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.