Oh, Foolish Galatians!

Oh, Foolish Galatians: A highlight of Paul’s letter to the Galatians.

Oh foolish Galatians, who have bewitched you to turn away so soon from the gospel of the grace of Jesus Christ which you had received? Remember the same gospel that is the death, burial and resurrection of a saviour – Jesus Christ who came on your behalf? Yes, that Jesus Christ, not another. But why should you so soon turn away from that same gospel which you gladly and willingly received? And by believing that gospel, you witnessed the miraculous (Acts 14:3,8) – do you still remember the cripple from birth who was made whole? You saw all those signs and wonders because you received the holy spirit when you believed, right? Because He who supplied that spirit to you did that by the hearing of faith and not the works of the law. So, what happened to you? Could it be that all these while you received the gospel in vain? Why did you start believing a different gospel, huh?

Hang on, I know why you have so soon turned away; it is because of some of the Jews amongst you who are telling you that to be a “proper” Christian, you have to conform to the Jewish tradition in order to be of the commonwealth of Israel and inherit Abraham’s promise. Or perhaps the people that are telling you that you ought to be “tolerant” just like the world around you. That’s what has happened here.

Ok, so what should you do? To start with, let me pronounce a curse on whoever preaches any other gospel apart from the gospel of faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ that I originally preached to you. To make myself clear, even if an angel or myself were to come and preach anything different to you, that curse still applies, you know. Look, the gospel is set in stone there are no ifs and buts because with God, there are no shadows of turning. Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ, not works of the law. It is through faith that Abraham was counted righteous, it is through faith that we also become sons of Abraham and joint heirs with Christ.

I tell you this also, the bondage of the law which was a school master that was meant to lead us unto Christ is now over, so don’t put back that yoke on yourself or anyone by forcing them to become circumcised or practice the laws given of Moses or indeed any other custom that is contrary to the gospel of Christ. Listen, Christ’s death had nailed all those religious observances to the cross. So, as far as I am concerned, it is no longer I myself who live this life because the life that I now live, I live by faith in the son of God who died for me. I urge you to do the same. So, whether I am a Jew by birth or not, it does not give me any reason to boast, because henceforth I can only boast in the cross of Jesus Christ which is the symbol and initiating instrument for salvation. You see this salvation that I am talking about? Though it came by way of the Jews and the law it has now reached all men and thus fulfilled the promise of God to Abraham – in you all the nations of the world will be blessed. Hence, there are no Jews, nor Gentiles, no slaves nor free as far as God is concerned – for all who have received Christ have been given the power to become sons and daughters of God. Isn’t that amazing and worthy of all acceptance? Surely it is.

Therefore, walk in the spirit and you will not fulfil the lust of the flesh which are made up of all forms of atrocities like adultery, fornication, idolatry, envy, murder, fits of anger and the likes. Conversely, the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. There is NO LAW AGAINST the fruit of the spirit. Cool, right!

Lastly, I know that it may take some time and persuasion for some of you to understand this, but bear one another’s burden, let those who are strong bear with the weak; correct them in gentleness and humility lest you also be tempted. Be generous and as the opportunity arises, endeavour to do good to everyone especially those who are believers.

Kind regards,