But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
Galatians 2:3 (KJV)
Compelled – I have many reformist friends and enjoy my conversations with them. They push me, cause me to research further, and share very interesting concepts of theology. They are passionate and well studied. One recent conversation revolved around the concept of free will vs. compulsion.
Continue reading “Compulsion or Free Will?”Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Galatians 3:19 (KJV)
Transgressions – We’re so quick to say, because of Israel’s transgressions, the law was given. But have you ever noticed that the mention of Israel is missing? The transgressions don’t have an owner in this sentence. So whose transgressions is Paul referring to?
Continue reading “Because of Transgressions”For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
1 Corinthians 1:17 (KJV)
12. As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
Galatians 6:12-13 (KJV)
Baptism and Circumcision – With verses like these, it would appear that Paul taught against baptism and circumcision, or at least against the physical action. But did he really? Continue reading “Baptism and Circumcision”
know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
Galatians 2:16 (NIV)
In – It’s such a small little preposition, isn’t it? But it carries a huge impact on how we interpret this verse. By reading the NIV verse above, we’d assume that justification comes by believing in Jesus. This is the same for the NASB, the Russian Synodal, NRSV, and others. Unfortunately, it’s not what the Greek text actually writes. Continue reading “Justified by Faith”
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25 (KJV)
Spirit – We absolutely love this line. We’re a spiritual people, so we walk in the Spirit. I think I hear it in almost every conversation I have regarding obedience to God, and it’s often used to justify our disobedience to the law revealing our lack of desire to be conformed to the image of Christ. But what does it really mean? Continue reading “Walk in the Spirit”
