Day 175 "In Christ, We are Heirs Not Slaves" (Galatians: Chapter Four)

We believe what we see and touch and experience. At least, in this world setting. Many people would simply call it science. Yet, through Christ and his resurrection, mankind comes to a fork in the road of understanding that the spiritual world exists as well. Whether one believes this or not is indicative of how one lives one's life here on Earth. I have always contended that if one can disprove the resurrection of Christ, that it never really happened, one could extinguish any credibility of Christianity. It would no longer exist. But this argument was also faced over two thousand years ago, and Paul addressed this argument

in 1 Corinthians 15. Verse 20 of that chapter summarizes the argument: "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead."

So, if we believe in the spiritual world and God, then we are left with a choice as how to live out our lives here on Earth. Do we live it as a slave, obediently seeking to follow the religious laws, every aspect of it, in our attempt to please God and assure ourselves of a place in God's kingdom? Or, do we believe by faith that our justification before God has already been secured by Christ through his death upon the cross? For Paul, the choice is an easy one. Why would anyone want to go back to a performance orientated lifestyle when one can live in peace and joy knowing that it has already been accomplished? This is the argument that Paul is laying before the Christians at Galatia. "You foolish, Galatians!" In

chapter four, Paul states that through Christ, we are not just saved by Christ, but we have become children of God and co-heirs of God's kingdom with Christ.

Chapter Four:

:1-3 "What I am saying is that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a

slave, although he owns the whole estate.. He is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were children, we

were in slavery under the basic principles of the world.

:4 -5 "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born

under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full

rights as sons."

We see that before Christ, the law was placed as a guardian to guide us. But

what we come to understand through the law is our need for a savior, someone

who can accomplish for us what we could not accomplish for ourselves. Christ came to redeem us from the law and its requirements.

:6-7 "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba, Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."

As a child of God through faith, God has put his Holy Spirit within us. What an

amazing commodity to be placed within us-the very essence of God to help lead and guide us each moment of the day.

:8-9 "Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not God-or rather known by God-how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?

In Christ, we have been set free from the laws and directives of man. A higher and better calling of our lives has been initiated and completed on our behalf. We have been set free from the servitude of the law in order to embrace the Spirit of God which has been placed within us by faith. Why would you ever want to go back to the old ways?

:15 "What has happened to your joy?"

One of the aspects of striving to live one's life by the rules and regulations of the religious law is that there never seems to come an understanding when enough is enough. The one word you will never hear in the world of "perform-

ancism" is "enough." Therefore, one who continually strives after righteousness through one's own actions will fall victim to losing one's joy.

:21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says?

Paul goes on to say that we, who have faith in Christ, are born of the free woman which was the result of the promise made by God through Abraham.

:26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother."

Through Christ, we have been spiritually reborn to become heirs of a heavenly Jerusalem. In Christ, we are no longer slaves subjected to the law but have been set free to live by the Spirit of God within us, placed there by God.

Key Verses for Me:

:4 -5 "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born

under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full

rights as sons."

:6-7 "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, Abba, Father. So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir."

The law no longer has a grip on us. We have been set free from being slaves to the law to becoming God's children, co-heirs with Christ. By faith, God places his Spirit within us to lead us as his children. Why would anyone want to go back to living a life under fear and condemnation? In Christ, we find real and lasting joy.

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"Therefore there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2

As a Christian, we have been completely, 100%, justified before a holy and just God. There is nothing that we need to add for our part, nor could we do so. It is finished. By faith, we

gain access to it all! We have been set free from the law to move forward with the knowledge and expectation and hope that comes with the understanding of what it means to be children of God, heirs to his kingdom.

Let the music of this video wash over you with the Spirit and understanding of God's presence.

In his love, see you tomorrow...

"Carpe Momentum in Love" (Seize the moment in love)