As we conclude our series through Paul's letter to the Galatians, 'True Gospel:True Freedom', Paul makes it crystal clear that there is only one thing that counts - a new creation.
No deed of the flesh, or work of the law can ever contribute to our salvation. God's welcoming acceptance of us into his family, as his holy and beloved children, is only ever on the basis of our being crucified with Christ. Through the cross, Paul says, "the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." To place our trust and hope in our own flesh through the keeping of the law, or in the world or in anything other than Christ, is to put your hope in something dead! A dead thing which has no power to give life, or to raise itself to life. But place your hope in the risen and ascended Lord Jesus– hear the gospel of grace in Christ Jesus with faith, and you are a new creation! And when it comes to our salvation, as well as to every battle, fear, doubt and temptation we face in life, that is the only thing that really counts. |
