
The churches in Galatia had a good amount of new converts that had no knowledge of the Mosaic Law. They just knew Christ and Him Crucified. Their Good News was that by faith they could receive Christ and new life in the Spirit in the same package. As their fellowship grew Jews came in to put more hindrances to their faith by teaching that males had to be circumcised to be children of God. Paul hears of this and writes this poignant letter to get them back on track. Galatians 1:6-7 6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.
Strong words from a strong man who knew that faith in Jesus was the only way to salvation. Paul emphasized the point that it wasn’t one of the ways, but the only way to eternal glory in heaven. The Council at Jerusalem made some strong changes to the thinking of all Jews when they included in their treatise that Gentiles who received Christ were not required to be circumcised. Much to the chagrin of the Jews who were pushing the Mosaic Law on the new converts. Paul was so bold as to write 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 9 I say again what we have said before: If anyone preaches any other Good News than the one you welcomed, let that person be cursed. When it comes to salvation we need to stand strong, Paul did, that the only way to new life is through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Paul’s message was not a popular one among the Jews who had infiltrated the churches in Galatia, but He didn’t care. He wanted them to know the truth. In verse 10 Paul writes 10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.
Are you a people pleaser or a God follower? You cannot be both, even though you might want to have that choice. We must stand strong and firm and follow the teachings of Christ at all costs. Do not falter in proclaiming that Christ is the only way to eternal life, no matter the opposition. Jesus is the one and only!!!
The Pilgrimage continues….
David Warren
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