This morning I continued my study on the word “justified” and remained in the book of Galatians. The passage is from chapter five and is titled in my bible, “Christ Has Set Us Free”. I can only think of my approach to my justification through my faith in Christ and wonder am I indeed all in or am I still looking to be justified through keeping of the law.
Let me explain a minute. I have indeed accepted Christ as my savior and believe that He died for my sins and that the sins I have committed and those that I will commit have been expunged. God has forgiven me and forgotten all that I have done. If that is true, why would I still hold on and try and influence others by insisting that they do things or that I am doing things the right way and in the spirit of Christ? Am I somehow looking for justification from man for the work that I am doing and am claiming somehow that I am righteous for the work that I am doing?
“4You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” — Galatians 5:4 (ESV)
I have to get out of this thought pattern and rely solely on the justification provided me by the sacrifice of Christ and His forgiveness of my sins. Christ is enough and I have to be all in and justified by faith and not be looking to the works or law for that justification or I might as well fall away from Christ and continue to rely only on myself.
“5For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.” — Galatians 5:5-6 (ESV)
My works are important, not for my justification or salvation, but for demonstration of my salvation and justification. I have been granted the freedom from sin through my acceptance of Christ and my faith in Him. I have now to show the world what I have been given.
“13For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” — Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV)
I am all in for Christ. I have been justified through my faith in Him and I do NOT need to seek it anywhere or from anyone else. I only have to demonstrate my faith and that I have been justified through my actions serving others. I should not expect anything from anyone, just give to them and allow God to work through me into their lives.
Where are you looking for your justification? Are you continuing to seek it, even after you have been justified by Christ? What if you were just all in with your faith and justification from Christ and allowed Him to work through you and your actions as you demonstrate your justification through your service?
Trevor's Thoughts 