STAND FAST IN THE LIBERTY

 

The epistle to the Galatians confronts the doctrinal error that was becoming established there due to the teaching of the false doctrine of men being presented deceitfully as the true doctrine of God. Note the strong, sharp language that God uses to confront this substantial problem.

 

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.         GALATIANS 1:6-7

 

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.  O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you?                                                                                      GALATIANS 2:21-3:1A

 

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?                         GALATIANS 3:3

 

But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?                                                                   GALATIANS 4:9

 

Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?                                                   GALATIANS 4:16

 

Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? This persuasion cometh not of Him that calleth you.                                                                                                                                 GALATIANS 5:7-8

 

I would they were even cut off which trouble you.                                                                         GALATIANS 5:12

 

In contrast to the problem at hand, God also gives the exhortation and comfort of the truth of His way, and declares the true doctrine to believe and walk in.

 

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.                                                                                                                                    GALATIANS 5:1

 

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith [believing] which worketh by love.                                                                                                                                          GALATIANS 5:6

 

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.                                                                                                                       GALATIANS 5:13

 

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.                                                                              GALATIANS 2:16

 

The battle of truth versus error is just as prevalent today as in the first century.  The integrity of God’s Word is always at stake. Therefore, we must search the Scriptures, rightly-divide the Word of truth, and hold that as our only standard of doctrine and practice.

 

Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.                                             II TIMOTHY 2:1