2022_02_25 Insight Post- Emma Keeton

Paul’s discourse on the law in Galatians chapters 1 and 2 highlights how we are saved by grace and can do nothing to rescue ourselves. When Jesus died on the cross for us, he defeated sin and therefore defeated the need to follow a certain set of rules for salvation. Our penalty has already been paid so there is no need to earn anything. This freedom from the law can sound careless. Wouldn’t people go their own way if they were not required to follow the rules? Paul assures us that Christ does not promote sin, but the key to freedom is Christ living in us. “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.” Galatians 2:19. Freedom looks like a total dependence on Christ instead of adhering to any law.

This is an incredible truth of the gospel, but in practice surrendering to Christ is not easy. It often feels easier to follow rules instead of engaging in a relationship with Christ and letting him be in charge. I cannot be saved by merely going to church or reading my bible, but I can be saved by an inward belief that Jesus is Lord of my life. There is a peace that comes when we lift our hands and confess to God that we can’t possibly save ourselves. Our striving ceases and we are left with God’s grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit. We can then enter the vibrant life that God has for us which Paul teaches in Romans 8: 1-4.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives you life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the spirit.”

Prayer:

 Ask God if there are any ways you are trying to earn your salvation. Christ died so righteousness could be gained by his sacrifice alone.