Ouachita Stories

There are a number of important lessons we can learn by looking at specific words and phrases in this week’s passage. In verse 26, Paul shows the law is a teacher, but not the Savior, by connecting this passage with Galatians 3:25, where he points out we’re no longer “under a guardian.” The Law of Moses no longer serves as our schoolteacher, because we are sons of God by faith.  The use of “sons” speaks to being full grown. Paul expounds that we are not small children, but mature because of faith in Jesus Christ. Believers then are sons of God. We are no longer in need of a babysitter.

Next, notice the use of “all.” We all have full privileges because of our relationship to God through faith. It is not through human lineage or human achievement, but faith alone brings us into this new relationship. The faith is not some general type of belief, but specifically centered on one, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 27 links “baptized” with “putting on Christ.” The idea is taken from a change of garment that was made that signified one moving from childhood to adulthood. He is not saying faith in Jesus Christ and water, bread and wine, church membership or anything else (Timothy George).

 

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:26-28

 

Before we move on, we must look at the three sets of pairings in this passage: Jew/Greek, slave/free and male/female. Although our race, social status, income or gender is not changed at conversion, these things are neither of value nor a handicap when it comes to our spiritual relationship with God through Christ. Paul is saying we all come to be joined to Christ in the same way. God has ordained order, but as far as spiritual blessings and privilege go, there are no distinctions.

I find the conditional "if" interesting in 3:29. It refers to the fact that believers are in Christ. If you belong to Christ, are in Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, not by physical birth, but regeneration. We are children of God through rebirth, faith in Christ Jesus.

John McArthur tells of Lawrence of Arabia participating in the Paris Peace Talks after World War I. He was trusted by Arab leaders who were staying in the same hotel. These leaders were astounded to discover what seemed to be unlimited amounts of water that would flow simply by turning the handle on the faucet. They were so taken with this that when they left they removed the faucets and packed them in their luggage.

When they told Lawrence about this, he explained that the faucets were no good if they were not connected to pipes that were connected to a supply of water.  McArthur aptly states that the person who is not connected to the Son is not connected to the Father and has no source of spiritual life or power.

Let us thank God for the privilege of being His child through faith in His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

By Rex Horne, President