Galatians 3

As someone that was raised Catholic, attended Catholic school and was an altar boy, Galatians 3 reminds me how I sometimes hold to the traditions of my youth, even though they are senseless to my salvation and relationship with God. Even though I am sure of my salvation, I still can fall into Satan's trap that it is "not enough". When it is Mardi Gras time which is followed by Lent, I still think about what I should give up for 40 days. As if I still need to do this, to accomplish something in the flesh to secure my place in heaven. The fact is that it wouldn't add to my salvation. In a way, it is an insult to Jesus. Think of it, thank you Jesus but "I'm going to do X, Y, Z just in case".

What Jesus did at the cross is all that is needed for the believer. When Jesus spoke "it is finished" in John 19:30 on the cross He was giving up His Spirit as an atonement for our sins. His death on the cross and resurrection provided a way for each of us to be made "right" with God.

Just think of this analogy, you are invited to dinner by a friend and you accept. If you were like the Galatians you would bring along an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. After all you want to make sure you have enough to eat. How would your friend react, probably insulted and it would be your last invitation for dinner. As interesting as this analogy is, if having a full stomach is representative of salvation, then you earning your salvation would result in a burnt un-edible meal. The only one that can make the satisfying meal is Jesus.

In Galatians 3 Paul is not talking to just the Galations, he is also speaking to us modern day Christians. Doubting our salvation is an old and reliable tool of Satan's. Keeping us churning and spinning in our tracks stops us from being confident assured followers of Jesus. When we walk with faith as Abraham did, we are seen by the world as witnesses; witnesses that are used by God to grow His kingdom and spread the Gospel. We are doing good things living holy lives because we are thanking our Savior, not because there is more to do for reconciliation with our Creator.

Don't be foolish or as David Gruzik states in his commentary "The Galatians struggled with a basic question: How are we made right before God? What is our standing before Him? Because of some bad teaching, they answered those questions wrong. They thought, "We are made right before God based on what Jesus did for us, plus what we do for Him under the Law of Moses."

When we live as the redeemed we are free and not slaves. Set down your self fitted yoke. Christ has done the work. Accept His free gift of Salvation once and for eternity.

Joe LoSurdo | Elder

Joe committed his life to Christ in February of 1994 through attending Hill Country Bible ChurchNorthwest. He and his wife, Debbie, have two married children and five grandchildren. Joe has served in Student, Children’s, Small Group, Assimilation, Benevolence, and Biblical Guidance Ministries. Joe and Debbie joined Hutto Bible Church in June of 2009.