Preface to Galatians
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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It's amazing how many so-called Christians don't really
"get it." They think that the basis of Christianity is living a good moral life
and doing good works. And, so long as you don't mess up your life entirely,
you'll end up in heaven. And, oh yes, Jesus died for our sins, whatever that
means.
Paul's Letter to the Galatians deals with this kind of
shallow understanding head-on. He had won the Galatians to Christ, and then
taught them more about Christ on his subsequent missions.
But now Paul hears that some Jewish-Christians have come to
the churches and begun to convince these Gentile believers that they can't be
saved unless they're circumcised and keep the Mosaic Law. What's more, these
false teachers have undermined Paul's reputation. His ministry with these
churches is in shambles. But what's even worse is that these new Christians are
about to go backwards -- from faith in Christ to faith in law-keeping.
As you study Galatians, you'll begin to understand clearly
what the core of the gospel is all about. Galatians, after all, helped Martin
Luther come to the conviction that we are saved by faith alone. John Wesley, the
founder of Methodism, came into spiritual life ("my heart was strangely warmed")
as he read Luther's preface to his commentary on Galatians.
Galatians is also known for explaining what must substitute
for the law -- learning to walk by the Spirit and bear the fruit of the Spirit.
It is my prayer that as you study this foundational letter,
you'll be blessed and encouraged.
Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
Loomis, California
January 20, 2012
Galatians Bible Study:
Discipleship Lessons
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