Summary
In Galatians 2:15-21, Paul underscores the role of faith in achieving justification. He argues that faith in Jesus Christ is the condition for being declared righteous by God. This is in stark contrast to the Jewish tradition, which believed that justification came through adherence to the law. Paul’s emphasis on faith underscores the personal and intimate nature of justification, where an individual’s faith in Christ is the sole means of achieving right-standing with God.
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Reflections on Galatians 2:15–21
Justification by Faith: The Heart of the Gospel
Have you ever felt the weight of trying to measure up? Like you’re constantly striving to meet an invisible standard, hoping to earn approval? Maybe you’ve found yourself comparing your actions to others, silently saying, “At least I’m not as bad as that person.”
In Galatians 2:15-21, the Apostle Paul confronts a similar struggle, one that hits at the very heart of our faith: How are we truly made right with God? This passage isn’t just an ancient debate; it’s a living word that speaks directly to our hearts today.
The Heart of the Matter: Galatians 2:15-21
Our text comes in the middle of a heated discussion between Paul and Peter. Paul is calling out Peter on his hypocrisy in favoring Jewish customs over fellowship with Gentile believers. It’s in this context that Paul lays out a foundational truth:
“We are Jews by birth and not ‘Gentile sinners’; and yet because we know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we ourselves have believed in Christ Jesus. This was so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will be justified.” (Galatians 2:15-16, CSB)
Let’s unpack this powerful passage.
The Misplaced Confidence: Why “Works of the Law” Fall Short
Paul begins by acknowledging his Jewish heritage, a heritage that came with the Law of Moses. This law, with its moral, ceremonial, and dietary regulations, was intended to set God’s people apart and guide them in righteousness. However, the Jews sometimes took pride in possessing the law, viewing Gentiles as “sinners” because they didn’t have it.
Paul highlights the problem: The law reveals sin, but it doesn’t have the power to fix sin. He introduces the concept of justification, which means to be declared righteous, acquitted, and vindicated. Paul argues that no one can achieve this justified state through adherence to the law.
Justification Defined: More Than Just Forgiveness
Justification is more than just being forgiven. It’s a divine declaration. God, as the ultimate Judge, declares us “not guilty” and credits us with the righteousness of Christ. When God looks at us, He sees the perfect righteousness of His Son, not our imperfections. It’s a complete transformation of our standing before Him.
Faith: The Only Path to Righteousness
If justification doesn’t come through the law, how do we receive it? Paul is clear: through faith in Jesus Christ.
The righteousness we need isn’t something we can earn or achieve. It’s a gift, freely given to those who place their trust in Jesus.
Jonathan Edwards make is clear that it can’t come from us when he says: “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” Okay, then!
Jesus illustrates this beautifully in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14). The Pharisee boasts of his own righteousness, while the tax collector humbly asks for mercy. Jesus declares that it was the tax collector who went home justified.
A Personal Relationship: Justification Up Close
Justification isn’t just a theological concept; it’s deeply personal. Notice how intimately Paul connects God to the individual in Galatians 2:15-21:
- God is the object of my faith.
- God is the one who justifies me.
- God is the purpose and source of my new life.
- God is the giver of grace that makes me righteous.
Tearing Down the Wall: Life in Christ
Paul emphasizes that Jews and Gentiles alike are sinners in need of God’s grace. Trying to earn justification through our own efforts is like rebuilding a wall that Christ has already torn down. The Law served as a guardian until Christ came, and now we have died to it in Christ and live by faith in the Son of God.
Recap: A New Creation
In Galatians 2:15-21, Paul teaches us that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate act of grace, justifying us and making us righteous through faith. We die to our old selves and are raised to new life in Christ.
Connecting to Christ
This passage underscores that the entire Old Testament law pointed to our need for Christ. The law, which was good and holy, could not ultimately save. But it showed us our desperate need for a Savior, one who could fulfill the law perfectly and pay the penalty for our sins.
A Challenge for Daily Living
How often do you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval through your actions? Do you rely on your own morality, religious rituals, or comparisons with others to feel justified?
Remember that true justification comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Rest in His finished work. Acknowledge your need for His grace, and trust that He has made you righteous in His sight.
Let us not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
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FAQs
What does “justification” mean in a theological context?
Justification is a legal or judicial term that refers to God’s act of declaring a person righteous in His sight. It’s not merely forgiveness of sins, but also the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to the believer. This means God sees us as righteous, not because of anything we’ve done, but because of what Jesus Christ has done for us. It is an act of grace whereby God acquits and vindicates us, declaring us not guilty.
What is the difference between justification by faith and justification by works of the law?
Justification by faith means that we are declared righteous before God solely on the basis of our faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Justification by works of the law, on the other hand, suggests that we can earn or merit God’s favor and right standing through our own obedience to the law. The passage emphasizes that justification comes only through faith in Christ, not through adherence to the law, because no one can perfectly keep the law.
What are “works of the law” as mentioned in Galatians and Romans?
“Works of the law” refers to obedience to the Mosaic Law, including its moral, ceremonial, judicial, and dietary regulations. These works were intended to demonstrate the Jews’ separation as God’s chosen people and their commitment to His standards. However, the passage argues that relying on these works for justification is futile because no one can perfectly fulfill the law’s requirements. The law reveals sin, but it cannot take away sin.
Why is it impossible to be justified by works of the law?
It is impossible to be justified by works of the law because the law reveals our sinfulness and inability to perfectly adhere to God’s standards. Romans 3:20 states that “no one will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.” Since everyone falls short of the law’s demands, relying on works for justification leads to condemnation rather than righteousness. Even breaking one law places a person under a curse, according to Galatians 3:10.
What role does faith play in justification?
Faith is the means by which we receive God’s grace and are justified. It is not merely intellectual assent, but a trusting reliance on Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Through faith, Christ’s righteousness is credited to us, and we are reconciled to God. Faith is how we take hold of Christ and receive the benefits of His atoning sacrifice.
What does it mean to be “crucified with Christ” as mentioned in Galatians 2:20?
To be “crucified with Christ” signifies a radical break from our former life and a union with Christ in His death and resurrection. It means that our old self, enslaved to sin, has died, and we now live a new life in Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This new life is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us.
If we are justified by faith and not by works, does this mean the law is irrelevant or that Christians are free to sin?
No. Justification by faith does not mean the law is irrelevant or that Christians are free to sin. The law still serves to reveal sin and guide us toward God’s will. However, our obedience to the law is not the basis of our justification, but rather a response to God’s grace. As new creations in Christ, we are called to live in accordance with His teachings, not to earn salvation, but to reflect His love and character.
What are some common ways people try to justify themselves before God apart from faith in Christ?
Some common ways people try to justify themselves before God include relying on moral performance, religious rituals, comparing themselves to others, self-improvement, believing good deeds outweigh bad, blaming circumstances, or depending on emotional experiences. All these efforts fall short because justification comes only through faith in Christ Jesus, whose perfect righteousness is imputed to us by grace through faith.
Glossary of Christianeze Words
Justification: The act of God declaring a person righteous before Him, acquitting them of guilt and freeing them from the penalty of sin.
Works of the Law: Actions and observances prescribed by the Mosaic Law, including moral, ceremonial, judicial, and dietary rules and regulations.
Faith: Trust and reliance on Jesus Christ as the means of salvation.
Grace: God’s unmerited favor and love, freely given to those who believe in Jesus Christ.
Righteousness: Moral uprightness and conformity to God’s perfect standard.
Condemnation: The state of being judged guilty and deserving of punishment for sin.
Crucified with Christ: A spiritual identification with Christ’s death, signifying the death of one’s old self and the beginning of a new life in Christ.
Law (Mosaic Law): The set of commandments and regulations given by God to Moses for the Israelites, including moral, ceremonial, and judicial laws.
Gentiles: Non-Jewish people.
Study Questions
Inductive Questions
Context
- What was happening in the early Christian church that led Paul to write this letter to the Galatians?
- How does Paul’s background as a former Pharisee influence his perspective on justification?
- What were the key issues dividing Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church?
Observation
- What specific words or phrases does Paul repeat in this passage?
- How does Paul describe the relationship between faith and works?
- How does Paul contrast the “old self” with the “new life in Christ”?
- What does Paul say about the purpose of the law in this passage?
Meaning
- Why does Paul emphasize that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ?
- What does it mean to be “justified” in God’s eyes?
- How does Paul’s teaching on justification address the divide between Jewish and Gentile believers?
- What is the significance of Paul saying he has been “crucified with Christ”?
- How does this passage challenge common misconceptions about earning God’s favor?
Application
- What areas of your life need to be “crucified with Christ” so that you can live more fully for Him?
- How does understanding justification by faith impact your view of your own worth and identity?
- In what ways might you be tempted to rely on your own “works” rather than faith in Christ?
- How can you apply Paul’s teaching on living by faith in your daily life?
