Galatians 2:16: A Verse on Justification, Faith, and the Fulfillment of the Law – “Paul’s Gospel Wins”

Galatians 2:16: A Verse on Justification, Faith, and the Fulfillment of the Law – “Paul’s Gospel Wins”

“3 Key Points from Galatians 2:16: Faith, Fulfillment, and Justification”

 

‘knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.’

Galatians 2:16

 

1. Justification

Galatians 2:16 states that a person is justified, or declared righteous, not by following the law of Moses, but through faith alone in the gospel of grace alone (the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ).

This is supported by Galatians 2:21, which says, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”

2. Fulfillment

The verse also teaches that the law has been fulfilled in Christ (the death, burial, and resurrection) and that people are no longer bound to follow the law in order to be saved.

This is supported by Romans 10:4, which says, “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.”

3. Faith

Finally, Galatians 2:16 teaches that people are justified by faith alone in the finished work of the cross alone and not by their own works or efforts.

This is supported by Ephesians 2:8-9, which says, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

 

Understand Context and You Understand the Passage

Galatians chapter 2, was written by the apostle Paul. The letter was written to the churches in Galatia, which were located in the region of modern-day central Turkey. The letter was likely written in the mid to late 50s AD, around the same time as Paul’s other letters to the churches in Corinth and Rome.

The letter was written in the context of a controversy between the Jerusalem Church (the gospel of the kingdom believers) and Paul’s Gentile congregations (the gospel of the grace of God believers) in Galatia regarding the role of the law of Moses in salvation (Acts 15:1-5).

Members of the Jerusalem Church in Judea, under the leadership of Peter, James, and John, dispatched spies (Galatians 2:4) into the congregations of the apostle Paul with the message that Gentile converts were required to observe the law, including circumcision, in order to be saved. Paul, on the other hand, contended that justification, or being declared righteous, resulted solely from faith in the completed work of the cross and not from the law or temple worship.

 

Paul’s Gospel Wins

Paul and the leaders of the Jerusalem Church (Peter, James, and John) reached a resolution on the issue. Paul writes that he and Barnabas were “entrusted with the gospel of grace to the uncircumcised (the Gentiles),” while Peter and the other leaders were “entrusted with the gospel of grace to the circumcised (the Jews).” In Galatians 2:2–9, the Holy Spirit reveals that the two groups were given different responsibilities with regard to evangelism and spreading the newly revealed gospel of grace given to Paul. This newly revealed gospel teaches that both Jews and Gentiles can be saved by faith alone in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, apart from keeping the law, circumcision, and temple worship.

This division of responsibilities is also mentioned in Romans 15:8, which says, “For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs.” And in Romans 15:15-16, Paul writes, “Nevertheless, brethren, I have written more boldly to you on some points, as reminding you, because of the grace given to me by God, that I might be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering of the Gentiles might be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”

The letter of Galatians is part of a larger collection of letters known as the Pauline Epistles, which also includes letters to the Romans, Corinthians, Ephesians, and others. The book of Galatians is thought to have been written after Paul’s first missionary journey, during which he established churches in the region of Galatia, and before his second missionary journey, which is described in the book of Acts.”

 

Truth Over Tradition

 

 

Let Us Not Grow Weary While Doing Good – Galatians 6:9

Let Us Not Grow Weary While Doing Good – Galatians 6:9

‘And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ‘

Galatians 6:9

Galatians 6:9 encourages us to continue doing good, even when it becomes difficult or tiring. Verse nine reminds us that our efforts to do good are worthwhile and that we should not give up when faced with challenges.

The verse encourages us to trust that, in God’s timing, our good deeds will be rewarded and that we have a responsibility to do good to others, especially to fellow believers. It is a reminder to keep going and not to become weary in our efforts to do good and to make a positive impact in the world.

Here are 5 Encouraging Points We Learn from Galatians 6:9

 

  1. We should not grow weary in doing good, as it will ultimately be worth it in the end.
  2. We should not be discouraged by the struggles and challenges that come with trying to live a righteous life but keep focused on the grace of Jesus Christ and the impact our actions have on others.
  3. We should not give up on trying to help others, especially fellow believers.
  4. We should not let others discourage us from doing good, but instead, keep focused on our own actions and the impact we have on others.
  5. We should continue to strive in doing our Father’s work, as it will ultimately lead to spiritual growth, maturity, and reward.

 

Paul emphasizes sacrificial service, particularly to our fellow believers. He exhorts believers to be humble in all things and to exalt only the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14), just as he did. Mostly, he is working to repair the damage done by the Judaizers that came from the Jerusalem Church to the new believers in Galatia.

It is ironic that we are still fighting within the Church against those who would bind us back to the law when we have something so much better: grace through faith for salvation!

Galatians was written around 57-58 AD. The author of Galatians is the apostle Paul (Galatians 1:1-3). Paul was writing to the Gentile churches in Galatia, which were located in modern-day Turkey.

 

Difficult Day(s) Ahead? Here are Two Bible Verses that Will Give You Strength and Encouragement

Difficult Day(s) Ahead? Here are Two Bible Verses that Will Give You Strength and Encouragement

Do You Have a Difficult day Ahead? No Worries… Trust Jesus

 

These two bible verses encourage us to turn to God and trust in His provision and guidance, all the time, every day, especially when facing difficult circumstances.

Number One

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

 

This verse reminds us that no matter what challenges or struggles we face, we have the strength and courage to overcome them through the power of Jesus Christ.

Number Two

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

This verse encourages us to bring our anxieties and concerns to God in prayer and to trust that He will provide peace and understanding in our lives.

 

The word of God is Powerful “more powerful than ANY two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart”… Hebrews 4:12.

 

So it is crucial to make studying His Word a daily task along with prayer. 

 

Here are 5 Bible Verses that Will Comfort the Brokenhearted

Here are 5 Bible Verses that Will Comfort the Brokenhearted

If you or if you know someone who is struggling with the pain of a broken heart and discouragement, no matter the cause, the only true comfort is in Jesus Christ and His word.

Believers already have (past tense) victory and salvation through faith alone in the gospel. But in our daily experience, we will face trials and tribulations. That’s where the study of His word and prayer becomes the believer’s only source of comfort, strength, and encouragement.

Here are five bible passages that will bring comfort, strength and encouragement to the brokenhearted:

 

Number One – Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

This verse reminds us that God is near to us in our pain and is ready to rescue and heal us.

 

Number Two – Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

This verse encourages us not to fear or be discouraged but to trust in God’s presence and strength.

 

Number Three – John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In this verse, Jesus reminds us that we will face difficulties in this world, but he has already overcome the world (by the finished work of the cross) and offers us peace and comfort in the midst of our struggles.

 

Number FourRomans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This verse reminds us that God is sovereign and that he works everything together for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose.

 

Number Five2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

In this verse, Paul teaches that God’s grace is sufficient for him and that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness. This can be a comforting reminder that even in our pain and struggles, God is with us and can bring strength and victory.

 

I hope these bible passages bring encouragement and hope as you face difficult times. May God’s love and grace bring you comfort and strength through difficult times.

 

 

 

 

5 Encouraging Promises to Lift Your Spirits from Romans Chapter Five

5 Encouraging Promises to Lift Your Spirits from Romans Chapter Five

Here are 5 encouraging promises from Romans chapter five that will lift your spirits.

 

1. We have peace with God through Jesus Christ:

In Romans 5:1, Paul writes, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This means that through faith in Jesus, we are reconciled with God and no longer separated from him by our sin.

2. We have hope in God’s love:

In Romans 5:5, Paul writes, “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” This means that we can have confidence in God’s love for us, even when we struggle or face difficult circumstances because the Holy Spirit testifies to it in our hearts.

3. We can rejoice in suffering:

In Romans 5:3-4, Paul writes, “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” This means that even when we face suffering, we can find hope and purpose in it because it can help us grow and mature in our faith.

4. We are saved by grace:

In Romans 5:8, Paul writes, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This means that we are saved not by our own merit or works, but by God’s grace and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

5. We have been reconciled to God:

In Romans 5:10, Paul writes, “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” This means that through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we have been brought back into a right relationship with God, and we can have hope for eternal life with him.

 

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