Paul writes to the church at Galatia which consists of a both converted Jews and Gentiles. It seems that some false teaching was taking foot in the church and Paul goes on at some length to correct the misconceptions. There were those in the church teaching that in order for Christians to be perfect, they had to keep all of the Jewish law. So what we have in Galations is a repeat of a lot of what Paul wrote to the Romans, and that is the we are saved by grace and not by works. Justification comes through nothing we do in and of ourselves, if it did, Christ would have died in vain. So the message is one of freedom, not bondage.
Impressions: There always seems to be a conflict between works and faith. Although works are not done to attain salvation, they come as a result of our gratitude for what Christ has done for us. Out of the faith, which is a gift of God, come the fruits, which in a way are works, that show that our faith is alive in us. So, while the works are not necessary, they will be there as a by-product of our relationship with Christ and our faith and dependence on Him.
Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
Readability: 3 stars
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