FRIDAY July 28, 2023

Breaking the Yoke of Legalism

“So God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they.”
Acts 15:8-11

Paul made the distinction in that Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit just like the Jews. By faith they were saved and had found freedom in Christ. Why then should they have a yoke of bondage placed on them? Why should they be obligated to keep the Law? It made no sense. Paul exhorted Jew and Gentile believers alike in Galatians 5:1: Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Paul was such a defender of the faith. He explained the Gospel message so simply. Listen to him as he aided young Christians in their growth––to become mature in the faith. He helped them to understand salvation is only possible through the grace of God: 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 (Ephesians 2:8-9).

How many times have you observed people hoping to gain salvation through works? They are really exalting themselves. There is nothing they can do toward their salvation. Jesus Christ’s work on the Cross secured our salvation! It is all of Him––nothing of us. A person must place their faith in Christ for salvation, asking Him for forgiveness of their sins. Then as they abide in Christ (John 15), they continue to walk by faith and not by their feelings––obeying and trusting in His Word.

Although Christians have liberty in Christ, they are not to go back to their old sinful lives.

Christian liberty is freedom from sin, not freedom to sin.
~A.W.Tozer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!