As Paul concludes his letter to the Galatians, he revisits a few of
his points that he has addressed and calls them again to respond
appropriately to the truth of the gospel. Our standing, as believers
with God, is not based on merit - it is based solely on the finished
work of Jesus on the cross. Paul asserts, that is his boast - that alone is what he glories in, the cross of Jesus. The impact of that crosswork is Paul's death to the world and the world to him. The world no longer has the pull, no longer sets the agenda for Paul; instead, it is the cross that shapes him and guides his life and actions. Each of us can and must be shaped by the crosswork of Jesus. He alone establishes our standing with God. What do you glory in today? It may be your career, possessions, relationships; but for believers, it must be the cross of Jesus.
The major theme of Galatians is the gospel – the message of
salvation! What is it? Who is right about the means of salvation? In
order to fully address this vital issue, Paul is going to address the
subjects of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, faith, justification, freedom, the
law and the implications of these in our daily living. Galatians is not a book offering believers the ultimate license to live however they please. Galatians is instead an explanation of all that we possess through the glorious gospel of Jesus and the implications of it for our daily lives. The gospel is given and intended to change us, to shape us more into the image of Jesus. By God’s grace, we can understand the truth of the gospel and be transformed by it.
