In Galatians 4, Paul draws a bold line between spiritual slavery and true sonship—and if you’ve ever felt trapped by religious performance like in Mormonism, this chapter is your invitation to step into the freedom of being fully adopted by God through faith in Christ alone.
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Galatians 4 | From Slavery to Sonship
Theme: Freedom in Christ vs. LDS Legalism and Spiritual Bondage
Last time in Galatians 3, Paul made it crystal clear: Salvation comes by faith in Christ—not by keeping the law. Paul dismantled the idea that law-keeping could ever make someone right with God.
He pointed to Abraham, showing that even he was saved by faith long before the law was given. Paul explained that the law was like a temporary guardian or tutor, showing us our sin but never designed to save us.
The big takeaway from Chapter 3: We are made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ—not by religious performance or obedience to commandments.
Where Galatians 4 Picks Up:
Now, in chapter 4, Paul continues that argument—but he shifts the focus to something deeply relational. He introduces the beautiful truth that believers aren’t just forgiven sinners—they’re adopted children of God!
Paul uses family language—sons, heirs, adoption, Abba Father—to contrast the cold slavery of law-based religion with the warm relationship of grace-based Christianity.
This next section will especially hit home for LDS listeners, because Mormonism still keeps people under law, denies full adoption until after lifelong worthiness, and often replaces a personal relationship with God with institutional loyalty and religious performance.
Let’s dive into Galatians 4: From Slavery to Sonship.
Section 1: Galatians 4:1-7 | From Slaves to Sons: Relationship by Faith, Not Law
Paul starts with a cultural illustration. In ancient times, heirs had no more rights than slaves until their father declared them full sons.
Spiritual point: Before Christ, people lived like spiritual minors—under guardianship, lacking freedom.
Galatians 4:3 says we were slaves to the basic spiritual principles of this world—elemental spiritual forces linked to pagan gods and demonic powers.
Modern LDS Parallel:
Many LDS today engage in spiritualistic practices: energy healing, chakra work, astrology apps, spirit communication, manifestation, and lightworking. Mormonism’s openness to extra-biblical revelation makes this trend possible and widespread.
God’s Rescue Mission Through Christ (Galatians 4:4-5):
Jesus came at God’s appointed time to redeem those under the law. Not just freedom from slavery—but full adoption as sons and daughters.
Result (Galatians...
