Christ in the Law: A 5-Day Plan to Delighting in God’s LawНамуна

Day 5: Contribution to the Law

Galatians is a letter within the epistles genre written to teach the church how to live under God’s law. Specifically, this book teaches believers how to live in the freedom and power of the Holy Spirit through the gospel of grace, which offers forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. Like all of the epistles, Galatians includes doctrinal teaching, correction, guidance for Christian living, pastoral care, and application to the unique needs and challenges of the church.

It is essential to understand Galatians for its unique contributions in instructing and nurturing the faith and practice of the church as it relates to the connections between the law, faith, freedom, and the promises of God. We have seen these connections in several places throughout the Scriptures and explored their implications for understanding core principles of the Christian faith. Those core principles emphasize justification by faith, freedom from legalism, the continuity of God’s plan, unity in Christ, and the practical application of these truths in the lives of believers.

Galatians offers a rich theological framework for Christian living and relationships within the church. We understand that forgiveness can be found in no other name than Christ. We understand that Christ offers not only forgiveness, but freedom from sin and freedom to obey and love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls.

Let’s end this week meditating on this beautiful chapter and give God praise for the beautiful continuity of His Word from the law to the letters. Please turn to Hebrews 11.

What is the concept that the author is praising or elevating (v. 1)?

What is the origin of this concept (v. 2)?

How are we exhorted to imitate these saints of old (Heb. 12:1–3)?

What is the most supreme example that believers should imitate (Heb. 12:2)?

From beginning to end, the actions and character of biblical heroes and villains are meant to stir in Israel, and in us, hearts of obedience to the Lord that stem from faith in God’s promises that still stand to this day.

• God’s promise of an offspring that would come from Abraham and through whom all the nations would be blessed finds its fulfillment in Christ.

• God’s promise that blood makes atonement for sin finds its completion in Christ.

• God’s promise to pass over those covered in the blood extends to all who trust in Christ.

• God’s promise of pardon to Israel for all their sins comes through Christ.

• Every offering and sacrifice and Levitical priest are but shadows and examples that point us to Christ.

• God’s promise to circumcise the hearts of His people comes through the circumcision of Christ.

Indeed, every promise of God finds its Yes in Him (2 Cor. 1:20). For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be glory forever. Amen (Rom. 11:36).

For further study on delighting in God's word and why the Old Testament commands matters to us today, see Delighting in God's Law by Kristie Anyabwile