A Part of the Priesthood: The Forgiveness of the Brethren

When Jesus was brought a paralytic by his four friends, he told the man “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Jesus proclaimed this truth over this man because of the faith of his friends (though the man obviously had enough faith to be carried by them to Jesus). Now, the scribes knew that no one except God Himself has the authority to forgive sins. Thus they accused Jesus (in their hearts) of blasphemy.

However, Jesus did this “so that you may know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” The man was healed to show that Jesus spoke the truth. This miracle served to show that what Jesus was saying was correct. The man’s sins were forgiven him that very moment. The miracle was the verification.

Mark records this in his gospel because it bears witness to his main theme, “the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mark 1:1). This event testified to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God. Thus, Jesus has the inherent authority to do as He pleases. If Jesus desired to forgive someone, He could do it. His authority came directly from Himself—He needed no other (and His authority was also directly from the Father as well—John 5:26-27).

Now, believers are the priesthood of God (1 Peter 2:9-10). We are the representatives of God, in Christ, in this world. This comes with great privilege and responsibility. We have received the Holy Spirit and so are able to walk in the Spirit and judge appropriately. We do not have any inherent authority in and of ourselves, as Christ does, but our authority is from Christ (He has all authority (Matthew 28:18) and gives His authority to us (though we do not have the final authority, but God does)).

Thus, Christ tells His disciples, “If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained” (John 20:23). This means that believers, given the authority from Christ, can (and must) forgive other believers. We cannot forgive those who are not in Christ, for they have not received Christ as the propitiation for their sins and still have sin ruling over them. But what we do is as a brother/sister confesses to us his/her sins (in confidence) (or vice versa), we have the authority to forgive them their sins, and so it is forgiven by God. If they need to make reconciliation before we forgive them, we must tell them to do so, and then forgive them. If they do not seek reconciliation, then we must retain their sins against them—and so their sins are retained in heaven (Matthew 18:18-35). This is serious business and not to be taken lightly at all, but with great discipline and discernment. Thus, when a brother/sister confesses their sins to us, they are confessing them to God; and we know that He is faithful and righteous to forgive them their sins and cleanse them from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). As you have been forgiven, so forgive freely.

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Bad Exposition

While I am ashamed to admit that I have heard worse exposition of Biblical texts, I thought I’d give a couple (funny) examples of what bad exposition of a text would look like. These are in no way accurate depictions of the text or applicational points that can be drawn from Scripture (not in the text quoted or anywhere, for that matter). The only place that such exposition may be of use would be on TBN (and I’ve heard some horrible exposition on TBN). However, I solemnly warn you not to live by the application, or seek to exegete a passage in this way. Let these serve as example of what not to do (Bible verses quoted from the NIV).

Luke 5:5-25

^“5In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. ⁶Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. ⁷But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years. ⁸Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, ⁹he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. ¹¹Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. ¹²When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. ¹³But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. ¹⁴He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, ¹⁵for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth.^{[a] 16}Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. ¹⁷And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous–to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” ¹⁸Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” ¹⁹The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. ²⁰And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words, which will come true at their proper time.” ²¹Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. ²²When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak. ²³When his time of service was completed, he returned home. ²⁴After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. ²⁵“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”

Notice with me in the text today that Zacharias and Elizabeth were without child, since Elizabeth was barren, and they were now advanced in years. God had something in store for them, as He had for Abraham. God was about to sovereignly intervene some thrust into their love life.

To cause this, God sent Gabriel to speak with Zacharias. Zacharias, because he did not heed and believe the angel, was struck mute. The Lord knew that this work; putting an added “zing” in their love life.

This worked! We are told that after this, when Zacharias went home, Elizabeth became pregnant.

So this is what we have to learn from this today, brothers and sisters. For those of you who are without children, God has a sure cure. Men, stop talking to your wives. As long as you two keep yapping, there ain’t nothin’ gonna occur in bed. Husbands, if you stop talking to your wives then you’re sure to make babies. After this you can go back to talking at night all you want.

And for those of you who don’t desire children, at least not at the moment, there is a sure fire way given here that’ll keep you from ever having to by contraceptives again. Men, keep talking with your wives. Clearly Zacharias and Elizabeth’s problem was that they kept chattin’. If you keep on talking, there ain’t no way them babies is comin’.

Mark 4:35 begins, “That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” ³⁶Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. ³⁷A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. ³⁸Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.”

Brothers and sisters! We have a clear word today on how to have effective ministries. We are to be imitators of Christ, the Bible says. Now let us consider how Jesus reacted when troubles came. He slept! Slept like a baby! Though waves threatened to destroy all that He had worked for and all His plans, He slept! Haleluia! Haleluia, Haleluia! (Sorry, that often accompanies bad preaching.)

We must do the same. Adam slept and God gave him a wife (cue the organ). Can I get an ‘amen.’ Amen. In the same way, Jesus slept through the troubles and trials that were coming. Brothers and sisters, especially you leader folk, when troubling times come in your ministry, such as discensions that threaten to tear your church apart; or people are trapped in struggles with sin, haleluia, just do nothing. In fact, take a nap. The Bible nowhere says God helps those who help themselves. So just let it pass. Have nothing to do with it. Just mind your own business and let the troubles do their thing.

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Galatians 4:12-14 Be a Witness in Whatever the Circumstances, For this could be an Opportunity for the Gospel

Galatians 4:12-14 I beg you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong; but you know that it was because of a bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the first time; and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

When Paul first went to the Galatians to preach to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ, he became as they are. They are Gentiles, while Paul is a Jew. Paul made it his point not to let his culture and lifestyle be a barrier to the Gospel. Paul was free in Christ by faith. However, he says “I have made myself a slave to all [peoples—Jews or Gentiles], so that I may win more.” He lived under the Law when it was necessary to get him a hearing and hearts for the gospel and he lived as the Gentiles do (though not in sinfulness, but in obedience to Christ to love God and his neighbor). “I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). This is true of his dealings with the Galatians. Paul lived among them as they do, but in the compassion of Christ, so that they might listen carefully, consider, and properly understand the gospel.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, let Paul be your example for witnessing to unbelievers. Do not force upon them rules which you have set for themselves or make them read the Bible in the translation you prefer. Get into their lives. Do things with them they enjoy doing; yet do not compromise your witness. If they are taking part in such things as drinking parties, sexual promiscuity, idol worship, etc, kindly tell them that you will not participate, but you will join them when they go and watch a movie, go to McDonalds, or go paintballing (for examples). Show them that you care about them as people and it is their lifestyle that you disapprove of, not them personally. This will give you an open door and an open ear for the gospel (unless of course God has closed their ears to the gospel, but never go in expecting this). The Galatians had accepted Paul graciously, even in his ill state, as most people will accept Christians in America. So use this as an opportunity for the gospel.

Paul was ill when he was in Galatia, and in fact this is why he was there. This was his God-given opportunity to preach the gospel to them. In fact, seeing his compassion for them, they accepted him just as if he was an angel—even as if he was Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world (though it is not the main thrust of the text, this does show that Jesus is not merely an angel, as Hebrews 1 makes clear, but that He is greater than the angels). Brothers and sisters, do not despise troubles when they come your way. Consider them joy! Take every opportunity you get to share the gospel. Perhaps you, Mrs. High School Graduate, were not accepted at the University you really desired to attend. Do not grumble and complain. Perhaps God has you at that school to be a witness for the gospel. And you, Mr. Has-to-work-during-his-vacation, perhaps God will open doors for the gospel that week for you to share with your coworkers. And you, Mr. Cancer-patient, though you are sick and your experience is very unpleasant (you do not need to make people think you enjoy having cancer), perhaps you will be the witness to the doctors and nurses who take care of you. Consider these temporal inhibitions as opportunities from God to gain for yourself eternal riches. Consider this an opportunity for Christ to extend His arm through you to pull one more sinner from the fiery depths of Hell.

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Galatians 4:10-11 Do not Be a Legalist, For You are Free in Christ

Galatians 4:10-11 You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.

What is Paul’s big fuss about? So they are observing the ordinances of the Law. They were submitting themselves to Sabbath days, monthly cycles, religious holidays (such as Booths, Passover, etc), and ordinances such as the Jubilee. There is clearly nothing wrong with celebrating these festivals, is there?

The answer to that is ‘yes’ and ‘no’. There is nothing wrong with the holidays in themselves. Anybody who desires to celebrate Passover or Sabbath days is welcomed to do so. You are not rejected Christ by celebrating these things. Let us not become legalistic in the manner that we reject completely the liberty in Christ to celebrate whatever holidays we desire (as long as they are not against God, such as sacrificing to pagan deities). We should be a celebrating people—after all, Christ is risen and we are free to worship God however we desire, as long as we do so in obedience to His written Word. Let no one tell you, brothers and sisters, that you cannot celebrate Jewish holidays. That is not the case. That is legalism.

However, if we are celebrating these festivals and occurrences out of obligation—because we are seeking to obey the Law—that is submitting again to slavery. Those who celebrate such things are under the Law. If you desire to be legalistic in this manner, then you must obey the whole Law. It is all or nothing. Paul views observing such traditions as equal to those of the pagan rituals. “No one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day.” Those things are mere shadows of true worship of God (Colossians 2:16-17). This is because Christ has disarmed the authorities which hold such laws over you. You are free in Christ (Colossians 2:13-15).

Those who desire to be again bound to the Law are not free in Christ. One cannot take part in Lawful observances and ordinances and still live by faith. Paul realizes this, and so he fears for the Galatians. They have seemingly turned from Christ to the Law—proving that their faith was not real and wrought by the Holy Spirit, but was in vain. If this is the case, then Paul’s labor was in vain, as all that he has done has proved to be fruitless. It is the same way with you, brothers and sisters. If you seek to justify yourself before God by legalistic means, you forfeit your place in Christ—you prove that you were a fraudulent convert—even if you prayed prayers, walked aisles, led Bible studies, or whatever. Watch your life carefully (1 Timothy 4:16). If you do not, you may drift in to legalism and away from Christ. If you do not persevere to the end, you will not gain the prize but will prove that it was all in vain.

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Galatians 4:8-9 You Are Known by God, So do not Submit Again to Worthless Elemental Things

Galatians 4:8-9 However, at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?

Were you raised in the Church? Perhaps you did not enter a place of worship until you were older. Perhaps you were an “atheist.” Or maybe an agnostic? Some of you may still be without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Whatever your pre-Christ state, you, like the Galatian believers, were slaves to idols. Gentiles and Jews are alike (since there are no longer any Jews that were alive before Christ). You were worshipers of false gods.

“Wait a moment,” you say. “I grew up in the Church.” Do you not know, friend, that you are not born a Christian, but you become one when you recognize your sin and turn from it to trust in Christ? You definitely had a heretical misconception of God—and that is idolatry.

“I was an average-Joe,” another one of you says, “just living for the American dream and believing in one God.” Do you not recognize that money was your God (Matthew 6:24). You were your own idol; seeking the god of your own self-centered desires. Perhaps it was not money you served, but stuff—it is the same god. Even the demons believe God is one, and they are terrified (James 2:19). Such a fact does not mean that you are not idolatrous.

“I was an atheist,” you say. “I had no god.” You, like our other friend, worshiped yourself. You were worshiping the god of science and the god of human-ingenuity. Man and his mind was your god. You worshiped the created thing, not the creator (cf. Romans 1:25).

You, Mr. Agnostic, though you claimed to know nothing about God, and this is true. However, you also worshiped the god of stuff. You no doubt worshiped money, humanity, or possibly even your own good works, as so many Buddhist monks do. You were just as depraved in idolatry as the rest.

Yet, just like the Galatians, you, Christian brothers and sisters, have come to know God. You have turned from your sin and accepted Christ as the one who bears the wrath of God you deserved. You now follow Christ and so know Him; and knowing Christ and the Father is eternal life (John 17:3). You are now in a much more joyful state of affairs, as you have come to know the One whose presence contains the fullness of joy, and who holds and happily gives everlasting and overabundant delights (Psalm 16:11).

Even better than coming to know God (at least theologically), you have come to be known by God. Paul does not merely correct himself here, but shows that this is more to be desired than even to know God. Why? Because being known by God guarantees that you will know God. It is not that God does not know everyone. He even knows the stars and calls them by name (Psalm 147:4). What this means is that God accepts you. You are now His child and His delight. You are no longer His enemy, but now His friend and His beloved. Because God knows you He holds you in the palm of His hand. Nothing can separate you from God (John 10:29, Romans 8:35, 38-39). Not because you are holding on to Him, but because He is holding on to you.

Since this is the case, do not turn back to serve the laws and ordinances created for those who are immature—those who do not walk by faith in Christ. You were under these principles, which dictated your life. The “do nots” and the “dos.” If you turn back, you show that something is direly wrong. Paul is totally dumbfounded by the Galatians. In his opinion, they had come to know God and to be known by God (obviously Paul could not have been certain of the state of their souls, but he had seen evidence that convinced him that they were truly Christians, in Christ). How can they turn back to such things and be enslaved to them? They are in a state of limbo in Paul’s mind. He believes they are truly believers, but this totally contradicts the lifestyle of the believer. He is uncertain of the state of their souls. Are they in Christ or not?

Paul is not claiming they have lost their salvation or something. Rather, he is making an appeal to them. He is urging them to live the life of faith, not the life of slavery. He is appealing to them that they are truly in Christ—that they are truly free in faith. Paul is here hoping that by convincing them that they truly are of the faith, that they will start acting like it and prove that he is correct. They cannot continue in this state of limbo for long. They must go one way or the other. If they choose to submit to the enslavement, which they so strangely even seem to desire, then they will prove that they are not Christians. If they choose this path, he has labored in vain (4:11). If they choose the road of faith, which Paul has just laid out before them, then they will prove that they really have received the Spirit and are in Christ.

So what about you, Mr. Unbeliever? Will you continue to submit yourself to principles and rules? Is that what you desire? Or will you rather turn from your sinful ways to Christ and receive the freedom He alone offers you? “Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation’” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

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Galatians 4:6-7 Because You are Sons of God, Walk by the Spirit, Not the Works of the Law

Galatians 4:6-7 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Therefore, you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.

You have been adopted by God; you who “received [Christ].” To you “He gave the right to become [a child] of God,” for you have believed in Christ. This birth is not one that is of the flesh nor of anybody’s willing for you to be a child of God, but it accords with the will of God (John 1:12-13). He gave His Son for you. Thus you are heirs of the promise of Abraham and He has thus given you all things, including the Spirit of Christ.

This is the great promise of all things. The Spirit is the gift and that by which you are given “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). You are no longer in need, spiritually, but you have the Spirit of Christ, by which you have all things necessary for life and godliness. You cannot say to God, “I am lacking spiritually.” This is not the case. You have all things that you need: The Spirit Himself is the blessing and He is the bestower of the blessings. Thus, if you walk in the Spirit you are able to “overwhelmingly conquer” (Romans 8:37) and to be “he who overcomes” (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). For it is His work that sanctifies you in this (cf. Philippians 2:12-13).

Because you are sons, or “heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17), God has given us the Spirit of Christ (which is the Spirit of God, which is God the Spirit). Thus you no longer have the spirit of bondage to the Law, the “spirit of slavery leading to fear” of condemnation (Romans 8:15). You are no longer viewed as a slave—one who is not a partaker in the things of the family and who does not receive the inheritance. Rather, the Spirit you received is the spirit of adoption. This is the Spirit that leads us and draws us to God. It is those who “are being led by the Spirit of God” who are sons of God (Romans 8:14). Because you are sons you are led by the Spirit and because you are led by the Spirit you are sons (this is a divine mystery). If you have believed and are a son, then you are given the Spirit to lead you; if you have been given the Spirit then you believe and so are counted as a son.

The Spirit has been given for the purpose of causing our hearts to cry out “Abba! Father!” The Spirit draws us to God and puts the desire for God in our hearts. The Spirit also “testifies with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). The Spirit is the one who gives us confidence that we are truly saved and heirs of God. We cannot gain this through any means, it is the gift of God alone. Assurance of salvation is the gift of God to all who have received the Spirit. Because you are sons, in other words because you have received the Spirit, you are an heir through God’s gracious act toward you. He has sealed you, you have your inheritance in heaven waiting for the second coming of Christ when He and it will be revealed in full (cf. John 6:39-40; 14:2-3, Colossians 3:3-4, 1 Peter 1:3-5).

Brothers and sisters, do not again be given the yoke of slavery to the Law. You have received the Spirit by faith and so you must continue in the faith (if you have received the Spirit). Hope in Christ. You are the heirs of God by faith, not by works. If you seek to be a slave again, you forfeit your right to be an heir (a son). God sent forth His Spirit into your hearts for the very purpose of testifying that you are His child and so that you would be driven to seek His face through Christ, which you cannot do through the Law, for the Law acts as a veil between those who seek to be justified by it and God (2 Corinthians 3:14-15). Only Christ can remove the veil created by the Law (2 Corinthians 3:16). Because the veil is lifted, you can now go to God as Father through Christ. Therefore, take all your concerns before God and walk in thankfulness for how He has worked in you and for how He has justified you in Christ. God is now your Father, not the judge who will be forced to condemn you.

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Galatians 4:4-5 Christ has Redeemed Believers, So Make Him Your Lord

Galatians 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

When the time that God had appointed to redeem His sons (and daughters, “heirs” more properly), God sent Christ, His “only begotten Son” (John 3:16; cf. 1:18). The “But… God” is Paul’s way of telling us the glorious news that the time of being treated as a slave under the management of the Law has passed. This all took place according to God’s predetermined plan (Acts 2:22-24) to fulfill the promises/prophecies in Scripture that had been revealed beforehand (or more properly, the prophecies were given to indicate what would take place, and so Jesus fulfilled what had been revealed.) All that took place occurred according to God’s plan and in accordance with God’s timing.

For Jesus to redeem us “who were under the Law,” He Himself had to be “born under the Law.” This required Jesus being born of a woman. If Jesus had not been born into the world by natural means (though His conception was absolutely supernatural, in which not even Mary had a part), He would not have been born under the curse of Adam (and to be the promised offspring to Abraham and Eve (Genesis 3:15; 22:18; 24:7)) and born under the management of the Law. Since Christ was under the Law He could fulfill the obligations of the Law, that it might be reckoned to the other (lesser) heirs. In Christ we are now seen as having fulfilled the requirement of the Law, and so we no longer have to have it as our manager. The time under the Law has come to pass because it has been fulfilled completely in Christ.

Christ was sent for the purpose of redeeming us; “those who were under the Law.” Since we were indebted to the Law and its curse, the price had to be paid: death. Through Christ’s life and death the Law was completely “paid-off,” in a sense. Christ needed to come that we could be adopted by God as sons. This is not something we earn, but something “we… receive.” The “might” here is not indicating that it is something we are able to receive, but it indicates the purpose of God in a definite sense: that it would be possible (for while we were under the Law we could not be adopted as sons since we belonged to the Law) for God to make us His “sons,” or heirs. Thus through Christ, those who are in Christ have been ransomed from the Law and have been granted the inheritance of God with and in Christ Jesus; our brother and Lord. Thus, if you seek to be under the Law, you are forfeiting the inheritance in Christ, as you are claiming it to be an insufficient payment. So make Christ your Lord, not the Law.

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Galatians 4:1-3 You are no longer under Elemental Ordinances, For you are an Heir of God

Galatians 4:1-3 Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world.

Brothers and sisters, (assuming you are in Christ) you are no longer subject to the “elemental things of the world.” Do not submit yourself to decrees and lists of “do’s and don’ts,” for these will not benefit you any longer (Colossians 2:20-23). Restrictions are given for those who are lawless (1 Timothy 1:9). Having the Law of God written upon your heart, you must rather be filled with the Holy Spirit and walk in accordance with the Spirit’s leading. Rather than living in bondage to elemental principles such as “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” and legalistic mores and codes such as fast twice a week (this is a good practice, and fasting is to be a part of the life of the Christian, but a set rule of fasting imposed upon you by others is clear legalism), give ten percent, and observe certain holidays are not necessary and are not good for Christians. You are no longer slaves to these things, for you are liberated in Christ to do good (do not use your liberty, however, as a grounds for sin).

Rules and the such (the “Do nots” and the “Dos”) are for those who are enslaved to them. While we were “children,” while we were not yet the heirs of God in Christ because we had not yet come to know Christ, we were in bondage to such rules and regulations, and these kept us from destroying ourselves and one another. They were our “guardians and managers,” keeping us until the proper time. These rules are good, yet they do not have an effect upon the inner-man and therefore will not truly affect our outward actions for good. Thus we are no longer under them since we are now children of God and have received His Spirit.

Though we were heirs, as we were already predestined by God to be His children (“sons” or heirs as we just saw in 3:26) (cf. Ephesians 1:4-6), until we trusted Christ and our faith was secured in Him, we were still under these ordinances. Though we were the owners of the heavenly blessings in Christ Jesus our Lord, we were not able to partake of them until the proper time: when we came to faith—the date set by the father. We were just like slaves, though rightfully we were sons (just not yet realized), and so we were treated like slaves. This is the benefit for us who are in Christ. Though we were under such ordinances, and though our flesh may often wish to return to them because they seem to make life easier and because our flesh wants legalism (so it can feel as though it is righteous), we are free to live in Christ by the Spirit as free children and heirs of all the blessings of God. We do not need to fear judgment (1 John 4:18) (as long as we persevere), but we can now love God and walk by faith.

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Galatians 3:26-29 Brothers and Sisters, Treat One Another as Equals, For We are All "Sons" of God

Galatians 3:26-29 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.

Does it seem politically incorrect that Paul would call us all “sons of God”? Would this verse be more appropriately worded and understood as the NIRV (New International Reader’s Version) renders it: “You are all children of God by believing in Christ Jesus”? Or maybe women are excluded here. Why does Paul render verse 26 as “sons” of God, and then talk about how there is no gender basis, but equality in inheritance when it comes to those who have faith in Christ?

The Bible is not politically correct; nor should we seek to make it such. “Every word of God is tested,” or “flawless” as the NIV renders it (Proverbs 30:5). “The words of the LORD are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times” (Psalm 12:6). God’s Word is correct as it is written, and in this form it will pack the greatest punch. “Every word” of God is this way; not just every concept. The NIRV actually misses the point of Paul (and thus of God) almost completely in its translation/interpretation of the text. This verse must be rendered as “sons” despite our newly acquired (in the past 100 years) post-modernistic/feminist ideologies. Why so? Because Paul’s thoughts are continuous and flowing.

In verses 23-25 we saw that the Law served as our caretaker, much like a first century caretaker of a son who was to be the heir of his father. It did this until we had come to the proper age (the proper time in history) for us to be revealed as “sons,” not daughters (and you shall understand why that is in a moment), of God in Christ.

We are all “sons of God,” whether Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, because we are coequal heirs. If Paul had said, “you are all sons and daughters of God,” then he would have been saying to his audience that there is a distinction. He would have been saying that those who are men are going to inherit the kingdom, while those who are women are merely going to come along for the ride and get to enjoy it. Instead he says “you are all sons.” This means that there is equality in Christ. We are all coequal heirs of Christ (Paul is not abolishing the differentiation in roles here, as some claim he is doing. In context he is talking about us being heirs, as in what we shall receive in the Kingdom of God. That is how we are the same. The differentiation in roles does not mean men or women are greater than the other. Rather, that is just the way that God has made us to complement and balance one another; and it is good, and to go against that is sin).

Paul makes clear that Jews and Gentiles are now equal. God is saving people from all nationalities/ethnicities for His glory (see Romans 3 for more on this. This is actually one of Paul’s continuous themes throughout his epistles (cf. Romans 1:16; 2:12-16; 3:1-30, Galatians 2:8-9; 3:28, Ephesians 2:11-19; 3:1; 4:4-6, 1 Timothy 2:1-8, Titus 2:11-14). In the same way the slaves and those who are free are both coequal heirs. There is no difference in the Kingdom of God, and thus we must not play favorites, lest we fall into sin and face reproof at the hands of God (James 2:1-13).

All are equal as heirs in Christ (all who truly believe in Christ, that is) because all those who have accepted the responsibilities and sufferings that come with dying to this world by being associated with Christ in baptism have clothed themselves with Christ; both His sufferings and His righteousness. God “manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of [Christ] in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). We are together one body, and coequally heirs thereof. So all who are in Christ, no matter their race, gender, or status, are all descendents and heirs of the promises to Abraham.

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Galatians 3:23-25 Live by Faith, for the Law is No Longer Your Overseer

Galatians 3:23-25 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Before our justification and our son-ship came by faith (before Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah came), the Law had charge over humanity to keep them looking toward God. The faith that is referred to here is not just any general faith, as the Greek makes clear by using the definite article (as does the NIV). This is the faith in Christ Jesus, bringing about the reception of the promises in Him. It is faith in the one revealed (who was not revealed during the period of the Law). The Law was put in charge for the purpose of taking care of the people of God until the right time came and Christ appeared.

The idea Paul is introducing is that the Law is one who is put in charge over a male child until the child was old enough to be considered an adult and old enough to be fully adopted by the father. This one is not a teacher (as the word “tutor” might suggest), but rather one who helps the child and keeps the child out of harm and acting properly. The Law was given such a position to lead us to Christ when He appeared (I will talk more about the implications of this as Paul gets to them in the proceeding verses. For now all you need to understand is that the Law’s purpose was not to grant the promises, but to lead those under the Law to the One who does grant the promises).

The Law was to act in such a way until Christ came “so that we may be justified by faith.” Since the goal is for justification by faith, not by works, the Law is our guide to the point of justification by faith. Understand this, the Law’s very purpose is to lead us to the point where we will be justified by faith. However, faith has now come as the revelation of Jesus Christ has come. We are now able to trust in Christ (which I’d advise that you do) and submit to Him as Lord. Thus, we are no longer under the one who is given charge over us. We are now full adults and can live and walk by faith. Since you are no longer under the Law, which is Paul’s point, do not seek to continue under the care and guidance of the Law. Rather, grow up into faith. You are mature enough (since the revelation in Christ has occurred) to be adopted and to live as an heir.

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Galatians 3:22 Since You are Shut Up Under Sin, Trust Christ for Salvation

Galatians 3:22 But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

As Paul has just said (and we have just looked at), if we could attain righteousness or it could be imputed somehow based upon the Law, then indeed righteousness would come through the Law. However, the Law cannot impart spiritual life. Why is this such a problem? Because we are dead in our transgressions and slaves to the power of sin—as the Scripture has made clear. The Scripture has made us prisoners under sin—it has shown that we are held captive by sin to do its will. Thus, since the Scripture has shown (and the Scripture always speaks truthfully) that we are under all under sin, all peoples and all people throughout the world (cf. Romans 3:9), we are dead to the ways of God and unable to receive the promise through the Law. Our hearts are stone hard because of sin, and since the Law cannot do anything about this, a righteous standing before God cannot come by the Law.

Since this is the case, the promise to Abraham must come by another means. That means is by faith in Christ. In fact, as Paul has said, that is why the Scripture has “declared everyone to be a prisoner under sin” (my translation). By all being under sin, the promise comes by faith in Jesus Christ to all who trust in Him. All who hope in Christ are saved by faith, rather than by Law, because we are declared (in a legal sense) to be under sin. If we were not under sin, salvation would come by adherence to the Law. However, God’s plan to save the helpless who believe, through faith in Jesus Christ (God’s chosen One to be Lord) is accomplished. God’s divine right to have mercy upon whom I have mercy, and [to] have compassion on whom I have compassion” (Romans 9:15) is upheld. Thus, God gets the glory for salvation, for no one can boast before Him.

Thus, again I urge you, dear sinner, believe in Christ and receive the promise by faith; lest you seek righteousness by the Law and stand before God “declared… a prisoner under sin” when you stand before Him for judgment.

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Whatever Happend to Sin, Part 2: Sin and the Mercy of Election

“What shall we say then? There is no injustice with God, is there? May it never be! For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy…. So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires…. What if God, although willing to demonstrate His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction? And He did so to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us, whom He also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles.” (Romans 9:14-16, 18, 22-24)

Probably one of the greatest reasons people object to the doctrine of God’s sovereign right in unconditionally electing some, by His great mercy in Christ Jesus, to eternal life is the misunderstanding about sin that persists. This is not the only reason for people’s rejecting of this wonderful Biblical truth (that would be an oversimplification of the matter, as some truly reject unconditional election due to exegetical reasons (misunderstandings of certain texts, such as 1 Timothy 2:4-7, 2 Peter 3:9, etc), and others due to other reasons that are not based upon ill-philosophy stemming from an incorrect world-view (by this I mean the misunderstanding of sin)), but I think that it is quite a hindrance to many. A proper understanding of sin (this implies its moral wretchedness and corruption, its complete control and enslavement of the will and the intellect (besides God’s common grace), and how it condemns us rightfully to be accursed of God under the standard of the Law) will show us God’s mercy in electing any to salvation, why election is necessary, and why God, even in His absolute mercy, is not required to save every single human being that has ever lived.

To understand how merciful God is to elect anybody (in other words, to understand that He does not have to save any person), we must understand how appalling and dishonoring sin is to God, and dishonoring and destructive to the human being who is sinful. We should not be surprised (as I fear many are) that God hated Esau. The Bible is clear that God “[hates] all who do iniquity.” That He “[destroys] those who speak falsehood” and “abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit” (Psalm 5:5-6). We should be delightfully surprised, however, that God loved Jacob (a deceitful man, equally as evil as Esau) (Romans 9:13, Malachi 1:2). We should be surprised that David, a murderous, adultering, merciless, liar could “by [God’s] abundant lovingkindness… enter [God’s] house” (Psalm 5:7).

Sin is an absolute outrage to God. He is perfect, and in His presence no sin can dwell (4-5). Yet God is known as “Him who justifies the ungodly” (Romans 4:5). This is complete injustice. The ungodly deserve the full wrath of God. God cannot just forgive people of their sins. God deserves a vote of “no confidence” for such action (or so it appears in the Old Testament). No judge deserves to remain upon the bench (especially the judge of the universe who is expected to and demanded of to uphold impartial justice for all). This is the god that is worshiped by most today, however, as they claim a god who universally accepts everyone because everyone is just not that bad, in their worldview.

However, this is not the God of Christianity. Rather, the God of Christianity only justified (and today continues to justify) the ungodly because He looks to the most crucial event in human history: the life, death, and resurrection of the anointed One. All are sinful when compared to God’s holy standard: “There is no distinction [between Jew and Gentile]; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Yet God’s righteousness is made evident to the watching universe and demonstrated toward all who believe, who are “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” He is the one “whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith.” In more common language, Jesus took the complete wrath of God on behalf of all who trust in God (to be the justifier of the ungodly). Why did Christ have to take the wrath of God? “This was to demonstrate His righteousness.” Why did God have to demonstrate His righteousness? “Because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed” by people such as Jacob and David. God had forgiven them their sins, but no justice had been served. Christ took the wrath of God “for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:22-26). Why are they justified on the basis of faith in Christ? So that no one can boast except in God in Christ Jesus. Thus God is always the benefactor and we are always the beneficiaries (Romans 3:27-31). God is shown to be God. If Christ had not died, it would be impossible for God to be both just and the justifier of those who trust in Him to justify them. God would have to condemn all to hell to uphold His justice (which cannot be sacrificed). This is how abhorrent sin is to the Holy God.

This shows how sin is rightly condemned by God (to which we shall return shortly). Let us now turn our attention to the corrupting of sin. I have demonstrated elsewhere that sin leaves us completely evil in the sight of God. We are completely unable to please God. Yet sin corrupts us to the point where we will not turn to God (and in fact we cannot). Paul says, “there is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God” (Romans 3:10-11). It is not that there is only “none who does good” (Romans 3:12), but there is none who truly seeks after the God who deserves all his/her worship. Sin corrupts the intellect of mankind so greatly that no one even comprehends and embraces God. The intellect is so corrupted that it is repulsed by God into convincing the will to not seek for God. They will not seek because “a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God.” Why not? “Because they are foolishness to him.” Such a one does not see the need for God and does not see the infinite worth of God. In fact “he cannot understand [the things of the Spirit of God], because they are spiritually appraised” (1 Corinthians 2:14). The depths of God, or the things of the Spirit of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-13), are revealed to us only by the Spirit of God and only made valuable to us by His regenerating work in our hearts. Thus, the natural man (as opposed to the spiritual man) is incapable of repenting of his/her sins and turning to God in Christ and casting him/herself upon God for mercy. A heart of stone cannot be molded into a faithful heart; it must be replaced (cf. Ezekiel 11:19).

This is because “those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh.” On the other hand, “those who are according to the Spirit,” or those who have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit to see the value of Christ and the unsearchable riches of God, set their minds on “the things of the Spirit.” Why? Because “the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” Why is the mind set on the flesh death—spiritually dead and incapable of turning from sin to find forgiveness in Christ? “Because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:5-8). This is how corrupting sin is. Humans, outside of the work of the Spirit, are complete and utter slaves to the sinful nature (Romans 6:12-23, Ephesians 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 2:26). According to Bernard (I do not know who Bernard is), “…the will itself, undermined by sin, imposes a necessity upon itself. But the necessity, being voluntary, cannot excuse the will, and the will, being led astray, cannot escape the necessity…. [The] soul, in some strange and evil way, is held under this kind of voluntary, yet sadly free necessity, both bond and free. It is enslaved because of the necessity, and free because it is a will” (John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion, 98).

Because of this complete and utter disdain for God (the fact that we are imperfect is enough to condemn us), all humans are worthy of Hell. God would be completely just to send every single human ever to hell. Jesus actually warns the people of a crowd with whom He is speaking that they should not be surprised that bad things happen to people. “There were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.” Now, one would expect Jesus to gasp and denounce the cruelties that had occurred. That would only seem right. However, Jesus, understanding the people’s lack of understanding of sin says to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners that all other Galileans because they suffered this fate?” Was it because these people were so much more evil than everyone else that such had befallen them? “I tell you, no.” This was surely a shocker to the people. “But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Jesus addresses that this kind of a fate rightfully falls upon all who are sinners. In fact, a worse fate befalls sinners, as they face the wrath of God. This was an act of cruelty by a cruel man; but such a fate is rightly deserved by sinners.

Jesus then addresses what could be called a natural disaster, or an accident; though indeed it occurred under the divine providence of God. “Do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:1-5). Jesus makes clear that all who remain in sin are worthy of the same fate. All sinners deserve such. Now, do not be mistaken. There is no indication that Jesus was not outraged about Pilate’s attack (as Pilate had no right to do what he had done) or that He was not grieved by the death of those upon whom the tower had fallen (as Jesus knew that death was a result of sin, and He rightly hated sin and its effects). However, Jesus knew that sin is deserving of hell, and so warns His audience to turn from their sinful ways lest they incur the same consequences.

It is not a good argument that it would be unfair of God to send someone to hell while saving another. Consider this: if God were to be fair, He would send both you and I to hell right now. If God were fair, He would never have sent Jesus Christ, the only righteous man to ever live, to die in our place. It is quite unfair that God laid the iniquity of us all upon Jesus. It is thus unfair for God to save all those who are in Christ Jesus—all who have been covered by His blood and made righteous by His righteousness. Fair is not what is in question.

We should not be surprised that God would hate Esau, who was a wretched sinner; but we should be surprised that God is so merciful to save Jacob, who was a wretched sinner. No where in the Bible does it say that God is (or has to be) completely fair. He is an impartial judge. He thus saves completely out of His free choice. Otherwise God would be playing favorites, as He would be saving those who achieve righteousness (even the degree of righteousness to trust in Christ of their own self-determination) above those who did not achieve such a degree of righteousness. Yet God’s election “Does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy” (Romans 9:16). Thus you cannot claim that you are any better than Osama Bin Laden except by the grace of God in Christ Jesus (and it is still Christ’s righteousness that sets you apart before God, not your own).

In spite of the fact that God is not required to be merciful toward any, He has been extremely merciful and patient toward all of humanity, including those whom He has not elected unto salvation. You ask how He has been merciful? Do they not live, move, breath, eat, sleep, receive rain, warmth, have relationships, see sunsets, the moon, go for long walks on the beach, and enjoy countless other aspects of creation? God has been incredibly patient with them, and thus merciful. After all, “the wages of sin is death,” and yet they are not immediately destroyed. Though they count His patience lightly and as weakness on His part, not taking the opportunity which He has given them to repent and return for times of refreshing in Christ Jesus (Acts 3:19, Romans 2:4, 2 Peter 3:3-9). They reject His kindnesses and absolutely blaspheme Him.

God awaits the full number of His elect Church to be saved (2 Peter 3:3-9, Revelation 6:10-11). This is why He is patient. During this time the rain falls on both the righteous and the wicked (Matthew 5:45). In fact, God “Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things” (Acts 17:25). He has created all men everywhere that they might seek for Him (26-27), yet they all turned away and willingly suppressed God’s revelation (Romans 1:18-32), though all of nature bears witness to God (Psalm 19:1-6). God has “endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared beforehand for destruction” (Romans 9:22). He has done this so that those prepared by the Potter to be vessels of mercy would be given the necessary time to repent and so that they would declare that God was greatly merciful and glorious in His dealings with all, including the vessels of wrath. They have been given ample time to repent, though they have not and will not. God is just to condemn them. Do not let this strike you lightly.

Since He chose Jacob rather than Esau while “the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls” (Romans 9:11), is there injustice with God? The answer: “May it never be!” God, being God, the Creator and Sustainer of all, has the complete right over His creation. He is not required to give mercy to any, but rather, as He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion” (Romans 9:14-15). It is God’s right to have mercy upon whomever He pleases and to not give mercy to whomever He pleases. In fact, “He hardens whom He desires” out of His own sovereign right (Romans 9:17-18). May we, as Christians, weep for those whom God does not elect; for theirs’ is an unpleasant lot.

But if God hardens, then how does He find fault? “For who resists His will?” We do not have a right to talk back to our Creator in such a fashion; it is His divine right (Romans 9:19-20). I will not comment on this, but allow the Scripture only to speak: “The thing molded will not say to the molder, ‘Why did you make me like this,’ will it? Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?” (Romans 9:20-21). He does not have to give mercy to both vessels. He could rightly give mercy to both vessels or give mercy to no vessels. It is His divine prerogative.

In light of sin, we should not be surprised at all that God shows wrath to those who are vessels of wrath. They were created and destined to be outside of Christ and to not take part in God’s forgiveness and grace in Him (and they willfully reject Christ). Thus they are completely sinful and deserving of God’s wrath. They willfully sin throughout their whole lives and thus are rightly condemned by God and face His wrath. It is not as though any of them repent or seek to please God and He just rejects them. Rather, any “one who comes to me I will certainly not cast out,” Jesus promises (John 6:37). Though they were destined for wrath, they still earned it.

Our delightful surprise should come at the fact that God makes some to be vessels of mercy; that He destines some to be partakers of His grace in Christ. We should be overjoyed that He does all of this “to make known the riches of His glory…upon…even us, whom He [“prepared beforehand for glory” and] also called, not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles” (Romans 9:23-24). We are the ones who are getting what is undeserved, not those who are receiving God’s wrath (though according to Paul’s Potter metaphor and the illusion paid to Esau and Jacob, this is “so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand,” and not according to the good and bad that one does; God elects unconditionally of both good and evil. However, this is a mystery of God’s glory that He does what He desires unconditionally and yet He is absolutely merciful and just, for He has the absolute right over His creation).

Let us meditate on God’s great love in saving us, brothers and sisters in Christ. “For while we were still helpless [unable to save ourselves, unable to turn to God to save us], at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners [enemies of God], Christ died for us” (Romans 5:6-8). “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:9-11). Let God’s undeserved love toward you (you received it unconditionally, if you are in Christ, upon the condition of Christ’s dying for you) drive you toward loving all people, especially those who are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Dear Christian, pray for the lost. You do not know who are and who are not the elect. Perhaps God has employed the means of your prayers to save a lost person. God’s election is complex, so do not presume anything, but do as you are commanded. Share the gospel, pray for your enemies, all peoples everywhere, and those whom you personally know who are lost. For consider this word by John Calvin, who does not allow for fatalism:

…The scoffers make such a commotion with their stupid arguments that almost everyone is confused. If, they say, the Lord has planned the moment of our death, it is inevitable and there is nothing we can do about it. So, when people try to avoid dangers on a journey, or call in the doctor to obtain drugs for the sake of health, or abstain from certain foods to protect a weak constitution, or refuse to live in a run-down house, the scoffers say they are trying to find ways of achieving their own ends. They maintain that these are vain attempts to alter God’s will because his sure command fixes the limits of life and death, health and sickness, peace and war [faith and unbelief,] and everything else which men try to achieve or avoid by their own efforts. These shallow people imply that the prayers [and works] of the faithful must be misguided and unnecessary, because they beg the Lord to act in things which he has decreed from eternity. Attributing whatever happens to the Providence of God, they excuse the person who has deliberately planned it. Has a murderer killed an innocent man? He has only, they say, carried out God’s will. Has someone committed theft or adultery? He is merely the one who carries out what the Lord has ordained. Has a son stood by, waiting for his parents to die, without trying to do anything? He must not oppose God, who had planned it all from eternity. In this way, all crimes are called virtues, because they must be according to God’s will.

When it comes to future events, Solomon reconciles human deliberation with divine Providence quite easily. While he scorns the stupidity of those who dare to undertake anything without God’s help, as if they were not under his control, he also states, ‘In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps’ (Prov. 16:9). This suggests that God’s eternal decrees in no way prevent us from providing for ourselves, and arranging all our affairs (subject to his Lordship). The reason for this is clear. The one who has fixed the boundaries of our life, has also entrusted us with the care of it, given us the means to safeguard it, warned us of the dangers which threaten us, and supplied remedies so that we may not be overwhelmed. Now, our duty is clear: since the Lord expects us to defend our lives, we must do so; since he offers his help, we must take it; since he warns us of danger, we must be careful; and since he supplies remedies we must use them. Some will say that if a danger is not fatal, it will not hurt us, and if it is fatal, nothing can be done. But what if these hazards are not fatal simply because the Lord has given you the means to fend them off and surmount them? Try to match your reasoning with the way God actually works: you infer that no precautions need be taken in danger, because if it is not fatal you will escape anyway; whereas the Lord urges you to take precautions, just because he does not will it to be fatal. These crazy protesters overlook what is staring them in the face: that the Lord has given men the ability to think and to be careful so that they may use it (in submission to his Providence) to preserve their lives. The opposite is true; by neglect and laziness, they bring upon themselves the troubles he has linked with such behaviour. How is it that a careful man, in taking safeguards [or a Christian in trusting in Christ], avoids impending danger [or avoids the wrath of God], while a foolish man [or an unbeliever], through thoughtless daring [or through unbelief], perishes? It must be that wisdom and folly are, in both instances, instruments of divine dispensation. God has chosen to conceal all future events from us, that we may prepare for them in uncertainty, and never cease to emply the remedies we have been given, until all hurdles have been overcome or have proved too much for us. So, as I said before, the Providence of God does not act in itself; but, by working indifferent ways, it assumes as it were a visible form….

Despite all this, the Christian should not ignore lesser causes. He should consider those who help him as ministers of divine goodness and not overlook them, as though their kindness deserved no thanks. He should feel under real obligation, admit to it and try all in his power to reciprocate. In short, he will honour and praise God as the principal Author of all the blessings he receives [thus giving God all the glory], but will also respect the people who are God’s agents. He will be aware that is it God’s will that he should feel under obligation to those by whom God has chosen to show him kindness. If he suffers loss through carelessness or stupidity, he will believe it was the Lord’s will it should be so, but at the same time he will lay the blame at his own door. If someone for whom he should have cared, but whom he has neglected, dies of a disease, he will not excuse himself, but will feel it was his fault. In the case of theft or murder, fraud and malice [or unbelief], he will be even less able to justify it on the grounds of divine Providence. Rather he will recognize clearly in each crime the distinction between the justice of God and the sin of man. In future events, he will notice lesser causes. If he receives help from other people, he will recognize it as God’s blessing, but he will not therefore fail to take measures or be slow in accepting help. He will avail himself of every sort of assistance, see them as hands held out by the Lord and true instruments of divine Providence. As he cannot know the outcome of any work in which he is engaged (except that in everything the Lord will provide for his good), he will aim for what he thinks best, as far as he is capable. In every course of action, he will commit and entrust himself to God’s right way. However, his confidence in outside help will not be such that its presence represents security, and its absence poverty to make him panic. His mind will always be fixed on the Providence of God alone, and nothing that happens to him will be allowed to distract his gaze. So Joab, while he acknowledges that the result of the battle is completely in God’s hands, is not passive, but energetically carries out his duties. ‘Be strong,’ he says, ‘and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The Lord will do what is good in his sight’ (2 Sam. 10:12). This same conviction will keep us free from rashness and false confidence and will stir us to unceasing prayer. As the same time it will fill our minds with strong hope, enable us to feel secure and shout defiance to all the dangers which surround us! (John Calvin, The Institutes of Christian Religion, edited by Tony Lane and Hilary Osborne, Baker Book House, 2004, 77-80).

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Galatians 3:20-21 The Need for the Seed: Why Righteousness Cannot Be Based Upon the Law

Galatians 3:20-21 Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one. Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.

While the mediation of Moses was necessary for the covenant between God and His people between the time of Abraham and Christ, the time of the covenant promises to Abraham to be fulfilled left no need for a mediator. Why is a mediator no longer necessary? The promises were to “Abraham and his seed.” A mediator is necessary when you have two parties negotiating terms/confirming the terms. The seed, Christ, is one party and God is a second party. However, as Paul states, God is only one. God is confirming the covenant promises with Himself—Christ. Thus there is only one party: God. Since God is one (and the promises are to Christ, who is God (as Paul explicitly claims here)) there is no need for a mediator. Thus, what was mediated by Moses is not applicable between God and the Seed. The Law is obsolete because the terms under the mediator are unnecessary (Hebrews 8:13).

So this begs the question: “Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God?” Does the Law interfere with the promises? Paul is clear; this is not the case. The Law is good. The Law was given for the purpose of showing us our need of the One who would fulfill the promises given to Abraham and who would make God both “just and the justifier” of the ungodly (Romans 3:21-26; 4:5).

If we could have been justified by the Law we would have been. However, we could not be justified by keeping the Law because we (outside of the Spirit’s regeneration) have a “heart of stone” (Ezekiel 11:19). The Law, which is impersonal and is only given to convince us of our sinfulness and to condemn us in our sinfulness, could not take out our hearts, which are not formable. We need the Spirit to mold our hearts so that we can (and will) believe in Christ. Thus, since Christ is personal, He can impute righteousness and can impart a “heart of flesh” to us (Ezekiel 11:19). He can impute righteousness because He can merit righteousness, and He can impart life because He can give the Spirit. By imparting spiritual life (regeneration unto life) through the Spirit (the Spirit removing our hard, sin-filled hearts that rebel against God, giving us soft hearts that see the worth of God and respond favorably to Him) Christ is able to bring us faith in God and thus to receive His righteousness, putting us in a good standing with God.

Yet do not dismiss the Law, friend. It serves its purpose. It is not evil or a hindrance. Do not look to the covenant given through the mediator: Moses. Rather, look to the One who holds the promises and fulfills them: Christ. All who are in Him are the heirs of Abraham as well, through His mediation on our behalf (we need a mediator, Christ does not (1 Timothy 2:5-6)). Trust in Him and receive the Spirit (for if you are trusting in Him, he deserves the glory—so give it to Him—for you have received the renewing work of the Spirit).

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Galatians 3:18-19 Because Salvation is through Promise, Let the Law and Christ have their Proper Roles

Galatians 3:18-19 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise. Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.

The promise made to Abraham could not be based upon both the covenant of the Law and the promise given to Abraham. So as Paul has been arguing, God has granted the inheritance to Abraham by His promise. Thus the covenant made at Sinai is subject to the promise given to Abraham. The promise has supremacy over the covenant of the Law. If the Law had supremacy, then salvation would be based upon adherence to the Law, not on the promise of God to justify the ungodly. Abraham was granted (fully the work of God in grace, and the permanent work of God in grace—as is demonstrated by Paul’s use of the perfect tense “has granted”) salvation not by the means of adhering to the Law, but on the basis of God’s promise of the gracious gift in Christ Jesus (the justifying of sinners).

So the question most necessarily arises: if salvation comes through the promise and not through the Law, why did God give the Law at all? The Law seems to have been useless and obsolete even when it was first given (like most WINDOWS based computers, which are obsolete before they hit the market).

Paul knows, and whole-heartedly believes in the usefulness and goodness of the Law (cf. Romans 7:7-13). He thus makes clear that the Law was given by God, through angels by Moses (as the mediating representative between God and the Israelite people) to show the people their transgressions and need of God’s grace. The Law showed sin to be as detestable as it really is (Romans 7:7-8, 13). It served as a springboard for the sinful nature by showing the sin all sorts of evil in which it could seek to indulge itself (showing the true colors of sin and the absolute reign it has in those who are sinful). This is why God ordained that the Law be given. It was His purpose to show mankind their utter sinfulness. When the Holy Spirit works in a person’s heart, they are able to see their utter sinfulness and see their need for Christ.

Thus, Christian, do not cast the Law aside as evil, but use it to search out sin in your own life that must be killed and use it to show others their sinfulness before God that they might see their need for Christ. And for you, unbelieving friend, weigh your life against the Law. You are sure to see that you do not measure up to the standard of God: perfection (Matthew 5:48). See that you stand under the condemnation of the Law and that you are in danger of the eternal fires of Hell. When you see this, repent of your sin and throw yourself fully upon the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. Let Him be the curse of the Law for you and to be credited with you sin, that you might be credited with His righteousness and stand faultless, and in fact as having fulfilled the Law, before the judgment throne of God.

Since the Law shows us our sinfulness and our need of God’s grace, it was given until the proper time (Galatians 4:4) when Christ, the heir of Abraham, was to come. The Law was given to lead people to God until Christ, the fullness of the revelation of God came (Hebrews 1:2-3). Christ, in coming, took full possession of the promise given to Abraham that it might be fulfilled for all who trust in God. Thus, friend, since Christ has come, do not seek to be under the Law, but seek to be found in Christ.

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