For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16)
Can you imagine? God’s eternal intent was always to save us through the Blood of His Son! This was settled in eternity long ago if one could say such a thing concerning eternity. In Revelation 13:8, the Scripture says that Jesus, “the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world.” God paid for our salvation before He ever created man. Jesus was always the answer for sin and sinners!
In Galatians 3, Paul the apostle calls them foolish because they are choosing “works” over “grace.” His admonition is “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?” It is foolish to think that we don’t need to be saved from our natural sinful state. It is foolish to think that we can save ourselves with more humanism. It is foolish to think that religious works can save us. Therefore Paul asks a series of questions that everyone should meditate on. “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain–if indeed it was in vain? […] He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” (Galatians 3:2-5). Paul’s questions are designed to cause them to think! The Galatians who were hearing the Gospel needed to think about all the benefits of the Gospel over religion and works. We also must become very clear: Jesus is the reason we are saved! He is the cause for our continued salvation. Salvation is by faith in Him and His blood. We believe that God the Father has accomplished His eternal plan to save us in the Life, Death and Resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Gospel shows this in emphatic fashion.
In Romans 1:16, Paul says, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” In his letter to the Galatians, Paul’s aim is to show them the power of the Gospel of God, namely the testimony of His Son, Jesus! Paul continues his persuasive letter by revealing that even Abraham, the Father of faith was saved through the preaching of the Gospel! This is clearly seen in the following verses: “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham” (Galatians 3:6-7).
We also are saved by the efficacy of His eternal sacrifice. Glory be to God!
Pastor Don