admin – Page 32 – Ministry of Grace Church

Author: admin

Galatians 5:11 – Persecuted for Righteousness

Posted on February 3, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:11

And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.

Truth to Learn

Our message is offensive to those who refuse to believe.

Behind the Words

The word translated, “preach” is kērussō, which means to proclaim or announce a message publicly.” It is used here in the present tense, active voice, and indicative mood, which implies current continuous action. What Paul is saying is, “if I am still continually preaching circumcision …”

“Offense” is translated from skandalon, which refers to “the trigger of a trap on which the bait is placed.” Hence, it denotes an enticement to ruinous conduct. But this word is also used of the result of the conduct, as it is in this verse. In this case it means shameful or offensive. It is the word from which we get our English word “scandal.”

Meaning Explained

There are some who take the phrase, “if I am still preaching circumcision,” to mean that Paul had been accused by the false teachers of teaching the necessity of circumcision just like they did. If this was the case, then the charges were clearly fabricated since Paul spoke out strongly against the need for circumcision in both Jerusalem and Antioch. And after convincing the council at Jerusalem, Paul even carried the letter from the council back to Antioch, which said:

Since we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law”—to whom we gave no such commandment (Acts 15:24)

For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. (Acts 4:28, 29)

It is more likely that Paul’s statement, “if I am still preaching circumcision” is a reference to his pre-conversion days when he was a Pharisee himself, proclaiming the necessity of keeping the whole law, including circumcision, in order to be righteous in God’s eyes.

Paul’s point is that if he were still preaching the necessity of circumcision, as he did before he was converted to Christianity, then his message would no longer be offensive to the Jews and they would not continue to persecute him. The truth of the matter is that the Jews did continue to persecute Paul, even making several attempts to kill him in order to silence his message.

Application

Preaching and living the truth of God’s word often results in persecution and false accusations; in fact, in his second letter to Timothy, Paul said:

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2Timothy 3:12)

Are you suffering because you are committed to living in the manner that identifies you as a Christian?

If so, then keep it up, because God is glorified!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to:

Galatians 5:10 – Truth or Consequences

Posted on January 31, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:10

I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.

Truth to Learn

Good doctrine produces confidence in the Church, and those who teach false doctrine will be judged harshly.

Behind the Words

The word translated “have confidence” is peithō, of which we saw differing forms in verses seven and eight, meaning “to persuade.” In this case it is used in the perfect tense, implying past completed action with a continuous on-going effect. Paul is saying, “I am persuaded with respect to you” or “I am convinced regarding you.”

The words “have … mind” are translated from phronō, meaning “to think” or “to have a mindset.” So, what Paul is saying is, “none of you will think differently” or it could be paraphrased as “you will all agree with me.”

Meaning Explained

Paul is continuing on with his word play on peithō (to persuade). In verse seven he asked, “Who tripped you up from being persuaded by the truth?” Then in verse eight he said, “The persuasion does not come from God.” Now, he says, “I am persuaded concerning you, that you will agree with me.” Notice that the persuasion that affected the Galatian Christians was not from God, but Paul’s persuasion is. That’s what Paul means when he says “in the Lord” in this verse.

Paul has been speaking fairly harshly to the Galatians because they had allowed false doctrine to infect their church. This verse now begins a section where Paul is talking more tenderly to them. Through his faith in Christ, he believed that he had clearly and fully stated his case regarding the false teaching of legalism and that his readers would understand and agree.

He appears equally confident that the false teachers would receive judgment. It is not clear here whether Paul believes this judgment will come from the church leaders or from God himself. Either way, we need to understand that those who preach and teach in the church have a sacred responsibility to present the truth, and it is a serious offense to teach error. James confirms the harsh judgment on teachers:

My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. (James 3:1)

After all, according to 1 Corinthians 3:9-17, the church body is a building of God that we are all to be working on. Paul cautions us to be careful how we build if we are to receive a reward and not suffer loss. He even refers to the body of Christ (the church members) as the temple of God with the Holy Spirit living in us. And he admonishes us that defiling this temple (like teaching false doctrine) is punishable by God:

If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (1 Corinthians 3:17)

Application

There seems to be a lack of interest among Christians today regarding doctrine. It is seen by some as being too rigid or (believe it or not) too legalistic. Paul would not agree. Teaching true Biblical doctrine is of utmost importance, as is the necessity of dealing with those who teach false doctrine. It’s either truth or consequences!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:9 – Leavenly Teaching

Posted on January 30, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:9

A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

Truth to Learn

Any teaching in the church, no matter how small, which does not square with the Bible, needs to be abandoned.

Behind the Words

The word translated “leaven” is dzumē, which is probably derived from dzeō, meaning “to heat.” Leaven, or yeast, is a fermentation substance which, when added to flour causes a biochemical process that, among other things, produces heat.

“Lump” is translated from the Greek word phurama, which is derived from the verb phuraō meaning “to break, to dissolve, or to knead.” Hence, it refers to that which has been kneaded. This word is used to describe clay that is pounded and kneaded by a potter before making a vessel, and it is also used of a lump of bread dough before it is baked.

Meaning Explained

Paul has explained to the Galatian Christians that they have been tripped-up in their pursuit of a daily close walk with God. He said that they have been persuaded, not by the truth of God’s word but by the crafty message of the legalistic false teachers. The “tripping-up” that he is referring to is the inclusion of legalistic practices, added to simple faith, as necessary for salvation.

Either Paul has already heard a rebuttal of his points or he anticipates how these legalists might respond, “What harm does it do if some of us think this is necessary? It’s such a small matter, why make such a big deal about it?” But, Paul has made a big deal about it, and with good reason.

The symbol of leaven representing false teaching was originally put forth by Jesus to His disciples. After the Pharisees and Sadducees had tried to trap Jesus in His teachings, He warned His disciples,

And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6)

The disciples, however, did not understand because they thought they were being admonished for forgetting to bring bread with them. Jesus immediately reminds them of His miraculous feeding of thousands from a few loaves and fish. Then He explained the real message:

“How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:11, 12)

Paul now uses this same symbolism to warn the Galatian Christians that allowing even a little bit of false doctrine will lead to more and more and more. Eventually they will be so steeped in bad doctrine that they will not be able to distinguish good doctrine from bad.

Application

Today we are being told by the world that we need to be more tolerant of differences in lifestyles and ideals. When it comes to doctrines of the Christian faith, however, we need to reject any teaching which is not fully supported by the Bible.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:8 – Unfriendly Persuasion

Posted on January 29, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:8

This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.

Truth to Learn

We need to be persuaded by the truth, not the seductive messages of the world and false teachers.

Behind the Words

The word “this” does not appear in the Greek text. Instead, this should have been translated “The persuasion does not …”

The word “persuasion” is translated from the Greek word peismonē, which is a noun derived from peitho. We saw this word in the previous verse meaning “to persuade or convince by strength of logical argument.” Hence, peismonē means “persuasion.” Paul appears to be once again making a play on words. In the previous verse he said, “Who tripped you up from being persuaded by the truth (referring to the true doctrine of God).” Now he says, “The persuasion to believe what these false teachers have taught you is not from God.”

“Calls” is translated from kaleō, which means “to call someone so that they will come or go somewhere.” The word is used in this verse as a participle in the present tense, indicating current continuous action. This verse could be translated as “The persuasion is not from the one who is calling you.”

Meaning Explained

The specific subject at hand is the teaching by the false apostles in the Churches in Galatia who claimed that in addition to believing the glorious truth of the gospel, one must keep the Law of Moses in order to be completely saved. And, if the law is to be kept, it must include circumcision.

In the previous verse Paul asked these confused believers who it is that tripped them up so that they should not be persuaded by the truth. Instead of being persuaded by the truth, the Christians in Galatia had been persuaded by false teachers, not by the truth of God.

Paul does not actually refer to God directly. He refers to Him as “the One who is calling you.” Like Jesus’ disciples during His earthly ministry, each one of us is called to follow Him.

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; (1 Peter 2:9)

And we are commanded to live in a manner that shows that we honor that calling:

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, (Ephesians 4:1)

And, like a good shepherd daily calls his sheep to follow him, our Shepherd is constantly calling us to follow the paths of righteousness. Through the Word and through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, God is constantly calling you to follow Him and the truths He teaches you.

Application

Daily you are bombarded by messages from the world to take care of yourself, good ol’ numero uno. After all, you’re worth it, you deserve it, and it will make you more desirable to others. But in the midst of all the shouting, there is a still small voice calling you daily to deny yourself and follow Him.

Who’s persuading you?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:7 – Tripped-up Runner

Posted on January 28, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:7

You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?

Truth to Learn

Get back in the race, pursuing the truth and serving God.

Behind the Words

The word translated “ran” is from the Greek word trechō, which means “to run.” This particular word is expressed in the imperfect tense, which indicates past continuous action or the commencement of action. Hence, this could have been translated as “You were running well” or “You started running well.”

“Hindered” is translated from engkoptō, which is a compound word made up of en, meaning “in” and koptō, meaning “to cut down” or “to strike.” This word is expressed in the aorist tense indicating a past action having taken place at a point in time (non-continuous). The imagery here is athletic. It is a picture of a person running in a race when he is cut down or tripped up by someone else in order to impede his progress.

The word translated “obeying” is peithō, the root meaning of which is “to persuade or convince by strength of logical argument.” Here it is expressed in the passive voice implying someone who has been convinced of a truth to the point of believing and obeying it. This could have been translated as “Who hindered you from being persuaded by the truth.”

Meaning Explained

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul pictures the Christian life as a race:

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. (1Corinthians 9:24)

Here, he tells the Galatian Christians that they began running the race quite well. But knowing that they have turned from the simple truth of the gospel to a set of legalistic practices, he asks them, “Who tripped you?” Like so many Christians, the Galatians had a good start at the Christian race, but somewhere along the line they were taught false doctrine which tripped them up.

Too many churches today are teaching convenient truths instead of the true doctrines of the Bible. Some preachers are afraid of offending (often for fear that the offering will be insufficient or attendance will fall off if they get too personal). Others, not wanting to get too deep into doctrine, are teaching social truths because they are easier to sell. The result is that we are not running the race well. Instead, we are left sitting by the wayside licking our wounds or standing around socializing instead of doing the work of building the body of Christ.

In this Christian race Paul never quit and he encouraged the Philippians to do the same.

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13, 14)

Application

The Christian life is a constant challenge. Let us recommit to pursuing the truth, spreading the gospel message, and building up the body of Christ until that day when God calls us home!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:6 – Loving Faith

Posted on January 27, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:6

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Truth to Learn

Faith is strengthened through acts of love, not through acts of obedience to a set of religious rules.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “avails” is ischuō, which is taken from the noun ischus, meaning “strength.” It refers to something “having strength, ability or power, either physically or morally.” In this particular case, it refers to strength with regard to improving one’s position in the faith of Christ.

“Working” is translated from energeō, which means “to be at work, to be effective, or to be operative.” This is expressed here as a participle and is in the middle voice, which in Greek implies action that the subject (faith) is doing to itself. This is a significant fact because it means that faith is working or performing on itself (i.e. becoming stronger) through love. Some translators erroneously read this as a passive verb and translate this as “faith which is wrought by love” making it appear that faith is produced by acts of love. This is NOT what Paul says. He says that faith strengthens itself by acts of love.

Meaning Explained

It is easy to get into a discussion of this verse and quickly skip over the first four words. That, however, leads to an incomplete understanding of what Paul is teaching here. “For in Christ Jesus” is a reference to those who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. In other words Paul is saying, “With respect to the Christian faith and walk …” He could have simply said, “In Christianity …” except this was not an accepted term in his day as it is today.

The sentence structure in this verse is a little awkward in English because “avails” applies to the compound subject “neither circumcision nor uncircumcision,” and it is also an implied verb for the subject “faith.” Hence, this verse could have been translated as, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision has any strength nor uncircumcision has any strength, but faith strengthening itself through love.”

What Paul is saying, and has been saying throughout this entire letter, is that obedience to the Law of Moses or any church based set of rules and commandments has no bearing on whether or not we are saved. We do not have to be baptized in order to be saved, although we are encouraged to do so as a public testimony of our salvation. We do not have to be an official member of any church or denomination in order to be saved, though we are commanded to assemble regularly with other Christians.

Notice the door that Paul opened up for women. In the Jewish faith a woman cannot attain the same level of fellowship with God because she cannot be circumcised. In Christ, however, women are on the same level as men.

Application

If you are a born-again Christian, then your faith will be strengthened by your acts of love, not your adherence to rules. Those deeds which you do out of your love for God and your love for your fellow man are the things which will strengthen your faith. And, when God allows trials to enter your life and you endure them because you love God, your faith will be strengthened.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:5 – Eager Anticipation

Posted on January 24, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:5

For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

Truth to Learn

Unlike those who think they can earn their righteousness, we eagerly wait for the day of our complete righteousness.

Behind the Words

“Eagerly wait for” is translated from the Greek word apekdechomai, which is a compound word made up of apo, used as an intensifier and ekdechomai, which means “to expect something” or “to look for.” Hence, this word refers to one who is waiting to receive something with intense expectation.

The word translated “hope” is elpis, which refers to “the desire of some good, with full expectation of receiving it.” It is not, as the English word implies, something that is uncertain but hoped for. It refers to something that is fully expected.

We can clearly see through the use of apekdechomai and elpis that Paul is talking about something that is certainly going to happen and is clearly expected.

The words “by faith” at the end of the verse, describe “eagerly wait for,” not “hope of righteousness.” Paul is saying that by faith we eagerly await with expectation our coming state of righteousness.

Meaning Explained

We are all sinners whether we’re saved or not. That’s what Paul tells us in Romans:

As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;” (Romans 3:10)

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3:23)

The difference between Christians and non-Christians is that we Christians have been legally declared to be righteous by God. Those who reject Christ do not have this legal righteousness. In actuality, right now we are not righteous, we are sinners. One day, however, we will appear before our God and Maker as His completely righteous sons and daughters. This is the hope of righteousness that Paul talks about here.

Paul starts off this verse with “For we” as a comparison to the preceding statement. Notice the contrast between “you” in the previous verse and “we” in the current verse.

You who are justified through law …

vs.

We, through the Spirit, by faith …

There is no faith involved in earning righteousness through obeying laws or rules. Instead, it is a works oriented salvation. Those who try to earn their righteousness by obeying the law think that by their good deeds they will obtain righteousness, but they won’t. We, on the other hand, have already been declared righteous and we eagerly look forward to that day when we will appear before our Heavenly Father with the righteousness of Christ.

Application

Do you eagerly look forward to the day you will stand before Almighty God as part of the pure and spotless bride of Christ? If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, through faith alone, then your answer should be a resounding, “Yes!”

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:4 – Secure Grace

Posted on January 23, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:4

You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.

Truth to Learn

You cannot be justified by keeping the law, and you cannot lose your salvation by falling from grace.

Behind the Words

The word translated “estranged” is katargeō, made up of kata, used here as an intensifier, and argeō, which means “to be idle.” Hence, katargeō means “to make something inactive, idle, useless, or ineffective.” This verb is expressed in the aorist tense (past, non-continuous action) and in the passive voice (action done to the subject which is “you, plural”).

Some consider the opening phrase of this verse to be what grammatically is called a hypallage, which is where the subject and object are reversed, in spite of the form of the verb. Hence, some translate this as “Christ has become of no effect unto you.” Others would see an implied verb before “from Christ” and would express it thus: “You were brought to nothing, separated from Christ.” Whichever is correct, it is a hypothetical situation, anyway, as we will see.

The words “you have fallen” are translated from a form of the Greek verb ekpiptō, which is made up of ek, meaning “out” or “out of” and piptō, which means “to fall.” Hence, it literally means “to fall out.” In Classical Greek writings this word is used to describe seaman thrown ashore, banishment from a country, someone kicked-out of an office, or of an actor being hissed off the stage.

Meaning Explained

There are those who claim that this verse demonstrates that Paul believed a Christian can lose his or her salvation as the result of willful sinning. Nothing could be farther from the truth. First of all, the people Paul is talking about are those who are committed to keeping the Law of Moses. Christ was committed to keeping the Law of Moses, yet He was without sin. So Paul is not talking about willful sin. He’s talking about people who think they have to earn their righteousness.

Secondly, notice that the two words “attempt to” are italicized. This is because they have been added by the translators. They do not appear in the Greek text. Instead, it literally reads, “you who are being justified by law …” So, now we have to ask ourselves, “Who is justified by the law?” To answer that, we need go no further than the book of Romans where Paul said:

Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)

The answer is “No one!” Since no one is justified by law, no one has fallen from grace. Therefore, in effect, what Paul is saying is, “You who claim to be justified by law, if you could be justified by law then you would be a cast-off from grace because you can’t have both. It’s one or the other.”

Application

Rest assured, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior through faith in his atoning sacrifice, then your soul is eternally saved and there is nothing that you or anyone else can do to take that away from you. But, neither can you add to your salvation by obeying a set of church rules or laws.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:3 – Unpayable Debt

Posted on January 22, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:3

And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.

Truth to Learn

No matter how obedient we are to laws, church ordinances, and regulations, we can never repay the debt that we owe to God for our sins.

Behind the Words

“Testify” is translated from the Greek word marturomai, which in its noun form (martus) refers to someone who has been called to give a testimony in a court of law. Hence, marturomai means to give a testimony regarding what is known by the witness. Throughout the centuries Christians have testified regarding their faith in Christ even to the point of death. These who have given their lives rather than denouncing their faith have come to be known as martyrs from the word martus.

We looked at the word “circumcised” in the last verse. The word used in this verse is from the same root, but this word is a present tense participle in the passive voice. This indicates someone who is currently having himself circumcised.

The word “debtor” is from the Greek ophleiletēs, which is from the word opheilō meaning “a debtor, someone who owes a debt to another.”

“To keep” is translated from “poiēsai,” which means “to make, perform, or do.” The thought here is that the person who becomes circumcised is now bound to perform all the requirements of the law.

Meaning Explained

Paul starts off this verse with the statement, “I testify again.” Some believe that Paul taught this principle to the Galatian Christians when he first delivered the gospel to them. It seems to make more sense, however, that he is simply reiterating what he said in the previous verse.

The central issue that Paul has been dealing with throughout this letter is whether or not a person has to become a Jew, through submission and obedience to the law, in order to be a complete Christian. Circumcision is to a Jew as baptism is to a Christian. It is the final testimony or action that serves as a public declaration of faith. In the case of the Jews, it is faith in righteousness through complete obedience to the law, whereas in Christianity it is faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Paul is telling the Galatian Christians that if they think that circumcision is the completion of faith then they are sorely mistaken. Since circumcision is the declaration that righteousness comes through law, anyone becoming circumcised is declaring that they are trusting in the law and that means the whole law. If they fail to keep a single point of the law, they are guilty of breaking the entire law. They now owe all their righteousness to a set of rules that they can’t obey. What futility!

Application

No matter how sincere we might be, to base our righteousness on anything other than faith and faith alone puts us in debt. As a debtor we are enslaved to the one or the thing to which we owe allegiance. It is our sin debt that must be paid, and that can only be paid with the blood of the sinless Lamb of God, our Savior Jesus Christ.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:2 – Faith Alone

Posted on January 22, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:2

Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.

Truth to Learn

Obedience to the Law of Moses (or any other set of rules and regulations) adds nothing to salvation.

Behind the Words

The word translated “indeed” is eidō which means “to see” or “to know.” It is used in this verse in the imperative mood indicating a command. Paul is commanding the Galatian Christians to know something important. Today, in English we express a similar notion with the word “look,” meaning “understand this.”

“Become circumcised” is from the Greek word peritemnēsthe, which is a compound word made up of peri, meaning “around” or “about” and a form of temnō, meaning to cut off. This word is expressed in the passive voice, indicating action that is done to the subject. And, it is expressed in the subjunctive mood indicating that it is action that has not happened and is not happening but has the possibility of happening.

The word translated “profit” is a form of the Greek word ōpheleō, which literally means “to heap up” hence, “to increase” or “to profit.” It is expressed here in the future tense.

Meaning Explained

Up to this point in his letter to the Galatian Christians, Paul has defended the source of his message, his salvation in Christ Jesus, and his claim to apostleship. He has defended his position of righteousness by grace through faith alone and the inability of the Law of Moses to produce righteousness and he has done so in the presence of the leading members of the church in Jerusalem. He has shown that even Abraham was justified by faith more than four hundred years before the Law was given to Moses. And he has demonstrated that is not those who are descendents of Abraham in the flesh who are God’s chosen, but those who believe God’s Word who are chosen by God and are to be God’s children and heirs through adoption.

Now that he has laid the groundwork, Paul expresses the main point of his letter, “if you should become circumcised then Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death will profit you nothing.” He is not saying that if you are already circumcised then faith in Christ is impossible, as some translations seem to imply. He is saying that if you choose to be circumcised, then by that act you are declaring that you believe that salvation comes through works of the law. And, if you believe that salvation comes via works, then you don’t believe that salvation is by faith alone. The act of becoming circumcised after having proclaimed faith in the blood of Christ is, in fact, a declaration that you never had faith in Christ in the first place.

Don’t miss this point, as it is one of the most important doctrinal issues that Paul defends. Salvation does not come by faith and anything else. It comes by faith alone! Once you have accepted the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross, and the shedding of His blood there as payment for your sins, there is nothing more that you need in order to be a Christian, a child of God, and an heir of all His promises.

Application

As Paul told the Philippian jailer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved.” That’s all there is to it!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –