And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law…I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. — Galatians 2:16, 19b-21
So far we have looked at unconditional love, nourishment through God’s Word, and Christ’s presence, power, and pruning. When these things are on your plate, they provide nourishment.
Today we are talking about salvation, and we have to back up a few verses to understand this passage. The Apostle Peter visited Antioch and found Jews and Gentiles fellowshipping together, united by their belief in Christ. But some missionaries began harping on him for ignoring Jewish dietary laws, so Peter pulled away and did not eat with Gentile believers. Soon other Jewish believers did the same, and they had division.
Paul opposed him to his face: “Peter, we don’t have to follow the dietary laws because the law doesn’t save us! Christ saves us.” It does not mean you proclaim Christ as Lord and Savior and then simply go your merry way because you are “covered.” Salvation in Christ is not just a ticket to heaven. When you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, you are crucified with Christ and sin no longer reigns in you—you still sin, but you can confess and be forgiven. The Holy Spirit reigns in you as a believer!
The next verse says: “The life I live in the flesh (body), I live by faith in the Son of God…” Do you believe that? The life you live, you live by faith. Not by faith in yourself, or in what you achieve, or in what others think of you, or in striving to do something. You live by faith in Christ…who loves you and died for you.
Stop and let that sink in today. You live by faith in Jesus, who loves you. You are loved not because of what you have or have not done, but because God decided to create you and love you. That is the best news there is!
To Think/Pray About Today
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? How do you live out your faith?
Prayer Focus: Main St. Community Church
Cedarville United Presbyterian Church 