MONDAY November 12, 2018

Obey the Gospel Truth

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?
Galatians 3:1

The Apostle Paul knew that Satan could deceive Christians about the truth of the Gospel. The Galatians had become captivated into thinking they were justified by keeping the law. They had turned away from grace. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul tells us: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Honestly, I am concerned about Christians who become proud of what they know. They understand the light of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4-6), but they can get caught up in different schools of theology. If influenced by a Calvinistic ministry, they may become proud or self-righteous. Those who have embraced five point Calvinism believe God only chooses certain people––they are one of them and they are eternally secure.

Others may attend a church that is Pentecostal. Once again, pride may set in because they believe no one else is as spiritual as they are. Yet another church may place great emphasis on teaching of the Word of God. Christians who are knowledgeable can become puffed up because they can quote Scriptures, books of the Bible, key words, and Greek and Hebrew definitions. They become proud because they feel they know more than anybody else.

We need to have a good balance in our lives. There is nothing wrong with being spirit-filled, having biblical knowledge, or having eternal security, but where is the doctrinal balance in our lives? What should we preach to others? We should be preaching Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. My goal is not theology; it is that I might know Him and the power of His Resurrection. We must teach others that Christ is the center of theology.

Law and love have no quarrel. The conflict arises between law and grace as a way of salvation.
~Walter J. Chantry~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!