.DAILY DEVOTION, Sept. 10, 2021

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:26-28).

First, what does “baptism” mean here? Some of my favorite commentators affirm that this is not a reference to water baptism. We do not “put on Christ” by water baptism. We become sons of God by faith. This is probably a reference to Spirit baptism. One of the meanings of the Greek word “baptism” is to dye. When a white cloth is joined with red dye, it changes. When we put on Christ, we are changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Water baptism is an outward portrayal of that inward change that occurs when we trust in Jesus.

Then Paul makes another important point. Those who trust in Jesus are one. All human barriers disappear. The distinction between Jew and Greek is gone. The same is true for males and females. All racial, ethnic, and other human differences are obliterated when we trust in Jesus. All who are joined to Christ by faith are also joined with one another. There is no room for prejudice in the family of God. Whatever your occupation, race, or place of origin, Christ brings us into one family. We should all be able to sing, “I’m so glad I’m a part of the family of God.”

Father, I am glad You brought me into Your family. May the Christ whom I trust direct my every step. Thank You for the many brothers and sisters I now have. The colors vary; the languages vary but thank You, Lord Jesus, for bringing us into harmony. In Your name, I pray, Amen.

DAILY DEVOTION, Sept. 9, 2021

But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. ²³ But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. ²⁴ Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵ But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (Galatian 3:22-25).

Paul continues his theme regarding salvation. He says we are all guilty of sin (and therefore worthy of divine condemnation). However, we are justified (declared to be just) by God when we have faith in Jesus. Paul explains the basic purpose of the law of God. It is our tutor (teacher, schoolmaster) that brings us to trust in Christ. We know we have not obeyed the law, and when we learn that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, we trust in Him. Paul says we are justified by faith. Does he add anything following faith? He does not, and so we say we are saved by faith alone, by faith plus nothing.

These words encourage us to do one thing: trust in Jesus. Yes, there are things that follow faith, but it is faith alone that saves us. Faith leads to baptism, church membership, and good works, but these do not add one iota to our salvation. They are the fruits of faith, not contributing causes to our salvation. We don’t work for our salvation; we trust Jesus for it.

Father God, may Your name be honored throughout the world. You have opened a way for us to enter into Your Kingdom. You invite us to trust in Your Son, and we receive the forgiveness of all our sins and the gift of eternal life. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son to redeem us. We pray in His name, Amen.                            

DAILY DEVOTION, Sept. 8, 2021

Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ (Galatians 3: 16).

Many people think of the Jewish people when they think of the seed of Abraham. Paul makes the point that the “Seed” of Abraham is one person, Jesus. Jesus is the One faithful Jew. He is the only Jew who kept the Law of God perfectly, without sin. He alone is worthy to receive the promises made to Abraham. But wait, later on, in Chapter 3, Paul arrives at this conclusion: “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29).

Who receives the promises made to Abraham? All Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus.  God’s plan to redeem humanity is all wrapped up in one person, Jesus. All who belong to Jesus are the heirs of Abraham. God is no longer favoring the Jewish nation as such. He is favoring those who belong to Jesus, whether Jew or Gentile.

If you belong to Jesus, you are an heir to all of all God’s promises. God has not forsaken His ancient people, Israel. He invites them as well as us to trust His Son. All who trust Jesus are “the Israel of God.” What a glorious thing it is to be a Christian, one who belongs to Christ! What a grand inheritance is waiting for us!

Father, Your plan of salvation amazes me! As I trust in Your Son, I become an heir of all Your promises. There are no words sufficient to express my gratitude! I pray I will abide in true faith until I leave this life and enter into a glorious new world beyond my imagination. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Romans 7:21-25

Daily Devotion:  So I find this law at work:  Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.  For in my inner being, I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin.  What a wretched man I am!  Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?  Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!  Romans 7:21-25.

What a powerful and insightful message!  The great apostle to the Gentiles and faithful servant unto death, Paul, admits in all humility that even he struggles with his fallen nature.  I take this message to heart because I too, daily struggle with my fallen nature and am relieved to know that I am not the only one.  If we’re honest with ourselves, we could all say the same.  This points out the undeniable need for us to seek constant communion with the Lord through fellowship, worship, praying, reading, studying the Bible, avoiding the temptations of the world, heeding the Spirit’s call and guidance, and serving God’s Kingdom.  Christ is always with us, and we can rely on Him to keep us pure and on the right pathway.  And when we do fail, He is good to forgive us when we confess and repent of our sins.  Going on in Romans 8:1, Paul writes, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit has set you free from the law of sin and death.”  Praise God!

Divine Heavenly Father, please forgive us when we miss the mark and bend to our fallen nature.  We crave Your guidance and the leading and comfort of Your Holy Spirit as we live to serve You. Thank you for our Savior in whose name we pray.  Amen.