What does love have to do with our faith? Actually, it has a lot to do with how we live out our faith.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the church in Galatia, wrote that he was “amazed that you are so quickly turning away from Him who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel” (Gal 1:6). The true gospel is the good news of the salvation in Christ by grace through faith. When we believe that good news we are saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:22). That word believe is more than head knowledge, more than just knowing about it. In the original Greek the word believe is pistis, which means “confidence or trust.” So saving faith is based on the confidence or trust that we are saved by grace through faith. But Paul speaks of a “different gospel” that the Galatians were turning to. What was he talking about?
Works or faith?
Before Paul made his point about the different gospel, he reminded the Galatians of his own testimony and how God, through His Holy Spirit, worked in his own life. Then in chapter 3:2 he gets back to his point about the different gospel. “I only want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now going to be made complete by the flesh?” (Gal. 3:2-3)
The Galatians had been saved by grace through faith but had slipped back into their old ways. They acted as if following the Jewish law made them right with God. The gospel is clear. Religious self-effort cannot make us right with God and results in sin. In Galatians 5:13-14, Paul reminds the people, “…you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love. For the entire law is fulfilled in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
What’s love got to do with it?
Instead, of loving one another, the Galatians were in danger of devouring one another. Their lack of love was obvious as they tried to serve God in their own strength.
What is your example to the outside world?
Christians are to be the light and salt in this world. Paul reminded the Galatians that they must not become conceited, provoking one another, or envying one another. That’s the way of the world, and we are to be different than the world. We are to walk in the Spirit and show love for one another. “Walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” Galatians 5:16).
“By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
According to a recent nationwide Barna poll, all 1,871 self-described Christians were asked about their perception of God. “In total, three-quarters (78%) said he is the “all-powerful, all-knowing Creator of the universe who rules the world today.” Most did not think Satan was an actual living entity and “much like their perceptions of Satan, most Christians [in this poll] do not believe that the Holy Spirit is a living force, either. Overall, 38% strongly agreed and 20% agreed somewhat that the Holy Spirit is “a symbol of God’s power or presence but is not a living entity.” Just one-third of Christians disagreed that the Holy Spirit is not a living force (9% disagreed somewhat, 25% disagreed strongly) while 9% were not sure.”
If this poll is an accurate measure of the state of things, there are many who say they are part of the church who are not, and some who are carnal Christians like the Galatians who look like the world because they are striving in the flesh. They are off course from where God wants them to be.
Photo credits: Michelle Cox, pixabay
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About The Inheritance by Donna Sundblad
Written within the allegorical tradition of classics like Pilgrim's Progress, The Inheritance offers a literal but symbolic story for today's fantasy enthusiasts. This cleverly devised tale doesn't tell you what to think, but stimulates thought as to why you believe what you believe in your own quest for the Eternal City. The Inheritance is an ideal discussion starter for youth groups, homeschoolers, and families who enjoy meaningful discussions.