SAVED BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH

READ Galatians 4:21-31

This morning our reading is an extended allegory contrasting law and grace. Paul begins by stating, "Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?" (vs 21)  Notice how Paul contrasts law and grace:

THE LAW                                                         GRACE

A bondmaid                                                A free woman

A son born after the flesh                            A son by promise

From Mount Sinai, bondage, Agar        From Jerusalem, promise, the Spirit

The basic application of the entire allegory is found in vs 28, "Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise."  Paul concludes the allegory in vs 31, "So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free."

Because we are in Christ, we are not the descendant of Hagar (the law and its bondage) but rather of Sarah (grace, promise, and faith). We are not saved by good works, nor do we lose our salvation by the failure to maintain good works.

I thank God for His covenant of grace, "For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works lest any man should boast."  Are you trying to work your way to Heaven, are you trying to hold on by means of your own good works?  Or are you believing God's promise concerning His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who says, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life." (John 6:47)

Have a great day rejoicing in the grace of God!

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  What are the two covenants that Paul is referring to in this passage?

2.  Do you believe God is going to accept you because of your own ingenuity? Your own energy and effort? Your own goodness? Because you keep the commandments of God the best you can?  Why or why not?

3.  Who are the children of promise? How does this affect your day-to-day life?

4.  Exactly what is it that qualifies you to inherit the promise of God?

5.  What would life be like if you lived every day like a child of grace? (Grace is not a license to sin – Titus 2:11-12)