Grace versus the Law by Nina Keegan

Grace versus the law

In the book of Galatians Paul writes a letter to outline the dramatic differences between the two approaches to God... one approach is Grace the other is the law…

 In Galatians 4:21, Paul speaks of the law once again and the experience of Abraham... he addresses the false teachers foundational respect for Abraham and the Galatians infatuation with living under the law.

The Galatian believers, under the pressure from Jewish legalists, we're considering rejecting the gospel of grace and reverting back to dependence on the law for salvation.

Here are the two differences...

LAW...

The Law is based on works, it is incapable of resulting in justification,  it makes Christ nothing,  it is the way of the flesh, the law is a curse. The law was intended to be only a means to an end. The law results in estrangement from Christ, it keeps one a slave, it results in bondage, it depends on human effort. The law is motivated by pride and centered on circumcision.

GRACE...

Grace is based on faith, it justifies sinful men, it begins and ends with Christ! Grace is the way of the spirit, it is a blessing, it is God's desired end for his people. Grace results in intimacy with Christ, it makes one a son and a daughter of God and an heir of Christ. Grace brings liberty. Grace depends on the power of the Holy Spirit. Grace is motivated by love and centers on the cross of Jesus Christ!

Paul wanted the Galatian believers to fully believe and know the spiritual truths, he wanted the believers to know who they are in Christ and to stand fast in the liberty of not having to keep the law of Moses in order to be saved. The Galatians were on the verge of becoming enslaved to the law again.

Paul talks about this in this next verse… This is one of my favorite verses… We never have to be entangled in bondages and strongholds again… Because we have liberty... liberty in Christ Jesus...

Galatians 5:1-4

Standfast therefore in the liberty( freedom)  by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law, you have fallen from grace for we through the spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

Galatians 6:16

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God