Salvation is by Faith And Not by Feeling

How deeply has the tendency to deny hell penetrated evangelicalism? One survey of evangelical seminary students revealed that nearly half, 46 percent, felt preaching about hell to unbelievers is in “poor taste.” Worse, three out of every ten evangelical Christians surve … More

Salvation

The main argument of the Judaizers was that Gentiles had to become Jews in order to become Christians. To show the error of their way Paul now turns from subjective experience to the objective evidence of the Word of God. We should never judge the Scriptures by our experience but  should always test our experience by the Word of God. The Law says “do and live” but grace says “believe and live,” The Law could only inform man of his sin and it could never save him from his sin. In these verses Paul quotes Old Testament statements to prove that salvation is by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law:

  1. Salvation for Abraham was by faith (vv. 6-7). Verse six  is quoting from Genesis 15:1-6 “And believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” Paul reminded the Galatians that works played no part in Abraham’s life with God.
  2. Salvation is for the Gentiles (vv. 8-9). The word heathen (v. 8). simply means Gentiles and proves that from the beginning that the blessing of salvation was promised to all the nations of the world.
  3. Salvation is by faith and not the law (vv. 10-12). Paul quotes from Deuteronomy (27:26). “Salvation could never come by obedience to the law because the law brings a curse, not a blessing.” The law is not a “religious cafeteria” where people can pick and choose.
  4. Salvation comes through Christ (vv. 13-14). Paul quotes Deuteronomy again, “He that is hanged is accursed of God” (21:33). This reference to hanging relates to the cross on which Jesus died.

Application

I do not become godly because my mother or dad were godly people? I must stand alone for Jesus, and I am relying completely on Christ, by faith, for my salvation?

Galatians 3:6-14 (English Standard Version)


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