Under Moses, In Christ

Part 5

Text: Galatians 3:23-29

Intro/Review:

I.       Life under Moses equals bondage. vv. 23-24

A.       Prison, v. 23

       B.       Pedagogue, v. 24

II.       Life in Christ equals blessing. vv. 25-29

A.       Free from harsh discipline, v. 25

Lesson:

B.       Sons of God, vv. 26-27

“We are not to think that baptism was conferred upon us only for past time, so that for newly committed sins into which we fall after baptism we must seek new remedies of expiation in some other sacraments, as if the force of the former one were spent. . . . Therefore, as often as we fall away, we ought to recall the memory of our baptism and fortify our mind with it, that we may always be sure and confident of the forgiveness of sins. . .For Christ’s purity has been offered us in it; His purity ever flourishes; it is defiled by no spots, but buries and cleanses away all our defilements,” (John Calvin, Institutes, 21:1305-6).

How is Paul using baptism in v. 27?

“All men by nature are completely addicted to this legal method of salvation. Even after you become a Christian by believing the gospel, your heart is still addicted to salvation by works,” (Walter Marshall, The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification, p. 117).

“God’s promise comes before my obedience; in fact, it is always God’s pledge that creates my response of faith and love,” (The Gospel-Driven Life, Horton, p. 201).

Reflection:

“Our faith receives from baptism the advantage of its sure testimony to us that we are not only engrafted into the death and life of Christ, but so united to Christ himself that we become sharers in all His blessings. For He dedicated and sanctified baptism in His own body [Matt. 3:13] in order that He might have it in common with us as the firmest bond of the union and fellowship which He has deigned to form with us,” (John Calvin, Institutes, 21:1307-8).

© John Fonville

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