The Importance of Galatians

The book of Galatians was used by God to aid Martin Luther in recognizing that we are saved by grace through faith alone. Galatians has been studied throughout the years and is considered one of the most important letters the Apostle Paul wrote. In their book, Introducing The New Testament, Andrew Naselli, D.A. Carson, and Douglas J Moo shows us five reasons for the importance of Galatians:

1. Faith vs. works. Justification comes only through faith in Christ. This is important to clarify often since (1) people tend to think that they can ear their salvation-however it is understood-and (2) many misunderstand Christianity as nothing more than a system of morality. Whether by observing rituals or living morally, sinners cannot improve on what God has done in Christ.

2. Salvation history. Paul's appeal to Abraham (3:6-29) helps us understand the way the Bible hangs together as one book. His argument hinges on reading Scripture in its proper sequence in the unfolding history of redemption: (1) the promise to Abraham, (2) the law of Moses, and (3) fulfillment in Christ. Instead of assuming that Abraham kept the law, Paul demonstrates that God's way has always been the promise of faith.

3. Atonement. Christ came at the appointed time to redeem enslaved sinners (4:4-5) "by becoming a curse for us" (3:13).

4. Freedom. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (5:1). Even those who are justified by faith in Christ sometimes find it easy to subject themselves to the slavery of a system.

5. Cross-centered life. No letter makes clearer than this one the importance of living out the implications of salvation through the cross.