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. Galatians 3:28 WEB
The Galatians endured a movement to Judaize converted Christians. Simply put, this means that some were falsely teaching that salvation came from following Jewish law. This ignores the sacrifice Jesus made for our sin by assuming that any man can achieve salvation through his own efforts. We are guilty of our sins. This is true for all men. If we had to rely on our own behavior for salvation, then, falling short of salvation is all that we could do.
Paul teaches in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. WEB” A man cannot erase the past or forgive his own offenses. But with God, through faith in Jesus Christ we are forgiven for our sins. We are one in Christ. As Paul writes of God in Colossians 1:13-14, “who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love, in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins.
Saved by Grace
In other correspondence, Paul clearly teaches salvation by faith. He writes in Ephesians 2:8-9, “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” God shattered the barrier of sin between himself and fallen man through the gift of Jesus Christ. The Lord unleashed his Spirit upon every nation, giving salvation to all who believe.
What does it mean to be one in Christ? We are the sons and daughters of God, joint heirs in the kingdom of heaven. As children of the Lord, we share the same status. No man is superior to a woman, no nationality or race is greater than another. United as one in Christ, Paul teaches the Galatians that God is not calling the world to strict adherence to Judaism. Instead, he teaches that God loves and values mankind as equal in his sight. Jesus calls the world to repentance from sin and forgiveness. God calls his family to unity through faith in Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for my brothers and sisters of faith. Thank you for lifting me up when I fall. Help me to look upon my brothers and sisters as equally valuable to you. Guide me to serve your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Door
