The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Galatians 3:1-7: “You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 6 Even so, Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. 7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.

Galatia is a broad strip of country in Asia Minor, inhabited by a mixed race, consisting predominantly of Gauls. The Gauls had left their own country (known today as France) some 300 years B.C. and settled there following a successful military campaign.

The temperament of the Celts was very fickle, so that when Paul and other competent teachers of biblical truth left to go elsewhere, the Galatians would slip back into their old ways of worship. Yet, this epistle has done more than any other to emancipate people from Judaism, Romanism, Ritualism, and every other form of externalism, all of which have threatened the freedom and spirituality of the Gospel.

Galatians cites Paul’s apostolic authority, his defense, and exposition of salvation and sanctification by faith alone. The doctrine of justification by faith is stated here more emphatically than in any of Paul’s other writings. Here he teaches everything from revelation, justification, and divine unification, including liberty and service—all through justification.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

“We will never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom