Promise

Today, in Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he continues his argument of faith (believing in the message of Jesus) over law (holding to the Mosaic Law) when it comes to the issue of salvation.


Galatians 3
15 Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. 16 God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child” - and that, of course, means Christ. 17 This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise. 18 For if the inheritance could be received by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God’s promise. But God graciously gave it to Abraham as a promise. 19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. 20 Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. 21 Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. 22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.


Promise. As Paul continues to find new ways to explain why you can’t obtain salvation by trying to follow the law, I was drawn to the example he used ... a promise. A promise that was found in Jesus ... which reminded me of some of the promises Jesus made. Jesus promised us a new home with God when this life is over (check out John 14:1-3). Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit to provide guidance and instruction in this life (check out John 14:16-18 and John 14:26). Jesus promised us peace that would defy the logic of this world (check out John 14:27). Jesus promised that he would return (check out John 14:28). As you go through the rest of your day, be reminded of these two things: one, God keeps his promises’ and two, Jesus promises to provide everything we would need in this life and the life to come. That is pretty promising.