There is one Gospel - the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ “who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father…” This is how Paul begins his letter to the Galatians.

Today we read the book of Galatians. In this book, Paul speaks to the people, telling them not to change the Gospel. It is complete and shouldn’t be changed to accommodate the people’s attitudes or actions. As he shares this completeness, he also encourages that the Gospel and saving grace of Christ is for everyone. In Galatians 3:26-29 he writes, “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male or female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

These were big words at the time of Paul, for the Christians who had been Jews were saying that the Gentiles of Galatia needed to do certain Jewish practices prior to conversion to Christianity.  Paul said, ‘no.’  He expresses that it is faith in Christ that brings salvation, not practices and rituals. Christ is the fulfillment of the law, so grace and forgiveness are a free gift from God.

Lent is a time to remember these words and be reminded of the abundance of God’s love for us. Our salvation is not based on anything that we do, but belief in Christ as our Savior.

What Biblical truths does God show me in these verses?
That the gift of salvation is for all people, and through Christ Jesus alone.

Since God tells in the book of James to be doers of the Word and not merely hearers, how can I apply these Biblical truths to my life?
In realizing that salvation is a free gift, I can joyfully serve God throughout my day, and share that free gift with others.

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