Grace and Peace Through Christ

This week is a very exciting Sunday as we begin the exposition of the book of Galatians. Galatians is a very important book which as it clearly as it powerfully defends the gospel. Galatians and Romans were the most crucial books to which the reformers looked. Paul writes to churches in Galatia (part of modern Turkey) which he had founded during his first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). Sadly, false teachers, who apparently were from a Jewish background, had infiltrated these churches, claiming that gentile converts must embrace the Jewish law, including circumcision, if they were to receive salvation through the Jewish Messiah. They also sought to undermine Paul's authority. Paul's writes to the Galatians to defend the purity of the gospel which declares that we are justified by grace alone through faith alone in the work of Christ alone. Paul also defends the divine origin of his apostolic commission and message.

Galatians is needed in our day because we can never take the gospel for granted. There are many false teachers who are corrupting the gospel through addition or subtraction. Even believers sometimes begin with the gospel and then think they can move on to bigger and better things. We are never done with the gospel!

Paul's salutation to the Galatians (in the first five verses) introduces his major themes. He begins by asserting his apostolic authority, having been appointed to his office by the risen Christ. Paul then proclaims God's grace and peace which come solely through Christ's giving of Himself for our sins. Paul's opening words are also striking for what they omit. He has no words of commendation or thanksgiving for the wayward Galatians