Paul tells us "It was for freedom that Christ set us free" (Gal 5:1). Sounds pretty obvious and, actually, a good idea. So why is it that we prefer "a yoke of slavery"? The problem in the churches in Galatia was people preaching "saved by faith ... and." "Yes," they would agree, "we're saved by faith. But that's only the beginning. We also have to do things to remain saved." For the Galatian Christians, it was the Judaizers. "You're saved by faith, sure, but now you need to follow the Law. Circumcision, days and festivals ... that kind of thing." For which Paul declared (twice for emphasis), "He is to be accursed!" (Gal 1:8-9). This kind of "faith+" thinking is not uncommon. It is prevalent. Why is it so dangerous?
Paul warned that going to that "plus" after faith offers "a yoke of slavery" (Gal 5:1). After having been set free from the penalty of the Law, going back means that "Christ will be of no benefit to you" (Gal 5:2). Tell that to the Roman Catholic Church which consciously and heartily embraces "faith+" as their method of salvation. Or the LDS or the Jehovah's Witnesses or too many well-meaning Baptists. Submitting again to the Law cuts you off from Christ -- from His freedom -- and from grace (Gal 5:4). This line of thinking is not from God (Gal 5:8). Instead, it is a hindrance (Gal 5:7). A little bit of this kind of thing can cause widespread harm (Gal 5:9), and it will bring judgment from God (Gal 5:10).
Judaizers gave Christians in the first century their "faith+" in the form of "follow the Law." Today we have our own version, legalists who argue, "Drinking is a sin" or "If you don't do right you can lose your salvation" or "Divorce/Homosexuality/Suicide (whatever) is an unpardonable sin" or "The real unpardonable sin is failing to take care of the poor" or the like. Biblically, we are given two modes of operation: flesh or Spirit (Gal 5:16). We can operate in our own flesh, satisfying our desires in opposition to the Spirit or we can walk by the Spirit (Gal 5:16), putting to death the flesh with its passions and desires (Gal 5:24). Only two. It cannot be "faith+." And the consequences of "faith+" -- what Paul calls "another gospel" -- are, ultimately, fatal. It is not a mere matter of opinion or an alternate approach.
1 comment:
Of course there's a danger in the other side of faith+, and that's antinomianism. We always need to remember that obeying the Law doesn't save us, but if we're saved, we'll want to obey the Law. It's the same problem the Catholic Church had with the Protestants. It's not that works don't matter, it's that they don't contribute to salvation, but spring forth from salvation.
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