Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain? He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you and does miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? Even so, Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.” Know therefore that those who are of faith are children of Abraham. Galatians 3:4-7 WEB
Chapter three of Paul’s letter to the Galatians begins with a correction and redirection to the core message of the gospel. That is, salvation comes by way of faith and not works. After originally receiving the gospel message, false teachers convinced the Galtians church that their salvation came from following the Old Testament law.
To correct this error, Paul writes, asking a series of questions, reminding the Galatians of the message he shared with them of salvation through faith by the grace of God and not any efforts of their own. Our own feeble attempts at salvation are in vain. The law condemns us all but cannot save us.
No One Is Righteous
Paul writes a similar message to the church at Ephesus. In Ephesians 2:8-9 we read, “for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. WEB” As sinners, there is nothing we can do to overcome our guilt. No amount of ritual or law keeping can erase the fact that I have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. It is the grace of our loving God that gave his Son to pay the price for our sins.
The bible teaches of Abraham in Genesis 15:6, “And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. KJV” Even in Old Testament times, there were no righteous men according to the law. But even then, God credited faith as righteousness. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:20, “Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and doesn’t sin. WEB”
They Worship Me in Vain
The men that burden others with endless rules do so outside the will of God. As Jesus Christ teaches in Matthew 15:9, “And they worship me in vain, teaching as doctrine rules made by men. WEB” False teachers attempt to control others with wearisome doctrines and man made rules.
Instead of bearing the burden of sin ourselves, attempting salvation through personal acts in vain, trust that Jesus has already overcome our sin. As the Lord encouraged the faithful in Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you bearing the burden of my sins. Thank you for accepting my faith as righteousness. Guide me with your word to do your will. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: This Is My Body
