Three truths emerge from Paul's greeting to the Galatian churches:
1. Jesus gave himself for our sins;
2. Jesus rescued us from this present evil age; and
3. He did this according to the will of the Father.
"Gave himself" refers to Jesus dying for our sins, to pay the penalty for them. He did it intentionally and willingly. Jesus said "no one takes it (his life) from me, but I lay it down on my own." (John 10:18)
"To rescue us" means before we came to Christ, we were in the world, participants in "this present evil age". It is evil because it rejects God. Romans 1:18-32 describes this in detail. But, once we come to Christ in faith, we are transferred from this evil, dark kingdom, into God's Kingdom. (Colossians 1:13) Thus, we rescues us from this present evil age.
"According to the will of God" means the sacrifice of Jesus and its benefits to us were all according to the will and plan of God the Father. Ephesians 1:4-5 tells us that this was his plan even before the creation of the world. And, Jesus said "my food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work". (John 4:34)
"To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."
No comments:
Post a Comment