Galatians 1:1-9

content/bible_journal/galatians_1:1-9.md

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+title = "Galatians 1:1–9"
+date = "2023-07-31"
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+
+### [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.