The Daily Word

 

When we read Paul’s letters to the churches, they all have a similar format, which varies in sequence depending upon the message Paul actually wants to deliver to each church. But there is always an introduction which is well worth looking at and meditating on, as the first few verses of each letter.

The letter to the church in Galatia was one of the early letters and it was written because false teachers were propagating doctrines which were corrupting the church and Paul reiterates the message that faith in Jesus Christ is all that is needed for salvation. And right at the beginning, in the introduction, he reminds the church about why faith in Jesus was all that was needed. “Our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins.”

Here he uses the full title of our Saviour which defines all His character, mission and status. Paul then confirms that He was willing to surrender His majesty, His dignity, even His eternal relationship with His Father for those 3 hours of darkness on the cross, that He might make an effective sacrifice for sins.

But Paul reminds the Galatians that this salvation was personal because he uses the word ‘our’ twice in the verse and whilst the sin of the whole world was paid for by Jesus death, it is only effective if individually we realise that he has done it all and turn to Him in full surrender. Again we say, “Thanks be unto God for His inexpressible Gift!”

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church