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GALATIANS - I Have Been Crucified With Christ PART 4: FREEDOM FROM THE LAW OF MOSES IS THE FOUNDATION OF CONDUCT IN THE HOLY SPIRIT (Galatians 5:1 – 6:18) 7. Paul glories only in the cross (Galatians 6:15-18)GALATIANS 6:15-18 Now Paul blows the trumpet of victory making the world hear that the new creation began from the ascension of Christ, and the old creation with its religions, rites, and laws was insufficient, condemned, and rejected. The righteousness of Christ from the cross brought the possibility of a new creation. God prevailed over sin, and his eternal life dwelt in the justified flesh as the essence of the new creation. Therefore, we thank Christ Jesus with all our life for his inexpressible grace, for the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and because of his blood, we have obtained eternal life. Yet, he who supposes he will sanctify natural people by the rules of food, circumcision, or ablutions, is conceited. He is like a sailor who tries to repair a sunken ship. But we have entered into a new ship, and moved to Christ who is our power, future, and joy. He, who lives in the range of the law of Christ, lives in peace. Did Paul come to us with a new law when he told us about the law of Christ? No, but he defined his gospel as the expanse of grace towards the house of legalistic judgment. He who enters into the truth of mercy experiences that the law of Christ means insurance and peace from God. Blessed is the man who accepts the mercy of God embodied in Christ. Many people speak about the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, but they do not know him in fact. However, we know him. His name is Jesus Christ. Even the Jewish individuals who become free from the old law and enter into the new covenant participate in the grace of mercy. The righteousness of God is greater than our minds, and his love never falls. Paul described himself as bearing in his body the marks of Christ, and said that he had suffered much for his Lord. He did not preach the gospel in pompous language, but he bore with patience the persecutions and sufferings, which resulted from his preaching. He did not withdraw from difficulties, but he went forward to the evil authorities, confronted them, and testified the truth courageously. He asked his church not to disturb him by going back to the bonds of the law, but to keep firm in the grace. With this great word “grace”, the apostle closed his powerful epistle, asking God to cause the fullness of his gifts to dwell in the people of his Galatian church, and the Holy Spirit was prepared to dwell with all his gifts and wisdom in them. He who builds his life and plans on his own mind, or relies on a party program, a civil organization, or a certain philosophy is limited and earthly. But he who abides in the lightening and guidance of the Holy Spirit experiences his eternal power, and sees the eternal acts of God. The Lord wants to fill you with his Spirit, and to make you grow in his grace. Did you open your heart completely to his saving will? Are you going to be a messenger of the grace of God to all men? Then you are our brother in the Spirit, for God caused us to be his children that we might preach his holy virtues by word and deed. So join us in praising the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for from him grace comes to us, who are unworthy. Through faith, we have obtained the complete righteousness of God. This is true and certain. Amen. PRAYER: We worship to you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and we praise you joyfully, because you did not condemn us to destruction, and you did not reject us according to our sins, but you were merciful to us, and you gave us life on the strength of the death of our Lord Jesus Christ, and you sent us to serve those who are dead in sins and faults. Teach us to preach the gospel of grace with power and wisdom that many children may be born to you. Establish us in the fullness of your grace that our life may become praise for your love. QUESTION:
QUIZDear Reader,
If you complete the study of this booklet on Galatians and send us your answers to the questions at the end, we will send you a Certificate of Advanced Studies as an encouragement for your future services for Christ. We are awaiting your answers and praying for you. Our address is: Waters of Life Internet: www.waters-of-life.net |