Galatians 2:15-16
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Interpretation & Explanation
- Paul starts a new thought
- Proclamation of the theme of Galatians
- Justification by faith
- This is already known by the Jews
- “We have obeyed this truth”
- Even David taught this
- For… Psalm 143:2
- The need for justification
- We are charged with transgression
- Violating God’s law
- Lack of love for our Maker
- Corrupt, proud, sensual heart
- Alienated from God by our works
- SUM – totally depraved
- Not that we don’t do good, but the reason for our good is against God
- Our possible answers
- Denial: we have not committed these crimes – Impossible
- Admission: we have committed these acts and we have the right to commit them – Ludicrous
- Nature of Justification
- Outside the realm of the law
- By faith in Jesus Christ
- Not –
- Christ on our part against the law or God:
- God is right, sinner IS wrong.
- That we are or are declared innocent:
- Romans 4:5
- Justified sinner has no claims to mercy.
- That we cease to be undeserving:
- Even in heaven we’ll still deserve hell
- We’re saved because of God’s favor, not our desert
- That we have any claim for what Christ has done
- That our moral character is changed therefore, making us deserving
- IS – “as if” it is our own
- We plead Christ’s righteousness
- Christ’s death accomplished same (more) than our own death
- Justice is just as much appeased as if I had died
- The law is obeyed and honored by Him
- The evil of the violation of the law is demonstrated by Him
- The evil of sin is more than demonstrated by His death
| Sinner | Christ |
| Unknown to other worlds | Center of universe |
| Name unheard of | Sun, dead, angels reacted to his death |
| Impression is only a part of the whole | Impression to every corner of the earth |
| Individual sorrows affected no one | His sorrows affect every soul |
- Because of this faith in Him
- We become as if we had not sinned
- We become as if we had obeyed the law
Application
- Faith
- Makes God BIG
- He is merciful
- He is just
- He is righteous
- He is good
- He is GOD
- Anything in addition to faith:
- Robs from God
- Steals from God
- Salvation is only by faith.
SOLA FIDE
You Think Too Much! 