The Cross

 

The Cross

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 1:18-19 and Ephesians 2:13-18

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

Paul insists on the detail of visiting with a couple of apostles because of his insistence that the Galatians themselves adhere to true gospel of Christ in God. Apostles, whether to the Jews or the Gentiles, must adhere to the same gospel. The true gospel points to the cross, not to the keeping of rules. The gospel highlights the incarnate God having kept the law for us since we could not do so. The cross is the surest proof that God desires our friendship more than anything else.

When we were unable to do those things that would allow us access to the divine relationship, God died for our sins, uniting us to him by faith in his work. His final work is the only deed we may rely upon; our deeds amount to nothing. Law-keeping is religion and self-glorification, whereas the cross is the law fulfilled and the glory of God. The cross points to what he did; religion points to what we do. Cling to the cross, for only in this way do you cling to the gospel, to Christ.

We do not know what Paul and Peter and James discussed, but Christ and the cross were certainly the focus of their conversations. 

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