What Matters Most
WHAT MATTERS MOST
GALATIANS 5:2-6
Paul sums up his argument between those who rely on the law and those who trust in Christ for salvation.
The mention of “circumcision” (5:2) focuses on the chief issue between Paul and the false believers of the Jewish-Christian party. Their slogan could be epitomized in the same word, according to Acts 15:1, and the ugly rumor according to Acts 21:21 was later to need some firm handling.
Paul makes the position crystal clear in language which reminds us of an earlier verse (2:21). In fact, in these verses of today’s reading much of the preceding argument is summed up. It can be helpful to reduce it to a series of statements:
Note 5:4: literally, “you are made impotent,” ie your relation with Christ is completely severed. For the verb, see 3:17; 5:11; 1 Corinthians 1:28; 2 Timothy 1:10. The second verb is “you who try to be justified by the law.” They are attempting the impossible, in any case. The third verb has nothing to say on the vexed issue of “once saved, always saved.” It means that salvation by grace is utterly opposed to self-justification, and if someone attempts the latter course they have fallen out of the domain of God’s grace.