Grace is free but not cheap. The Jewish Christians who preached that one must follow all the Jewish regulations in addition to having faith in Jesus didn’t understand this. They misunderstood the freedom Paul spoke of. Galatians 5:1So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.[1]The Judaizers assumed freedom in Christ meant one could do anything and be forgiven. If people did this, it would result in chaos. Thus, they couldn’t let go of the requirement of the law.
Our Salvation Cost Jesus
Jesus obtained salvation for those who believe at great cost. Galatians 3: 13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” 14 Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith.[2]
Even though Jesus paid the price for our salvation, He offers it to us as a gift. Galatians 3:22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.[3] Now, this doesn’t mean we are free to sin whenever and however we want. Galatians 3: 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die… 5:13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. [4]
A Free Gift Enables Us to Follow Jesus
In the letter to the Galatians, Paul explained that the law was only a stopgap until Jesus came. Now the law condemns us but doesn’t save us. Only faith in Jesus will save us. That faith also helps us rid ourselves of sin by following the Holy Spirit’s leading. We receive the Holy Spirit as we believe and trust in Jesus.
Galatians 2:19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me…5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.[5]
Jesus has freed us from the regulations of the ritual laws. But that doesn’t mean we are free to sin blatantly. May the Holy Spirit guide you into the life Jesus has for you. Grace is free but not cheap. To find out more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/live-by-the-spirit
[1-5]Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188.