Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Galatians 3:23-29
In Galatians 3:23-29 Paul explains the concept of being justified by faith, that we are responsible to God and each other through our faith in Christ. He teaches that the law given by God was to protect us until the coming of Jesus, and now our faith in Him is the standard for our lives and our salvation.
He speaks of us being one in Christ, the concept that we are all equal as brothers and sisters in faith, without rank or position. Paul knows that our physical and social differences still exist, but he challenges us to live in Christ without regard to them, to accept one another and recognize what is most important – our common faith.
How are we living today as heirs of the promise made to Abraham? We have received the same call to obey God and be a blessing to the world. May we respond as faithfully as Abraham, accepting the gift and the responsibility our faith brings.
Loving Lord, we are grateful that You want to be in relationship with us and that You have made us with the ability to choose. Help us to make wise decisions, following the model Jesus taught, to love You and each other. Amen.