Galatians: The Life I Now LiveSample

Paul does not simply warn the Galatians about the danger of trying to add law-keeping to the gospel. He also offers the positive side of his argument again in verses 5–6. 

The glorious gospel is truly good news: we have so much in Christ that we do not need to add in law-keeping. Faith in Christ really is enough! 

Notice four aspects of his gospel summary in these two verses: 

1. The gospel is by faith. This is in contrast to works. Paul does not mean that faith is therefore passive, because true faith does work. By the end of verse 6 he makes clear the importance of faith working itself out through love. 
2. This gospel faith is in Christ, who is ‘the hope of righteousness’ (v. 5, ESV). The true believer trusts in Christ; they do not trust in themselves. This means that neither religious moralism (circumcision) nor irreligious licentiousness (uncircumcision) can generate what the gospel does through faith in Christ. 
3. Gospel faith is not just concerned with the entry point into this new life. It is an ongoing reality: we eagerly wait for Him and our faith continues to work through love. 
4. The ongoing gospel life is lived out ‘through the Spirit’ (v. 5), who is the key to the Christian life. As Paul goes on in his letter, he is going to focus in on God’s amazing provision of the Holy Spirit. Sneak a quick look ahead to 5:16: living in step with the Holy Spirit is the counterpoint to living a sinful life! 

The Christian life begins by faith and continues by faith – faith in the promised Christ. And the Spirit of Christ brings that ongoing intimacy with Christ, stirring us to eagerly wait for Christ, and to love others as the outworking of our faith in Christ. Paul’s language here is vivid and striking. He is convinced God has truly provided a solution to our deepest problem. 

Reflection

In what ways does the Spirit stir you to love Christ and others?