The Christian’s Declaration of Independence
The year of Jubilee was just one of the many ways God went about telling us what our hearts intuitively long for and what he has prepared for us: freedom.
Before any battle is won on the field, a battle must be won in the minds and hearts of the people. Patrick Henry proclaimed, “Give me liberty or give me death”. This is similar to the proclamation Joshua made saying, “As for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord.” Further, Winston Churchill challenged with, “I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.”
In Galatians, Paul made 3 declarations of independence for Christians:
Christ’s Death Saves Me
The false teachers were saying that justification, getting right with God, is accomplished through obedience to the Law. Paul said that justification (righteousness) is based on obedience to the Gospel only. It is not what we do but what God has done in Christ. Only the cross, only the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ can atone for sin.
Isaiah 53:5-6
But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. For He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Christ’s Life Empowers Me
Paul, having admitted that he is no longer the same man, also admits that he is not under his own control. It is Christ who is alive in Paul, leading him and giving him. This man is under another power. He comes into a person’s life and takes control and empowers us in every area of our existence: our relationships, our attitudes, our decisions, our responses to sorrows, our understanding of tragedy, and even our awareness of joy in the midst of it all.
Galatians 2:20
It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
Christ’s Love Compels Me
What religion can not do, God’s love will. A most profound theological concept is stated in a children’s song: Jesus loves me. This I know. For the Bible tells me so.
Galatians 2:20
And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith the Son of God, Who loved me and gave himself for me.
Pub 7-16-22