The Epistle to the Galatians was written by the apostle Paul to counteract a very dangerous error.  There were those in his day who did not realise that the Law of Moses as a rule of life has been set aside by the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Scripture says clearly, “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth”, Romans 10:4.  In other words, by His coming, the Lord Jesus has introduced those who believe to a new way of life.  Not one dominated by a hopeless attempt to please God by works of merit, but rather, a life that is lived in association with Christ and His death, burial and resurrection.  The Spirit of God empowers those who are true believers to live a life which is well-pleasing to God their Father.  He does this by enabling them to live like Christ.  Such believers do not have the Law of Moses set before them as their rule, but rather, the example of Christ.  The apostle declares that those who live like this “fulfil the law of Christ”, Galatians 6:2.  No longer are they in bondage to the law, but they know the  liberty of  the Spirit, enabling them, in their measure, to imitate Christ.

This is not to say that the Law of God through Moses is no longer valid, for nine out of the ten commandments are binding on believers still, and they are able to fulfill the righteousness of the Law as they  walk  by the Spirit, Romans 8:4.  It does mean, however, that no longer is God making the keeping of His law the way of gaining blessing.  The blessings that God gives in abundance to those who believe are based solely upon the merits and sacrifice of Christ, and not at all on the efforts of men.

If this idea is strange to you, may we suggest you first read the posting entitled “How can we get right with God?” which you will find under “Pages” on the right of the screen.

To access the notes on the epistle, pleae click on the appropriate chapter in the menu bar on the right hand side of the page.