The message of the Cross is exclusive. We cannot both the Cross and anything else for the method of salvation. The Galatians have the Jewish background and they want to embrace both the Cross and circumcision. "Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ v.2." If they receive circumspection they will not be persecuted. However, Paul is willing to stand for the exclusive idea of the Cross and no compromise.
We are asked many times why we cannot find a church to serve. Why cannot we accept a church that do not agree with us. No, we are not perfectionist, but we do have a bottom line. We cannot accept those who do hold the Word as the authority in the church. Man can add a lot of things to their faith just like the Galatians. On one hand, they accept the Cross, on the other hand, circumcision. Who else is your authority except the Cross?
Circumcision has its meaning in the Scripture, but the ones who advocate it here do not care about that meaning. They want to boast about something the do in the flesh v.13. They are not a sign of belief v.15. It stands for outward religious behavior. No real regeneration is found in them. Do we fall into this trap sometimes? Do we submit to our boss/husband/authority only outwardly?
We are asked many times why we cannot find a church to serve. Why cannot we accept a church that do not agree with us. No, we are not perfectionist, but we do have a bottom line. We cannot accept those who do hold the Word as the authority in the church. Man can add a lot of things to their faith just like the Galatians. On one hand, they accept the Cross, on the other hand, circumcision. Who else is your authority except the Cross?
Circumcision has its meaning in the Scripture, but the ones who advocate it here do not care about that meaning. They want to boast about something the do in the flesh v.13. They are not a sign of belief v.15. It stands for outward religious behavior. No real regeneration is found in them. Do we fall into this trap sometimes? Do we submit to our boss/husband/authority only outwardly?
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