Made Perfect by the Flesh????? - Part 777

“Receive ye the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing of faith?” This is an interesting question. Writing to the Galatians, Paul an apostle (not by men but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead) said, “Are ye so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect the flesh?” He further asks, “He therefore that ministers to you in the Spirit and works miracles among you, does He it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Even the early church struggled with questions about leaving their first love, even though they once knew without a doubt that there was nothing one could do to earn salvation.  The Bible states, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” But in this case, the Galatians – like too many churches and religious institutions today – believed that somehow adherence to the law and Ten Commandments leads you into perfection. Instead of acknowledging that by faith believers who seek His righteousness are saved by grace (solely because the one who knew no sin became sin and shed His precious blood upon the cross), we keep one foot in the law.

We mix the two covenants (the old and the new covenants) creating mass confusion amongst believers.

We ignore the fact that “the scripture [itself] has concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” (Galatians 3:23) Before faith came, admittedly, “we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed, wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster – for ye are all the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (Galatians 3:22-29)

This is why Paul set the record straight. He said, “I do not frustrate the grace of God – for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Jesus the Christ is dead in vain.” (Galatians 2:21)

We cannot be saved by good works. We cannot be saved by doing the right thing and trying to live a good life. When we do, we will ultimately fail like so many before us. Our only hope is in Jesus Christ. It is no wonder Paul wrote -- For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident; for the just shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:10-11)

“And the law is not of faith, but the man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us” --  for it is written, “Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree.” (Galatians 3:12-13)

This is why Paul said, “O Foolish Galatians – who has bewitched you that ye should not obey the truth before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth – crucified among you?” (Galatians 2:21; 3:1) This is the same question that must be asked of our religious organizations today. We do not live in bondage under the elements of the world. We live in the dispensation of grace which means we have been set free by His love and mercy. By grace are ye saved through faith and that not of yourselves BUT by the grace of God.

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this – “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Galatians 5:14)

Remember, that “when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son made of a woman made under the law – to redeem them [us] that were under the law – that we might receive the adoption of sons. (Galatians 4:5) Therefore, stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled under the yoke of bondage. Press into Jesus. Read His Word daily for your strength and spiritual sustenance. Rejoice too! Stand in the offering plate.