so easy to fall into other motivations because we all love attention and praise. My prayer is to be "pure in heart."
Gal. 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
As Paul continues to talk to the Galatians, he is quick to let them know that he is not controlled by the thinking of the "spiritual leaders of the day," such as Peter. (Remember, the context concerns biblical truth.) When Peter needed correcting, he didn't back down from the task, but confronted him "to the face." So often we are quick to talk about people behind their back, but don't have the gumption to confront them personally. This is probably because most of the time our motives aren't pure, and we are motivated by jealousy or a “holier than thou” attitude or whatever. If something is worth refuting, we should be able to do that with someone personally with solid explanation and scriptural foundation.
Gal. 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Evidently, Peter had been fellowshipping with the Gentiles until a group of men from the very conservative “high brow” Jewish group came to town; these men were identified as connected with James. Peter became concerned about what these men would think of him and therefore began disassociating himself from the Gentiles.
Gal. 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
The other Jewish believers in town followed his lead, including Barnabas. You know, we may not have the position of a Peter in a community, but our example does impact those in our circle of association. The more responsibility the LORD allows us to have as we grow in our relationship with Him, the more impact our life has on those around us. When we claim the name of Jesus, we need to be so careful to ensure that our reputation before Jesus, not men, is what is most important.
Dissimulation in the Greek refers to hypocrisy; Peter and Barnabas were being hypocritical in their actions.
Gal. 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Gal. 2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
Gal. 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
“uprightly” = a straight course, not crooked or wavering
Paul confronted Peter publicly when he saw that they were not walking according to the gospel. I think Paul is confronting the whole group in the process and recognizing Peter as their leader. This sin was very public and needed to be dealt with publicly. It wasn't just Peter, it was the whole group of Jewish believers in the city.
2.14b-16 - I think you have to take the whole next section in one thought. Paul reminded Peter that although he is a Jew, he is living like a Gentile (not under the law, but under grace). So why would he try to get the Gentiles to conform to the customs of the Jews? I think in verse 15 he is pointing out the special position of the Jews before God—because both Jew and Gentile are sinners. Just observing the law does not justify a man; it is faith in Jesus Christ that justifies. They know that no one will be justified by observing the law because no man can keep the law—we are all sinners. Only faith can justify, not works.
Psalms 14:3 “…there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”
Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God….”
Romans 3:28 “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
Gal. 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
Gal. 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
Even when seeking justification through Christ, we are going to sin—but that isn't the fault of Christ. I like David Guzik’s comment: “As the men from Jerusalem saw it, the idea that we are made right before God by faith in Jesus alone wasn’t ‘real’ enough. After all, Christians still struggled with sin. How could they have the ‘accepted by God’ issue settled if they still battled sin? In their thinking, this made Christ . . . a minister of sin, because Jesus’ work of making them right with God apparently didn’t make them right enough!”
If one starts building up rules and regulations according to the law in addition to grace by faith, then you are just building all over again that which you destroyed. When you accepted Christ through faith, you basically eliminated the law as the ruling influence in your life. It is wrong to put yourself back under the yoke of the law and sin.
Guzik makes another good observation: “Of course, this is the great tragedy of legalism. In trying to be more right with God, they end up being less right with God. This was exactly the situation of the Pharisees that opposed Jesus so much during His years of earthly ministry. Paul knew this thinking well, having been a Pharisee himself.”
K. Wuest clarified the difference in Paul’s use of the word “sinners” in verse 17 and “transgressor” in verse 18 as follows:
“sinners” = from “hamartolos” – one who disregards the letter of the law
“transgressor” = from “parabates” – one who disregards the ethical spirit of the law
Gal. 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
This is a hard verse, but I think it is saying that he recognized his sin through the law and realized that he was as good as dead if he tried to live under the law. It showed him his need for the Savior, and he had found new life through Christ.
Romans 3:20 “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
I am currently in a study of Romans and thought an excerpt from that journal applied here. As a new creation in Christ, we are no longer under the law; we are under grace.
Rom. 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Rom. 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Example—A marriage places a woman in a position of submission and obedience to her husband as long as he is alive. If the husband dies, the woman is free to marry again if she so chooses. The husband can no longer exert any authority over her life from the grave. If, however, a woman leaves her husband to marry another man while her husband is still living, that woman is called an adulteress by the law, and she is subject to the penalties of the law accordingly.
Rom. 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Paul now makes application from his example to the believer. The believer has chosen to accept Christ as His Savior. He has killed/crucified/reckoned dead his old self and has become a new creation in Christ.
2Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
“married to another” and “him who is raised from the dead” = Jesus Christ
The believer becomes a new creation with new life free to enter into a new marriage relationship. Sin no longer has any authority over this new creature; Christ becomes your new “husband.”
What is the focus of this marriage? To bring forth fruit unto God. Fruit is produced by any work we do in obedience to God. [end excerpt]
Gal. 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Paul is identifying himself with the Savior. His sin nature was crucified with Christ, and now he lives because Christ lives in him. He is living as man in the flesh, but he is living in the spirit by faith in the Son of God, who loved him and gave Himself for him. I think so many Christians focus on using the sin nature as an excuse for their failures rather than focusing on the fact that as Christians, Christ is living in them in the person of the Holy Spirit. There is really no excuse for our sin. The more our faith grows, the more victory we should be having in our lives.
Paul is also emphasizing again that Christ is the Son of God. That's the kind of power and goodness and love we have at our ready. We have all this because Jesus "loved us and gave himself for us." So often I think we read this, and it is just words. We should really take time to meditate on the love of Jesus and what it meant for Him to choose to be obedient and give Himself (become the sacrifice) for us. He chose to be judged for our sin out of love for His Father and for us. Our culture has so warped the definition of love, I'm not sure we'll ever really truly understand the word until we get to heaven.
I am reminded of words from one of the worship songs we sing—“I’ll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross.”
2 Corinthians 5:20-21 “…we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
I liked this observation from Martin Luther: “When we look at ourselves we find plenty of sin. But when we look at Christ, we have no sin. Whenever we separate the person of Christ from our own person, we live under the Law and not in Christ; we are condemned by the Law, dead before God. Faith connects you so intimately with Christ, that He and you become as it were one person. As such you may boldly say: ‘I am now one with Christ. Therefore, Christ's righteousness, victory, and life are mine.’"
Gal. 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Paul is not going to "frustrate" or do anything to devalue or dishonor the grace of God. If man could be righteous through obedience to the law, then Christ died for no purpose. The obvious conclusion—salvation is by GRACE; man can't earn it.
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”