Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in Galatians to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith in Galatians.
The Epistle to the Galatians, written by the Apostle Paul, is a passionate defense of the Gospel of Jesus Christ against false teachings and legalism. In this letter, Paul addresses the churches in Galatia, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone, apart from the works of the law. The central message of Galatians is a bold proclamation of the Gospel’s freedom and the believer’s identity in Christ, underscoring the transformative power of the cross.
A primary theme in Galatians is the defense of the true Gospel against the distortion of adding legalistic requirements for salvation. Paul sternly warns against turning to a “different gospel,” which is no gospel at all (Galatians 1:6-7). This highlights the importance of maintaining the purity of the Gospel message, which declares that Jesus Christ’s atoning work on the cross is sufficient for salvation, and nothing else is required.
Central to Paul’s argument is the doctrine of justification by faith, as powerfully stated in Galatians 2:16: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.” This verse underscores that righteousness before God is obtained through faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from the law’s works.
In this guide to the Gospel in Galatians, we showcase Scriptures (using the King James Version) that best help the Christian zoom in on the Good News using this specific book as a lens. Each verse is accompanied by concise commentary to provide the takeaway in layman’s terms. Our goal in this and all the other Gospel in the New Testament Series articles is to show how Galatians presents the doctrine that salvation is a gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel in Galatians
The Gospel in Galatians Showcased in Scripture
- Galatians 1:3-4: “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father.”
Galatians 1:3-4 greet the recipients with grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that Jesus gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of God the Father.
- Galatians 2:16: “Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
Galatians 2:16 asserts that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. It emphasizes that even though we seek to be justified by Christ, we recognize that no one can be justified by the law’s works.
- Galatians 2:20-21: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.”
Galatians 2:20-21 expresses that Paul has been crucified with Christ, and it is now Christ who lives in him. The life he lives in the flesh is by faith in the Son of God, who loved him and gave Himself for him. Paul also states that he does not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
- Galatians 3:6-7: “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”
Galatians 3:6-7 references Abraham’s faith and how it was credited to him as righteousness. It emphasizes that those who have faith are children of Abraham, and thus, those who live by faith are true children of Abraham.
- Galatians 3:8-9: “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.”
Galatians 3:8-9 explains that Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith and announced the Gospel in advance to Abraham, saying that all nations would be blessed through him. Consequently, those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.
- Galatians 3:11: “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.”
Galatians 3:11 states that no one is justified by the law before God, because “the just shall live by faith.”
- Galatians 3:13-14: “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Galatians 3:13-14 reveals that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, as it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” This was done so that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, and so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
- Galatians 3:24: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”
Galatians 3:24 explains that the law was our schoolmaster or guardian to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
- Galatians 3:26: “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3:26 states that we are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
- Galatians 5:1: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Galatians 5:1 declares that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Therefore, believers should stand firm and not be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
- Galatians 5:4: “Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.”
Galatians 5:4 warns that those who seek to be justified by the law have fallen away from grace, as they have distanced themselves from the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ.
- Galatians 6:14: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”
Galatians 6:14 expresses that Paul will not boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to him and he to the world.
These verses from Galatians strongly emphasize the doctrine of justification by faith, the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross, and the grace of God as the means of salvation, contrasting it with the ineffectiveness of the law for justification.
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Galatians also emphasizes the believer’s new identity in Christ. Paul declares that through faith in Christ, believers become children of God and heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:26-29). This new identity brings freedom from the law’s bondage and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live according to God’s will (Galatians 5:1, 5:16-18).
Additionally, the epistle highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, particularly in producing the fruit of the Spirit in the lives of believers (Galatians 5:22-23). This fruit stands in stark contrast to the works of the flesh, showcasing the moral and spiritual transformation that the Gospel brings to those who walk in the Spirit.
As we explore these pivotal passages, it becomes evident that Galatians not only affirms the core tenets of the Gospel but also passionately argues for the believer’s freedom and identity in Christ. This epistle calls us to stand firm in the liberty Christ has given, rejecting any form of legalism that seeks to undermine the sufficiency of His grace. Through its powerful theological insights and exhortations, Galatians offers a compelling and liberating view of the Gospel’s impact on our lives.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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