The Galatian Believers, under pressure from the Jewish legalists, were considering rejecting the gospel of GRACE and reverting back to dependence on the Mosaic Law for SALVATION. Paul wrote this letter to the "church" at Galatia to outline the profound difference between GRACE and the LAW.
"Grace" is translated as 'charis' in the Greek, Strong's #5485 and literally means "loving kindness" and is the essence of God's character. It signifies God's divine favor or goodwill, but it also means "that which gives joy" and "that which is a free gift." Paul said, "...For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Because of our sin, the Word of God says we were once dead, but through the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary, we have been made alive to congregate with Him in heavenly places (the spirit realm) where no man can go lest he is a son of the living God! Clearly, if you are one of Satan's kids, you cannot take the Grace Trip!
When you walk according to the lusts of the flesh (including fame, power and riches) the road is closed. When you align yourself with the sons of perdition, you are trapped in "spiritual gridlock." When you conduct yourself as a son or daughter of disobedience, the ticket window is closed. When you cast off all restraint with lewd and destructive behavior, your flight will be cancelled!
But because God is rich in MERCY (unbelievable patience with our foolishness) because of His LOVE for us, ONLY BECAUSE OF CHRIST, not of ourselves, we have access to ETERNITY. The Bible goes on to say that we are God's workmanship (specially made intelligent design) created or "reworked" (repackaged) in Christ through the shedding of His BLOOD for good works (service to God's people in the marketplace) that God prepared for His sons from the foundation of the world that we should walk (take the trip) in them (our gifts and talents).
You have to be DEAD to miss that...!
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