Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Galatians 5:1-5
by: Nick Kersten.
Paul dealt with our freedom from legalism as he reminded the Galatians (and us) that we cannot justify ourselves through what we do, despite our frequent efforts. Only through the freedom that Christ provides us are we able to stand firm in grace, assured of our standing before God both now and for the remainder of eternity. Re-chaining ourselves to laws or rules only takes us away from the grace by which we are saved. The underlying purpose for the sacrifice of Jesus, Paul notes, is for our freedom (v. 1).