diff --git a/content/bible_journal/galatians_1:1-9.md b/content/bible_journal/galatians_1:1-9.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0236b35 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/bible_journal/galatians_1:1-9.md @@ -0,0 +1,50 @@ ++++ +title = "Galatians 1:1–9" +date = "2023-07-31" ++++ + +### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Galatians1.1-9) + +The book of Galatians was written by Paul the apostle. It says so in the first +three words, unlike Hebrews, which we don't know the author of nor does it +really matter who wrote it. For this book, however, Paul is responding to a +group of false teachers who are discrediting him to the churches of Galatia. +This makes it vitally important to understand who is writing. Thankfully, Paul +is very good at putting his name on his own writings, so there is no need to +wonder. + +Paul identifies himself as an apostle, which is a common Greek word but becomes +a kind of technical term in the New Testament writings. The word means +"messenger" and it carries a connotation of one who is sent with authority. +Thus, the apostles' authority is not inherent but is derived from the One who +sent them. Biblical apostles were personally commissioned by Jesus to lay the +foundation for His church. Paul affirms this by saying he is not sent by men +but by Jesus Christ and God the Father. + +Paul's greeting to the churches of Galatia invokes grace and peace from the +Lord as he does in all of his letters. He reminds them of the good news that he +had preached to them when he journeyed through Galatia, specifically that +Christ gave up His life in order to deliver us from our sins and the evil that +surrounds us. + +And then he comes out swinging. Paul is really riled up that the Galatian +Christians are listening to teachers that have distorted the truth. He uses +very strong language to convey the depths of his emotions about the situation. +The Galatians may not have realized it, but they are on the precipice of +rejecting the true gospel for something else. Paul is clear that the good news +of Christ is the only true way to salvation, and if anyone says differently, +even if it's an angel from heaven or Paul himself, that person should go +straight to hell. And then he says it again, he feels so strongly about it. + +Beloved, let us not mince words. Damnation awaits those who teach or follow any +path other than the Lord's. Salvation is found in no other name under heaven +than Jesus Christ our Lord. If you have followed along with my study of +Ezekiel, then you know we have seen how God views sin, and what He does to +those who persist and cling to it. Cling instead to the cross of Christ where +His death paid the penalty you deserve so that you may live the life His +righteousness earned for you that you never could. It's the only way He will +accept you into His kingdom. + +* * * + +Great is Your mercy on us, wretched sinners.