Galatians - Getting a Good Grip on G-d's Great
Grace
A Summary Paper by Messianic Rabbi Ed Rothman
In this epistle, the Apostle Paul, formerly known as Rabbi Saul,
is dealing with the troublesome heresy of Judaizing
that seemed to follow his ministry. This dangerous and damnable
doctrine was propagated by a group of very passionate, but sincerely
wrong, zealous missionaries who believed with every fiber of their
being that the keeping of the Torah was an absolutely necessary
prerequisite for receiving salvation through faith in Y'shua the
Messiah.
Paul begins this epistle by explaining that his apostolic calling
was from G-d and not from men. From the outset he is establishing
the crux of the gospel message that he has been called to proclaim
to the nations.
Grace and peace to you from G-d our Father and the L-RD Y'shua
(Jesus) the Messiah, who gave Himself for
our sins to rescue us from this present evil age, according to
the will of our G-d and Father, to whom be glory for ever
and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5
He struggled to understand how Gentiles could be drawn away from
the grace of Messiah to another gospel, which was really no gospel
at all, since gospel means Good News,
and how could a message of Y'shua plus anything, be considered good
news? What did He die for anyway? So we could work harder or work
smarter? The apostle was enraged by such foolishness. Especially,
from those whom he had so recently visited. He was so angered by
this corrupt concept that he put a curse upon anyone who would dare
to preach such rank heresy.
Evidently, some people are throwing you into
confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Messiah.
But even if we or any angel from
heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to
you, let him be eternally condemned!
Galatians 1:7-8
At the end of Chapter 2, Paul draws from his confrontation with
Peter to make his argument for not seeking justification (legally
declared righteous before G-d) by works, but rather justification
only through faith in Messiah, plus nothing else.
We, who were born into observant Jewish families and have not
lived as Gentiles, know that a man is not justified by observing
the Torah, but by faith in Y'shua the Messiah. Therefore, we too,
have put our faith in Messiah Jesus that we may be justified by
faith in Messiah and not by observing the Torah, because
by observing the Torah, no one will be justified. I am
crucified with Messiah, it is no longer I who live, but Messiah
who lives in me. I do not set aside the grace
of G-d, for if righteousness could be gained through the observance
of Torah, Messiah died for nothing!
Galatians 2:15-16 & 20-21
Paul expresses his contempt for the Galatians departure from his
clear teaching on salvation by faith in Messiah alone. He uses some
of the most emotionally volatile language recorded in any of his
epistles.
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched
you? Before your very eyes, Y'shua the Messiah was clearly
portrayed as crucified. I would like to learn just one thing from
you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the Torah, or
by believing what you heard? Are you so foolish?
After beginning with the Spirit, are you
now trying to attain your goal by human effort? Does G-d
give you His Spirit and work miracles among you because you observe
the Torah, or because you believe what you
heard? Galatians 3:1-5
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