Reflections on Galatians Part 3: Anger or Compassion?


Two parts compassion, one part hurt.

Previous posts on this topic:
Part 1 My initial reading
Part 2 A balancing view
Today: My current thoughts.

Paul's letter to the Galatians is not merely calling to doctrinal purity. He's reminding them about who God is and what he's like. He says, "Let me ask you only this: did you receive the spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" and again, "Does he who supplies the spirit to you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?" The voice is not one of a teacher chiding his class for a poor performance, it's one of a loving parent reminding their child that they are loved, no matter what - that's who we are.

He then observes what is obvious from psychology: "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse, for it is written 'Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law and do them.'" The question, "Did you break the law" does not permit us to pick and choose which law we're talking about. If you break any law, then we say that you've broken the law. Jesus made matters even more strict in the sermon on the mount when he equated hate to murder and lust to adultery - that is, the intent, in God's perspective, is the same as the action. It's natural that Paul's next sentence is "Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law ..." Laws provide requirements and, when these are violated, penalties. In other words, laws can only bring guilt.

That's not Paul's point when he says, "Now it is evident..." The complete sentence is "Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law for 'the righteous shall live by faith.' " That is, it is trust, not servile conduct, that brings righteousness. This does not say that conduct is unimportant. It says that when we embrace faith in Christ the question of guilt is not an issue. "Just as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," God's gift in Christ Jesus to those who believe is a clean slate - freedom to embrace God and, in turn, to embrace his way of life, which is described in chapters 5 and 6. I haven't memorized them yet, so you can just read them now if you like.

Posted: Thu - January 3, 2008 at 09:00 AM           | |

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