Through the Bible: GalatiansSample

Justified by Faith, Not by Work or Merit

Know that a person is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

Galatians 2:16 (NIV)

Have you ever been to a party or a function where you felt like you did not belong? Or tried to join a club where you must subscribe to all the rules? If so, then perhaps you can understand why Paul wrote the passage to the Galatians in chapters 1 and 2.

In chapter 2, Paul confronted Peter for his hypocritical behaviour when he separated himself from the Gentiles when some Jewish believers from Jerusalem came. Early Christian Jews found it difficult to come to terms with the enormous freedom they had in Christ, who had died in their place so that they become righteous before God.

We thank God that the Kingdom of God is not an exclusive club but a family of believers. There is no membership fee to be paid, but we are adopted into the family of God through Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for this glorious truth that I am not justified by works and that there is nothing that I can say or do to merit my salvation. Thank You that Christ gave his life as a ransom for me and I am justified only by faith in the finished work of Christ. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.