Galatians 3:5
“So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?”
These are two extremes. Most would have guessed something in between. Paul is advocating the latter. This is what makes the gospel so revolutionary. The Hebrews had the law which was a guide to them. Verse 24 of this same chapter says, “Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.” The wasn’t an end, but a means to that end. God’s amazing grace and the generous sacrifice of the Son was the end.
We can be so fond of the tutor that we don’t want to let go. This is understandable. We may feel loyalty or a fond attachment, but the Law itself tells us its place. It was only meant to point us to Christ.
Our efforts are important. That’s what the law speaks of, our keeping it. The book of James says that faith without works is dead. Our deeds are important, but not as a means of obtaining salvation. That is a free gift.
We confuse the place of faith and works. We were raised to be responsible and independent. So, the prudent mind says, “I am responsible for my actions. Therefore I am the one to get myself out of my own mess.” While there is truth to that, not so when it comes to salvation. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”, (Romans 6:23). He had to pay it.
Some may say, “That penalty is too harsh. How can God be merciful and send a nice person to hell for eternity?” That seems to be a valid argument, except for the notion of justice. For everything to be fair, justice needs to be applied equally. We can’t look the other way for some and not for others. Even though we do that in life. If this were known, some would cry “foul”.
The bible does not keep judgement a secret. Ezekiel 18:20a says, “The soul who sins is the one who will die”. Yes, God is loving and merciful, but He is also just. With this known, He cries out to all, come (Isaiah 55:1).
We shouldn’t be confused about the role of faith and the role of deeds. Salvation is grace alone. Paul’s entire letter to the Galatians is to make this point. It’s wonderful news. It’s free. We need to let our minds and souls soak that up. A great relief comes with that knowledge, if we choose to take it.
This news is so wonderful, that He wants us to share it. Jesus’ last words were to take this knowledge to the ends of the earth and to tell all peoples (Matthew 18:16-20). We are to be ready at all times to share this news (2 Timothy 4:2). People rarely accept it at the first hearing. Our words will be small seeds in the process. On occasion we have the privledge of leading one to Christ. We shouldn’t grow discouraged. We need to be faithful, knowing that God is working in all hearts.
Lord, thank You for Your great grace. Help us to be courageous and share this news. Help us also to savor this great news. Let our souls enjoy this free and great gift.