,the ,glad ,tidings ,,the ,,glad ,,tidings ,by ,e4 ,j4 ,,waggoner ,,pacific ,,press ,,publishing ,,co4 ,oakland1 ,cal4 ,new ,york4 ,kansas ,city1 ,mo4 #aijj ,entered according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #aijj1 by ,,pacific ,,press ,,publishing ,,company1 ,in the office of the ,librarian of ,congress1 ,washington1 ,d4 ,c4 ,,entered ,,at ,,stationers' ,,hall1 ,,london1 ,,england4 ,,contents4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,the ,revelation of ,jesus ,christ1 the ,real ,gospel #i ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,life by the ,faith of ,christ1 the ,truth of the ,gospel #ed ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,redeemed from the ,curse1 to the ,blessing of ,abraham #ie ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,the ,adoption of ,sons #aei ,,chapter ,v4 ,the ,spirit's ,power over the ,flesh #aie ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,the ,glory of the ,cross #bcj ,,preface4 ,the ,epistle to the ,galatians1 together with its companion1 the ,epistle to the ,romans1 was the source1 through the ,spirit1 of the ,reformation of the sixteenth century1 the key-note of which was1 8,the just shall live by faith40 ,the reformation then begun is not yet complete1 and the same watchword needs to be sounded now as then4 ,if the people of ,god will become filled with the truth so vividly set forth in this epistle1 both the church and the world will be stirred as profoundly as in the days of ,luther4 ,may this speedily be the case1 and thus the times of restoration of all things be hastened6 ,the ,glad ,tidings ,it is quite common1 in writing upon any book in the ,bible1 to spend some time on an 8,introduction0 to the book in question--setting forth the nature of it1 the circumstances under which it was written1 and the probable purpose of the writer1 together with many other things1 partly conjectural1 and partly derived from the book itself4 ,all such statements the reader has to take on the authority of the one making them1 since1 not having yet studied the book1 he can not judge for himself4 ,the best way is to introduce him at once to the study of the book1 and then he will1 if diligent and faithful1 soon learn all that it has to reveal concerning itself4 ,we learn more of a man by talking with him than by hearing somebody talk about him4 ,so we will proceed at once to the study of the ,epistle to the ,galatians1 and let it speak for itself4 ,nothing can take the place of the ,scriptures themselves4 ,if all would study the ,bible as prayerfully and as conscientiously as they ought1 giving earnest heed to every word1 and receiving it as coming directly from ,god1 there would be no need of any other religious book4 ,whatever is written should be for the purpose of calling people's attention more sharply to the words of ,scripture2 whatever substitutes any man's opinions for the ,bible1 so that by it people are led to rest content without any further study of the ,bible itself1 is worse than useless4 ,the reader is1 therefore1 most earnestly urged to study1 first of all1 the ,scripture text very diligently and carefully1 so that every reference to it will be a reference to a familiar acquaintance4 ,may ,god grant that this little aid to the study of the ,word may make every reader better acquainted with all ,scripture1 which is able to make him wise unto salvation4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,the ,revelation of ,jesus ,christ1 the ,real ,gospel4 8,paul1 an apostle 7not from men1 neither through man1 but through ,jesus ,christ1 and ,god the ,father1 who raised ,him from the dead71 and all the brethren which are with me1 unto the churches of ,galatia3 ,grace to you and peace from ,god the ,father1 and our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who gave ,himself for our sins1 that ,he might deliver us out of this present evil world1 according to the will of our ,god and ,father2 to whom be the glory forever and ever4 ,amen4 8,i marvel that ye are so quickly removing from ,him that called you in the grace of ,christ unto a different gospel2 which is not another gospel2 only there are some that trouble you1 and would pervert the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,but though we1 or an angel from heaven1 should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you1 let him be anathema4 ,as we have said before1 so say ,i now again1 ,if any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received1 let him be anathema4 ,for am ,i now persuading men1 or ,god8 or am ,i seeking to please men8 if ,i were still pleasing men1 ,i should not be a servant of ,christ4 8,for ,i make known to you1 brethren1 as touching the ,gospel which was preached by me1 that it is not after man4 ,for neither did ,i receive it from man1 nor was ,i taught it1 but it came to me through revelation of ,jesus ,christ4 ,for ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the ,jews' religion1 how that beyond measure ,i persecuted the church of ,god1 and made havoc of it2 and ,i advanced in the ,jews' religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen1 being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers4 ,but when it was the good pleasure of ,god1 who separated me1 even from my mother's womb1 and called me through ,his grace1 to reveal ,his ,son in me1 that ,i might preach ,him among the ,gentiles2 immediately ,i conferred not with flesh and blood2 neither went ,i up to ,jerusalem to them which were apostles before me2 but ,i went away into ,arabia2 and again ,i returned unto ,damascus4 8,then after three years ,i went up to ,jerusalem to visit ,cephas1 and tarried with him fifteen days4 ,but other of the apostles saw ,i none1 save ,james the ,lord's brother4 ,now touching the things which ,i write unto you1 behold1 before ,god1 ,i lie not4 ,then ,i came into the regions of ,syria and ,cilicia4 ,and ,i was still unknown by face unto the churches of ,judea which were in ,christ2 but they only heard say1 ,he that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc2 and they glorified ,god in me40 ,galatians #a1 ,r4 ,v4 ,sidenote3 ,an ,apostolic ,salutation4 ,the first five verses form a greeting such as1 with the exception of the first verses of the book of ,romans1 is not to be found elsewhere in the ,bible1 and1 consequently1 nowhere else in the world4 ,it contains the whole ,gospel4 ,if there were no other portion of ,scripture accessible1 this contains sufficient to save the world4 ,if we would study this small portion as diligently1 and prize it as highly1 as if there were no more1 we should find our faith and hope and love infinitely strengthened1 and our knowledge of the rest of the ,bible much increased4 ,in reading it1 let the ,galatians sink out of sight1 and let each one consider it the voice of ,god1 through ,his apostle1 speaking to him to-day4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,good ,commission4 ,an apostle is one who is sent4 ,paul was an apostle of ,jesus ,christ1 and of ,god1 the ,father1 who raised ,him from the dead4 ,he had good backing4 ,a messenger's confidence is in proportion to the authority of the one who sends him1 and to his confidence in that authority and power4 ,paul knew that he was sent by the ,lord1 and he knew that the power of ,god is the power that raises from the dead4 ,now 8he whom ,god hath sent speaketh the words of ,god40 ,john #c3cd4 ,thus it was that ,paul spoke with authority1 and the words which he spoke were the commandments of ,god4 #a ,cor4 #ad3cg4 ,so in reading this epistle1 or any other in the ,bible1 we have not to make allowance for the writer's personal peculiarities and prejudices4 ,it is true that each writer retains his own individuality1 since ,god chooses different men to do different work solely on account of their different personality2 but it is ,god's ,word in all1 and nothing need be taken off from the authority of the message1 and set down to the score of prejudice or early education4 ,it is well to remember that not only the apostles1 but every one in the church1 is commissioned to 8speak as the oracles of ,god40 #a ,peter #d3aa4 ,all who are in ,christ are new creatures1 having been reconciled to ,god by ,jesus ,christ2 and all who have been reconciled are given the word and ministry of reconciliation1 so that they are ambassadors for ,christ1 as though ,god by them1 even as by ,christ1 was beseeching men to be reconciled to ,himself4 #b ,cor4 #e3ag-bj4 ,this is a wonderful support against discouragement and against fear to speak ,god's message4 ,the ambassadors of earthly governments have authority proportionate to the power of the king or ruler whom they represent2 but ,christians represent the ,king of kings and ,lord of lords4 ,sidenote3 ,apostles ,are of ,god4 8,god hath set some in the church1 first apostles1 secondarily prophets1 thirdly teachers1 after that miracles1 then gifts of healings10 etc4 #a ,cor4 #ab3bh4 ,let it be borne in mind that all these are set in the church by ,god ,himself4 ,no other can do it4 ,it is impossible for men to make a true apostle or prophet4 ,there are certain people in the world who say to others1 ,why do you not have apostles and prophets1 etc41 in the church8 ignoring the fact that ,god has them in ,his church until this day1 although they are often unrecognized1 even as the apostleship of ,paul and the others was often denied4 ,then there are some combinations of people who claim to have all these among them4 ,reading that ,god has set them in the church1 they see that the true church of ,god ought to have apostles1 prophets1 etc4 ,accordingly they appoint some to be apostles1 others to be prophets1 and others to be teachers1 and then they point to these as evidence that they are the true church of ,god4 ,the fact is1 however1 that this is the strongest possible proof that they are not the church of ,god4 ,if they were the church of ,god1 apostles and prophets would be set among them by ,god ,himself2 but the fact that they themselves are obliged to make apostles and prophets1 shows that they have none in fact4 ,they are simply setting up a dummy to hide the absence of the reality2 but the presence of the sham only emphasizes the absence of the real4 ,sidenote3 ,not of ,men4 ,all ,gospel teaching is based upon and derives its authority from the fact of the ,divinity of ,christ4 ,the apostles and prophets were so fully imbued with this truth that it appears everywhere in their writings4 ,in the very first verse of this epistle we find it in the statement that ,paul was not an apostle of men1 nor by any man1 but by ,jesus ,christ1 who is 8the image of the invisible ,god0 7,col4 #a3ae71 8the effulgence of ,his glory1 and the very image of ,his substance0 7,heb4 #a3a-c1 ,r4 ,v472 ,he was in the beginning with ,god1 and was ,god1 before the world was4 ,john #a3a2 #ag3e4 8,he is before all things1 and in ,him all things consist40 ,col4 #a3ag1 ,r4 ,v4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,father and the ,son4 8,jesus ,christ1 and ,god the ,father1 who raised ,him from the dead10 are associated on equal terms4 8,i and ,my ,father are ,one40 ,john #aj3cj4 ,they both sit upon one throne4 ,heb4 #a3c2 #h3a2 ,rev4 #c3ba4 ,the counsel of peace is between them both4 ,zech4 #f3ab1 #ac4 ,jesus was the ,son of ,god all ,his life1 although ,he was of the seed of ,david according to the flesh2 but it was by the resurrection from the dead1 which was accomplished by the power of the ,spirit of holiness1 that ,his ,sonship was demonstrated to all4 ,rom4 #a3c1 #d4 ,this epistle has the same authority as ,paul's apostleship3 it is from ,him who has power to raise the dead1 and from ,him who was raised from the dead4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,churches of ,galatia4 ,galatia was a province in ,asia ,minor1 so called from the fact that it was inhabited by ,gauls1--people who came from the country now known as ,france4 ,they settled in the territory which took its name from them 7,gaul-atia--,galatia71 in the third century before ,christ4 ,they were1 of course1 pagans1 their religion being quite similar to that of the ,druids1 of ,britain4 ,paul was the one who first preached ,christianity to them1 as we read in ,acts #af3f2 #ah3bc4 ,the country of ,galatia also included ,iconium1 ,lystra1 and ,derbe1 which were visited by ,paul1 with ,barnabas1 on his first missionary journey4 ,acts #ad4 ,sidenote3 ,grace and ,peace ,be to ,you4 ,this is the word of the ,lord1 let it be remembered1 and therefore means more than man's word4 ,the ,lord does not deal in empty compliments4 ,his word is substantial2 it carries with it the thing which it names4 ,god's word creates1 and here we have the very form of the creative word4 ,god said1 8,let there be light2 and there was light10 and so on through the whole creation1 8,he spake1 and it was40 ,so here1 8,let there be grace and peace to you10 and so it is4 8,the grace of ,god hath appeared1 bringing salvation to all men40 ,titus #b3aa4 8,peace ,i leave with you1 ,my peace ,i give unto you2 not as the world giveth1 give ,i unto you40 ,john #ad3bg4 8,peace1 peace to him that is afar off1 and to him that is near1 saith the ,lord40 ,isa4 #eg3ai4 ,god has sent grace and peace1 bringing righteousness and salvation to all men--even to you1 whoever you are1 and to me4 ,when you read this third verse of the first chapter of ,galatians1 do not read it as a sort of complimentary phrase1--as a mere passing salutation to open the real matter at hand1--but as the creative word that brings to you personally all the blessings of the peace of ,god1 that passeth all understanding4 ,it is to us the same word that ,jesus spoke to the woman3 8,thy sins are forgiven40 8,go in peace40 ,luke #g3dh-ej4 ,peace is given to you2 therefore1 8let the peace of ,god rule in your hearts40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,gift of ,christ4 ,this grace and peace come from ,christ1 8who gave ,himself for our sins40 8,unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of ,christ40 ,eph4 #d3g4 ,but this grace is 8the grace that is in ,christ ,jesus40 #b ,tim4 #b3a4 ,therefore we know that ,christ ,himself is given to every one of us4 ,the fact that men live is an evidence that ,christ has been given to them1 for ,christ is 8the life10 and the life is the light of men1 and this life-light 8lighteth every man that cometh into the world40 ,john #a3d1 #i2 #ad3f4 ,in ,christ all things consist 7,col4 #a3ag71 and thus it is that since ,god 8spared not ,his own ,son1 but delivered ,him up for us all10 ,he can not do otherwise than1 with ,him1 freely 8give us all things40 ,rom4 #h3cb4 8,his ,divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness40 #b ,peter #a3c4 ,the whole universe is given to us in ,christ1 and the fulness of the power that is in it is ours for the overcoming of sin4 ,god counts each soul of as much value as all creation4 ,christ has1 by the grace of ,god1 tasted death for every man 7,heb4 #b3i71 so that every man in the world has received the 8unspeakable gift0 7#b ,cor4 #i3ae74 8,the grace of ,god1 and the gift by grace1 which is by one ,man1 ,jesus ,christ1 hath abounded unto many10 even to all2 for 8as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation2 even so by the righteousness of ,one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life40 ,rom4 #e3ae1 #ah4 ,sidenote3 ,christ ,not ,divided4 ,the question is asked1 8,is ,christ divided8 was ,paul crucified for you80 7#a ,cor4 #a3ac71 the answer obviously being in the negative4 ,in that ,christ is given to every man1 each person gets the whole of ,him4 ,the love of ,god embraces the whole world1 but it also singles out each individual4 ,a mother's love is not divided up among her children1 so that each one receives only a third1 a fourth1 or a fifth of it2 each one is the object of all her affection4 ,how much more so with the ,god whose love is more perfect than any mother's1 and who ,himself is love6 ,isa4 #di3ae4 ,christ is the light of the world1 the ,sun of ,righteousness4 ,but light is not divided among a crowd of people4 ,if a room full of people be brilliantly lighted1 each individual gets the benefit of all the light1 just as much as though he were alone in the room4 ,so the life of ,christ lights every man that comes into the world1 and in every believing heart ,christ dwells in all ,his fulness4 ,sow a seed in the ground1 and you get many seeds1 each one having as much life as the one sown4 ,so ,christ1 the true ,seed1 whence everything of worth comes1 gives to all the whole of ,his life4 ,sidenote3 ,our ,sins ,purchased4 ,christ 8gave ,himself for our sins40 ,that is to say1 ,he bought them1 and paid the price for them4 ,this is a simple statement of fact2 the language used is that commonly employed in referring to purchases4 8,how much did you give for it80 or1 8,how much do you want for it80 are frequent questions4 ,when we hear a man say that he gave so much for a certain thing1 what do we at once know8--,we know that that thing belongs to him1 because he has bought it4 ,so when the ,holy ,spirit tells us that ,christ gave ,himself for our sins1 of what should we be equally sure8--,that ,he has bought our sins1 and that they belong to ,him1 and not to us4 ,they are ours no longer1 and we have no right to them4 ,every time we sin we are robbing the ,lord1 for we must remember that ,christ has purchased not merely the specific acts of sin that we have committed1 and that are in the past1 but the sins that are in us1 and which break forth4 ,in this faith there is righteousness4 ,sidenote3 ,he ,has ,bought ,us1 ,too4 ,this follows from the fact that ,he has purchased our sins1 to deliver us from ourselves4 ,our sins are part of ourselves2 nay1 they are the whole of us1 for our natural lives are nothing but sin4 ,therefore1 ,christ could not buy our sins without buying us also4 ,of this fact we have many plain statements4 ,he 8gave ,himself for us1 that ,he might redeem us from all iniquity40 ,titus #b3ad4 8,ye are not your own2 for ye are bought with a price40 #a ,cor4 #f3ai4 8,ye were redeemed1 not with corruptible things1 with silver or gold1 from your vain manner of life handed down from your fathers2 but with precious blood1 as of a lamb without blemish and without spot1 even the blood of ,christ40 #a ,peter #a3ah1 #ai1 ,r4 ,v4 ,sidenote3 8,accepted in the ,beloved40 ,how often the ,gospel worker hears some one say1 8,i am so sinful that ,i am afraid the ,lord will not accept me20 and even people who have long professed to be ,christians1 often mournfully wish that they could be sure of their acceptance with ,god4 ,now the ,lord has given no ground for any such doubts4 ,the question of acceptance is forever settled by what we have just read4 ,christ has bought us1 together with all our sins1 and has paid the price4 ,that shows that ,he has accepted us4 ,why does a man go to the shop and buy an article8--,because he wants it4 ,if he has paid the price for it1 having examined it so as to know what he was buying1 does the merchant worry lest he will not accept it8--,not at all2 the merchant knows that it is his business to get the goods to the purchaser as soon as possible4 ,if he does not deliver the goods to the purchaser1 he is guilty of fraud4 ,the buyer will not indifferently say1 8,well1 ,i have done my part1 and if he doesn't care to do his1 he need not--that's all2 he may keep the things if he wants to40 ,no2 he will visit the shop1 and say1 8,why have you not given me what belongs to me80 ,he will take vigorous measures to come into possession of his property4 ,even so it is not a matter of indifference to ,jesus whether we surrender ourselves to ,him or not4 ,he longs with an infinite yearning for the souls that ,he has purchased with ,his own blood4 8,the ,son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost40 ,luke #ai3aj4 ,god has 8chosen us in ,him before the foundation of the world10 and so 8,he hath made us accepted in the ,beloved40 ,eph4 #a3d-f4 ,sidenote3 8,this ,present ,evil ,world40 ,christ gave ,himself for our sins1 8that ,he might deliver us from this present evil world40 ,he will take from us that which ,he bought1 which is our sinfulness4 ,in so doing1 ,he delivers us from this 8present evil world40 ,that shows us that 8this present evil world0 is nothing but our own sinful selves4 ,it is 8the lust of the flesh1 and the lust of the eyes1 and the pride of life40 #a ,john #b3af4 ,we ourselves make all the evil there is in the world4 ,it is man that has made the world evil4 8,by one man sin entered into the world1 and death by sin2 and so death passed upon all men1 for that all have sinned40 ,rom4 #e3ab4 ,we need not try to throw the blame upon somebody else2 we ourselves provide all the evil that can possibly injure us4 ,the story is told of a man whose besetting sin was a violent temper4 ,he would frequently become very angry1 but he laid all the blame upon the people with whom he lived1 who were so exasperating4 ,nobody1 he declared1 could do right among such people4 ,so he resolved1 as many others have done1 to 8leave the world10 and become a hermit4 ,he chose a cave in the forest for his dwelling-place1 far from any other human habitation4 ,in the morning he took his jug to a spring near by to get water for his morning meal4 ,the rock was moss-grown1 and the continual flow of water had made it very slippery4 ,as he set his jug down under the stream1 it slid away4 ,he put it back1 and again it was driven away4 ,two or three times was this repeated1 and each time the replacing of the jug was done with increasing energy4 ,finally the hermit's patience was utterly exhausted1 and exclaiming1 8,i'll see if you'll not stay60 he picked the vessel up and set it down with such vehemence that it was broken to pieces4 ,there was nobody to blame but himself1 and he had the good sense to see that it was not the world around him but the world inside of him that made him sin4 ,doubtless very many can recognize some experience of their own in this little story4 ,luther1 in his monk's cell1 whither he had gone to escape from the world1 found his sins more grievous than ever4 ,wherever we go1 we carry the world with us2 we have it in our hearts and on our backs1--a heavy1 crushing load4 ,we find that when we would do good1 8evil is present0 with us4 ,rom4 #g3ba4 ,it is present1 always1 8this present evil world10 until1 goaded to despair1 we cry out1 8,o wretched man that ,i am6 who shall deliver me from this body of death80 ,even ,christ found ,his greatest temptations in the desert1 far away from human habitations4 ,all these things teach us that hermits and monks are not in ,god's plan4 ,god's people are the salt of the earth2 and salt1 no matter how good it is1 is of no use if shut up in a box2 it must be mingled with that which is to be preserved4 ,sidenote3 ,deliverance4 ,that which ,god has promised1 ,he is 8able also to perform40 ,he 8is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think40 ,eph4 #c3bj4 ,he 8is able to keep you from falling1 and to present you faultless before the presence of ,his glory with exceeding joy40 ,jude #bd4 ,he gave ,himself for our sins1 that ,he might deliver us1 and ,he did not die in vain4 ,deliverance is ours4 ,christ was sent 8to open the blind eyes1 to bring out the prisoners from the prison1 and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house40 ,isa4 #db3g4 ,accordingly ,he cries out to the captives1 8,liberty60 ,to them that are bound ,he proclaims that the prison doors are open4 ,isa4 #fa3a4 ,to all the prisoners1 ,he says1 8,go forth40 ,isa4 #di3i4 ,each soul may say1 if he will1 8,o ,lord1 truly ,i am ,thy servant2 ,i am ,thy servant1 and the son of ,thine handmaid2 ,thou hast loosed my bonds40 ,ps4 #aaf3af4 ,the thing is true1 whether we believe it or not4 ,we are the ,lord's servants1 even though we stubbornly refuse to serve2 for ,he has bought us2 and1 having bought us1 ,he has broken every bond that hindered us from serving ,him4 ,if we but believe1 we have the victory that has overcome the world1 #a ,john #e3d1 ,r4 ,v42 ,john #af3cc4 ,the message to us is that our 8warfare is accomplished10 our 8iniquity is pardoned40 ,isa4 #dj3b4 ,we have but to shout1 as ,israel did before ,jericho1 to see that ,god has given to us the victory4 ,god 8hath visited and redeemed ,his people40 ,luke #a3fh4 ,out of ,zion has come the ,deliverer1 to turn away ungodliness from ,jacob4 ,rom4 #aa3bf4 8,thanks be to ,god1 which giveth us the victory through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 8,my sin--oh1 the bliss of this glorious thought6-- ,my sin1 not in part1 but the whole1 ,is nailed to ,his cross1 and ,i bear it no more1 ,praise the ,lord1 praise the ,lord1 ,o my soul60 ,sidenote3 ,the ,will of ,god4 ,all this deliverance is 8according to the will of our ,god and ,father40 ,the will of ,god is our sanctification4 #a ,thess4 #d3c4 ,he willeth that all men should be saved1 and come to the knowledge of the truth4 #a ,tim4 #b3d4 ,and ,he 8worketh all things after the counsel of ,his own will40 ,eph4 #a3aa4 8,what6 do you mean to teach universal salvation80 ,we mean to teach just what the ,word of ,god teaches1--that 8the grace of ,god hath appeared1 bringing salvation to all men40 ,titus #b3aa1 ,r4 ,v4 ,god has wrought out salvation for every man1 and has given it to him2 but the majority spurn it1 and throw it away4 ,the ,judgment will reveal the fact that full and complete salvation was given to every man1 and that the lost have deliberately thrown away their birthright possession4 ,thus every mouth will be stopped4 ,the will of ,god is1 therefore1 something to rejoice in1 and not something to be accepted with a wry face1 and merely endured4 ,even though it involves suffering1 it is for our good1 and is designed to work 8for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory40 ,rom4 #h3bh2 #b ,cor4 #d3ag4 ,in the law ,his will is revealed 7,rom4 #b3ah71 and we should1 therefore1 study it1 saying with ,christ1 8,i delight to do ,thy will1 ,o ,my ,god40 ,ps4 #dj3h4 ,here is the comfort of knowing the will of ,god4 ,he wills our deliverance from the bondage of sin2 therefore1 we can pray with the utmost confidence1 and with thanksgiving2 for 8this is the confidence that we have in ,him1 that1 if we ask anything according to ,his will1 ,he heareth us2 and if we know that ,he hear us1 whatsoever we ask1 we know that we have the petitions that we desired of ,him40 #a ,john #e3ad1 #ae4 ,blessed assurance6 ,let us ever with glad and humble hearts pray1 8,thy will be done in earth1 as it is in heaven40 ,sidenote3 ,to ,god ,be the ,glory4 ,not simply1 8,to ,him be glory10 as in the common version1 but 8,to whom be the glory10 as in the ,revision4 8,thine is the kingdom2 and the power1 and the glory40 ,all glory is ,god's1 whether men acknowledge it or not4 ,to give ,him the glory is not to impart anything to ,him1 but to recognize a fact4 ,we give ,him the glory by acknowledging that ,his is the power4 8,it is ,he that hath made us1 and not we ourselves40 ,ps4 #ajj3c4 ,power and glory are the same1 as we learn from ,eph4 #a3ai1 #bj1 which tells us that ,christ was raised from the dead by the exceeding greatness of ,god's power1 and from ,rom4 #f3d1 where we learn that 8,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father40 ,also when ,jesus by ,his wondrous power had turned water to wine1 we are told that in the performance of the miracle1 ,he 8manifested forth ,his glory40 ,john #b3aa4 ,so when we say that to ,god is the glory1 we are saying that the power is all from ,him4 ,we do not save ourselves1 for we are 8without strength40 ,but ,god is the ,almighty1 and ,he can and does save4 ,if we confess that all glory belongs to ,god1 we shall not be indulging in vainglorious imaginations or boastings1 and then will ,god be glorified in us4 8,let your light so shine before men1 that they may see your good works1 and glorify your ,father which is in heaven40 ,matt4 #e3af4 ,the last proclamation of 8the everlasting ,gospel10--that which announces the hour of ,god's ,judgment come1--has for its burden1 8,fear ,god1 and give glory to ,him20 8and worship ,him that made heaven1 and earth1 and the sea1 and the fountains of waters40 ,rev4 #ad3f1 #g4 ,thus we see that the ,epistle to the ,galatians1 which says1 8,to ,him be the glory10 is the setting forth of the everlasting ,gospel4 ,and it is emphatically a message for the last days4 ,let us study it1 and heed it1 that we may help to hasten the time when 8the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the ,lord1 as the waters cover the sea40 ,hab4 #b3ad4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,critical ,case4 ,the abruptness with which the apostle plunges into the midst of his subject shows how urgent was the matter that called forth his epistle4 ,his spirit seemed to be on fire1 and1 seizing his pen1 he wrote as only one can write who feels upon his heart the burden of souls about to rush to destruction4 ,sidenote3 ,who ,calls ,men8 8,god is faithful1 by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of ,his ,son ,jesus ,christ our ,lord40 #a ,cor4 #a3i4 8,the ,god of all grace1 who hath called us unto ,his eternal glory by ,christ ,jesus10 etc4 #a ,peter #e3aj4 8,the promise is unto you1 and to your children1 and to all that are afar off1 even as many as the ,lord our ,god shall call40 ,acts #b3ci4 ,those that are near1 and those that are afar off1 include all that are in the world2 therefore1 ,god calls everybody4 ,not all come1 however4 8,the very ,god of peace sanctify you wholly2 and ,i pray ,god your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,faithful is ,he that calleth you1 who also will do it40 #a ,thess4 #e3bc1 #bd4 ,it is ,god who calls men4 ,sidenote3 ,separating from ,god4 ,since the ,galatian brethren were separating from ,him that had called them1 and as ,god is the one who graciously calls men1 it is evident that they were separating from ,god4 ,thus we see that it was no slight thing that called forth this epistle4 ,paul's brethren were in mortal danger1 and he could not spend time on compliments1 but must needs get at once to the subject1 and present it in as clear and direct terms as possible4 ,it may be well in passing to note an opinion that sometimes obtains1 namely1 that ,paul referred to himself as the one who had called the ,galatian brethren1 and from whom they were removing4 ,a little thought should convince anybody of the fallacy of this idea4 ,first1 consider the positive evidence1 a little of which is already noted1 that it is ,god who calls4 ,remember also that it was ,paul himself who said that the apostasy would be the result of men's seeking to draw away disciples after themselves 7,acts #bj3cj72 he1 as the servant of ,christ1 would be the last man to draw people to himself4 ,it is true that ,god uses agents1 of whom ,paul was one1 to call men1 but it is ,god1 nevertheless1 that calls4 8,god was in ,christ1 reconciling the world unto ,himself20 we are ambassadors for ,christ1 so that now it is ,god beseeching men by us instead of by ,christ1 to be reconciled to ,himself4 ,there may be many mouths1 but there is only one voice4 ,it is a small matter to be joined to or separated from men1 but a matter of vital importance to be joined to ,god4 ,many seem to think that if they are only 8members in good standing0 in this or that church1 they are secure4 ,but the only thing worth considering is1 ,am ,i joined to the ,lord1 and walking in ,his truth8 ,if one is joined to the ,lord1 he will very soon find his place among ,god's people1 for those who are not ,god's people will not have a zealous1 consistent follower of ,god among them very long4 ,see ,isa4 #ff3e2 ,john #i3bb1 #cc1 #cd2 #ae3ah-ba2 #af3a-c2 #b ,tim4 #c3a-e1 #ab4 ,when ,barnabas went to ,antioch1 he exhorted the brethren that with purpose of heart they would 8cleave unto the ,lord40 ,acts #aa3bb1 #bc4 ,that was all that was necessary4 ,if we do that1 we shall certainly be with ,god's own people4 ,sidenote3 ,without ,god4 ,those who were departing from ,god were 8without ,god in the world10 just to the extent that they were removed from ,him4 ,but those who are in that condition are ,gentiles1 or heathen4 ,eph4 #b3aa1 #ab4 ,it is evident1 therefore1 that the ,galatian brethren were relapsing into heathenism4 ,it could not be otherwise2 for whenever any ,christian loses his hold upon ,god1 he inevitably and even unconsciously drops back into the old life from which he had been saved4 ,each backslider will take up the particular habits to which he was formerly a slave4 ,no more hopeless condition can exist in the world than to be without ,god4 ,sidenote3 ,another ,gospel4 ,the ,gospel is 8the power of ,god unto salvation to every one that believeth40 ,rom4 #a3af4 ,god ,himself is the power1 so that separation from ,god means separation from the ,gospel of ,christ1 who is the power of ,god4 ,nothing can be called a gospel unless it professes to give salvation4 ,that which professes to offer nothing but death1 can not be called a gospel4 8,gospel0 means 8joyful news10 8good tidings10 and a promise of death does not answer that description4 ,in order for any false doctrine to pass as the ,gospel1 it must pretend to be the way of life2 otherwise it could not deceive men4 ,it is evident1 therefore1 that the ,galatians were being seduced from ,god1 by something that promised them life and salvation1 but by a power other than that of ,god1 namely1 their own power4 ,this other gospel was solely a human gospel4 ,the question consequently would be1 ,which is the true ,gospel8 ,is it the one that ,paul preached8 or the one the other men set forth8 ,therefore1 we see that this epistle must be an emphatic presentation of the true ,gospel as distinguished from every false gospel4 ,sidenote3 ,no ,other ,gospel4 ,just as ,jesus ,christ is the only power of ,god1 and there is no other name than that of ,jesus1 given among men1 whereby salvation can be obtained1 so there can be only one ,gospel4 8,power belongeth unto ,god10 and to ,him alone4 ,see ,ps4 #fb3i-aa4 ,a sham is nothing4 ,a mask is not a man4 ,so this other gospel1 to which the ,galatian brethren were being enticed1 was only a perverted gospel1 a counterfeit1 a sham1 and no real gospel at all4 ,some versions give verses #f and #g thus3 8,i marvel that ye are so soon removed 444 unto another gospel1 although there is not any other40 ,since there is no other gospel now1 there never could have been any other1 for ,god changes not4 ,so the ,gospel which ,paul preached to the ,galatians1 as well as to the ,corinthians1--8,jesus ,christ and ,him crucified10--was the ,gospel that was preached by ,enoch1 ,noah1 ,abraham1 ,moses1 and ,isaiah4 8,to ,him give all the prophets witness1 that through ,his name whosoever believeth in ,him shall receive remission of sins40 ,acts #aj3dc4 ,sidenote3 8,accursed40 ,if any man1 or even an angel from heaven1 should preach any other gospel than that which ,paul preached1 he would bring himself under a curse4 ,there are not two standards of right and wrong4 ,that which will bring a curse to-day would have produced the same result five thousand years ago4 ,thus we find that the way of salvation has been exactly the same in every age4 ,the ,gospel was preached to ,abraham 7,gal4 #c3h71 angels being sent to him2 and the prophets preached the ,gospel 7#a ,peter #a3aa1 #ab74 ,but if the ,gospel preached by them had been different from that preached by ,paul1 they would have been accursed4 ,why should one be accursed for preaching a different gospel8--,because he is the means of fastening others in the curse1 by leading them to trust for their salvation in that which professes to be power1 but which is nothing4 ,since the ,galatians were removing from ,god1 it is evident that they were trusting to supposed human power--their own power--for salvation4 ,but no man can save another 7,ps4 #di3f1 #g71 therefore1 8cursed be the man that trusteth in man1 and maketh flesh his arm1 and whose heart departeth from the ,lord40 ,jer4 #ag3e4 ,the one who leads men into the curse must1 of course1 himself be accursed4 8,cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way40 ,deut4 #bg3ah4 ,if this be so of the one who causes a physically blind man to stumble1 how much more must it apply to one who causes a soul to stumble to its eternal ruin6 ,to delude people with a false hope of salvation1--to cause them to put their trust in that which can by no means deliver them1--what could possibly be more wicked8 ,it is to lead people to build their house over the bottomless pit4 ,well might the apostle deliberately reiterate his anathema4 ,here1 again1 we see the gravity of the situation that called forth this epistle4 ,sidenote3 8,an ,angel from ,heaven40 ,but is there any danger1 any possibility1 that an angel from heaven would preach any other than the one1 true ,gospel8--,most assuredly1 although it would not be an angel recently come from heaven4 ,we read of 8the angels that sinned0 7#b ,peter #b3d71 and 8kept not their first estate1 but left their own habitation0 7,jude #f71 and that the habitation from which they were cast was heaven 7,rev4 #ab3g-i74 ,now 8,satan himself is transformed into an angel of light4 ,therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness40 #b ,cor4 #aa3ad1 #ae4 ,it is they who come professing to be the spirits of the departed1 and to bring messages fresh from the realms above 7where the departed are not71 and preaching invariably 8another gospel0 than the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ4 ,beware of them4 8,beloved1 believe not every spirit1 but try the spirits whether they are of ,god40 #a ,john #d3a4 8,to the law and to the testimony3 if they speak not according to this ,word1 it is because there is no light in them40 ,isa4 #h3bj4 ,no one need be deceived1 so long as he has ,god's ,word4 ,nay1 it is impossible for anybody to be deceived while he holds to the ,word of ,god4 ,that is a light to the way4 ,sidenote3 ,not ,men-,pleasers4 ,it is admitted by churchmen that in the first three centuries the church became leavened with paganism1 and that1 in spite of reformations1 much of paganism still remains4 ,now this was the result of trying to please men4 ,the bishops thought that they could gain influence over the heathen by relaxing some of the strictness of the principles of the ,gospel1 which they did1 and the result was the corruption of the church4 ,self-love is always at the bottom of efforts to conciliate and please men4 ,the bishops desired 7often1 perhaps1 without being conscious of it7 to draw away disciples after themselves4 ,acts #bj3cj4 ,in order to gain the favor of the people1 they had to compromise and pervert the truth4 ,this was what was being done in ,galatia2 men were perverting the ,gospel of ,christ4 ,but ,paul was not of that class2 he was seeking to please ,god1 and not men4 ,he was the servant of ,god1 and ,god was the only one whom he needed to please4 ,he who seeks to please men1 is the servant of men1 and not of ,god4 ,this principle is true in every grade of service4 ,the house-servants or the shop assistants who labor only to please men1 will not be faithful servants1 for they will do good work only where it will be seen1 but will slight any task that can not come under the eye of their employers4 ,so ,paul exhorts3 8,servants1 obey in all things your masters according to the flesh2 not with eye service1 as men-pleasers2 but in singleness of heart1 fearing ,god2 and whatsoever ye do1 do it heartily1 as to the ,lord1 and not unto men2 knowing that of the ,lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance2 for ye serve the ,lord ,christ40 ,col4 #c3bb-bd4 ,he who cares for nothing else but to serve and please ,god1 will render the best service to men4 ,this is a thing that needs to be impressed upon all4 ,christian workers especially need it4 ,there is a tendency to dull the edge of truth1 lest we should lose the favor of some wealthy or influential person4 ,how many have stifled conviction1 fearing the loss of money or position6 ,let every one of us remember this3 8,if ,i yet pleased men1 ,i should not be the servant of ,christ40 ,but this does not mean that we shall be stern and uncourteous4 ,it does not mean that we willingly offend any4 ,god is good to all4 ,he is kind to the unthankful and the unholy4 ,jesus went about doing good1 speaking words of love and comfort4 ,we are to be soul-winners1 and so must have a winning manner2 but we are to win souls to ,god1 and1 therefore1 must exhibit only the attractiveness of the loving1 crucified ,one4 ,we serve ,christ by allowing ,his ,spirit to control us4 8,who best ,bear ,his mild yoke1 they serve ,him best40 ,sidenote3 8,not of ,man40 ,note how this epistle emphasizes the fact that the ,gospel is divine1 not human4 ,in the first verse the apostle states that he was not sent by man1 nor to represent any man4 ,again he says that he is not anxious to please men1 but only ,christ2 and now it is made very clear that the message he bore was wholly from heaven4 ,by birth and education he was opposed to the ,gospel1 and when he was converted it was by a voice from heaven4 ,read the accounts of his conversion in ,acts #i3a-bb2 #bb3c-af2 #bf3i-bj4 ,the ,lord ,himself appeared to him in the way as he was breathing threatening and slaughter against the saints of ,god4 ,there are no two persons whose experience in conversion is the same1 yet the general principles are the same in all4 ,in effect1 every person must be converted just as ,paul was4 ,the experience will seldom be so striking1 but if it is genuine1 it must be a revelation from heaven as surely as ,paul's was4 8,all thy children shall be taught of the ,lord40 ,isa4 #ed3ac2 ,john #f3de4 8,every man therefore that hath heard1 and hath learned of the ,father1 cometh unto ,me40 8,the anointing which ye have received of ,him abideth in you1 and ye need not that any man teach you2 but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things1 and is truth1 and is no lie1 and even as it hath taught you1 ye shall abide in ,him40 #a ,john #b3bg4 ,do not make the mistake of supposing that this does away with the necessity for any human agency in the ,gospel4 ,if it did1 then the apostles would have been self-condemned1 because they were preachers of the ,gospel4 ,god has set apostles1 prophets1 teachers1 etc41 in the church 7#a ,cor4 #ab3bh72 but it is the ,spirit of ,god that works in all these4 8,he whom ,god hath sent speaketh the words of ,god40 ,john #c3cd4 ,therefore1 no matter by whom anybody first hears the truth1 he is to receive it as coming direct from heaven4 ,the ,holy ,spirit enables those who wish to do ,god's will to tell what is truth as soon as they see or hear it1 and they accept it1 not on the authority of the man through whom it came to them1 but on the authority of the ,god of truth4 ,we may be as sure of the truth which we hold and teach as the apostle ,paul was4 ,but whenever anybody cites the name of some highly-esteemed preacher or doctor of divinity1 to justify his belief1 or to give it more weight with some person whom he would convince1 you may be sure that he himself does not know the truth of what he professes4 ,it may be the truth1 but he does not know for himself that it is true4 ,it is everybody's privilege to know the truth 7,john #h3ca1 #cb72 and when one holds a truth directly from ,god1 ten thousand times ten thousand great names in its favor do not add a feather's weight to its authority2 nor is his confidence in the least shaken if every great man on earth should oppose it4 ,it is a grand thing to be built on the ,rock4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,revelation of ,jesus ,christ4 ,note that it is not simply a revelation from ,jesus ,christ1 but the 8revelation of ,jesus ,christ40 ,it was not simply that ,christ told ,paul something1 but that ,christ ,himself revealed ,himself to ,paul1 and in him1 and ,he is the truth4 ,that this is what is meant here may be seen from verse #af1 where we read that ,god revealed ,his ,son in ,paul1 that he might preach ,him among the heathen4 ,the mystery of the ,gospel is ,christ in the believer1 the hope of glory4 ,col4 #a3be-bg4 ,the ,holy ,spirit is ,christ's personal representative4 ,christ sends ,him1 that ,he may abide with us forever4 ,the world receives ,him not1 because it sees ,him not2 8but ye know ,him10 says ,christ2 8for ,he dwelleth with you1 and shall be in you40 ,john #ad3af1 #ag4 ,only so can the truth of ,god be known and be made known4 ,christ does not stand afar off and lay down right principles for us to follow2 but ,he impresses ,himself upon us1 takes possession of us1 as we yield to ,him1 and makes manifest ,his life in our mortal flesh4 #b ,cor4 #d3aa4 ,without this life shining forth1 there can be no preaching of the ,gospel4 ,note that ,jesus was revealed in ,paul1 in order that ,paul might preach ,him among the heathen4 ,he was not to preach about ,christ1 but to preach1 to present1 ,christ ,himself4 8,we preach not ourselves1 but ,christ ,jesus the ,lord40 #b ,cor4 #d3e4 ,god is waiting and anxious to reveal ,christ in every man4 ,we read of men 8who hold down the truth in unrighteousness10 and that 8that which may be known of ,god is manifest in them10 even as in everything that ,god has made ,his 8everlasting power and ,divinity0 are clearly seen4 ,rom4 #a3ah-bj1 ,r4 ,v4 ,now ,christ is the truth 7,john #ad3f71 and ,he is the power of ,god 7#a ,cor4 #a3bd71 and the ,divinity of ,god 7,john #a3a74 ,therefore1 ,christ is the truth that the wicked are holding down4 ,he is the ,divine ,word of ,god1 present in men1 that they may do it4 ,deut4 #cj3ad2 ,rom4 #aj3f-h4 ,that ,christ is in all men is evident from the fact that they live2 but ,he is so held back and kept down that it is difficult to discern ,him4 ,nay1 in most men the opposite character is revealed1 the mere fact of living and breathing being in many cases the only evidence that ,christ is there4 ,yet ,he is there1 patiently waiting to be revealed1--longing for the time to come when the ,word of ,god may have free course and be glorified1 and the perfect life of ,jesus of ,nazareth be manifested in mortal flesh4 ,this may take place in 8whosoever will10 no matter how sinful and degraded he is now4 ,it pleases ,god to do it now2 cease1 then1 to resist4 ,sidenote3 ,personal ,history4 ,from the twelfth verse of the first chapter till the middle of the second1 we have a narrative of personal history1 told for a definite purpose4 ,in ,paul's experience we see the truth of the ,gospel1 and how it has nothing to gain from men1 but everything to give4 ,the apostle shows that all his early life was against his being influenced by the ,gospel1 for he studied that which was opposed to it1 and he bitterly opposed it4 ,then he was converted when there was no ,christian near him1 and he had next to no association with ,christians for years afterward4 ,all this of which the ,galatians had been previously informed1 it was necessary to repeat in order that it might be clear to all that ,paul was not bringing them another human invention4 ,note1 in passing1 the word 8conversation10 which occurs several times in the ,bible in a sense that is not now common4 ,compare the ,revised ,version1 and we find that it means 8manner of life40 ,paul's 8conversation in time past0 was his early life4 ,see the old and the ,revised ,version of #a ,peter #a3ah4 ,sidenote3 8,concerning ,zeal1 ,persecuting the ,church40 ,this is what ,paul said of himself1 in his ,epistle to the ,philippians4 ,phil4 #c3f4 ,how great his zeal was he himself tells4 ,he says that he persecuted the church of ,god 8beyond measure10 and 8wasted it10 or1 as in the ,revision1 8made havoc of it40 ,see also ,acts #h3c4 ,before ,agrippa he said3 8,i verily thought with myself1 that ,i ought to do many things contrary to the name of ,jesus of ,nazareth4 ,which thing ,i also did in ,jerusalem2 and many of the saints did ,i shut up in prison1 having received authority from the chief priests2 and when they were put to death1 ,i gave my voice against them4 ,and ,i punished them oft in every synagogue1 and compelled them to blaspheme2 and being exceedingly mad against them1 ,i persecuted them even unto strange cities40 ,acts #bf3i-aa4 ,in an address to the ,jews in ,jerusalem1 who knew his life1 he said1 8,i persecuted this way unto the death1 binding and delivering into prisons both men and women40 ,acts #bb3d4 ,this he did because1 as the previous verse says1 he was 8zealous toward ,god40 ,so full of this sort of zeal was he that he breathed nothing but 8threatenings and slaughter40 ,acts #i3a4 ,it seems almost incredible that any one professing to worship the true ,god1 can have such false ideas of ,him as to suppose that ,he is pleased with that kind of service2 yet ,saul of ,tarsus1 one of the most bitter and relentless persecutors of ,christians that ever lived1 could say years afterward1 8,i have lived in all good conscience before ,god until this day40 ,acts #bc3a4 ,although kicking against the pricks 7,acts #i3e71 and endeavoring to silence the growing conviction that would force itself upon him as he witnessed the patience of the ,christians1 and heard their dying testimonies to the truth1 ,saul was not wilfully stifling the voice of conscience4 ,on the contrary1 he was striving to preserve a good conscience1 and so deeply had he been indoctrinated with the ,pharisaic traditions1 that he felt sure that these inconvenient prickings must be the suggestions of an evil spirit1 which he was in duty bound to suppress4 ,so the prickings of the ,spirit of ,god had for a time only led him to redouble his zeal against the ,christians4 ,of all persons in the world1 ,saul1 the self-righteous ,pharisee1 had no bias in favor of ,christianity4 ,yet his misdirected zeal was a 8zeal for ,god10 and this fact made him good material for a ,christian worker4 ,sidenote3 ,paul's ,profiting4 ,paul 8profited10 made advancement1 8in the ,jews' religion10 above many of his equals1 that is1 those of his own age1 among his countrymen4 ,he had possessed every advantage that was possible to a ,jewish youth4 8,an ,hebrew of the ,hebrews0 7,phil4 #c3e71 he was nevertheless a free-born ,roman citizen 7,acts #bb3bf-bh74 ,naturally quick and intelligent1 he had enjoyed the instruction of ,gamaliel1 one of the wisest doctors of the law1 and had been 8taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers40 ,acts #bb3c4 ,after the 8straitest sect0 among the ,jews1 he lived a ,pharisee1 and was 8a ,pharisee of the ,pharisees10 so that he was 8more exceedingly zealous of the traditions0 of the fathers than any others of his class4 ,grown to manhood1 he had become a member of the great council among the ,jews1--the ,sanhedrim1--as is shown by the fact that he gave his vote 7,acts #bf3aj1 ,r4 ,v47 when ,christians were condemned to death4 ,added to this1 he possessed the confidence of the high priest1 who readily gave him letters of introduction to the rulers of all the synagogues throughout the land1 with authority to seize and bind any whom he found guilty of 8heresy40 ,he was1 indeed1 a rising young man1 on whom the rulers of the ,jews looked with pride and hope1 believing that he would contribute much to the restoration of the ,jewish nation and religion to their former greatness4 ,there had been a promising future before ,saul1 from a worldly point of view2 but what things were gain to him1 those he counted loss for ,christ1 for whose sake he suffered the loss of all things4 ,phil4 #c3g1 #h4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,traditions of the ,fathers1 not the ,religion of ,christ4 ,paul says1 8,i advanced in the ,jews' religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen1 being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers40 ,it is easy to see that 8the ,jews' religion0 was not the religion of ,god and ,jesus ,christ1 but was human tradition4 ,people make a great mistake in considering 8,judaism0 as the religion of the ,old ,testament4 ,the ,old ,testament no more teaches ,judaism than the ,new ,testament teaches ,roman ,catholicism4 ,the religion of the ,old ,testament is the religion of ,jesus ,christ4 ,it was ,his ,spirit that was in the prophets1 moving them to present the same ,gospel that the apostles afterwards preached4 #a ,peter #a3aj-ab4 ,when ,paul was 8in the ,jews' religion0 he did not believe the ,old ,testament1 which he read and heard read daily1 because he did not understand it2 if he had1 he would have believed on ,christ4 8,for they that dwell at ,jerusalem1 and their rulers1 because they knew ,him not1 nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every ,sabbath day1 they have fulfilled them in condemning ,him40 ,acts #ac3bg4 ,the traditions of the fathers led to transgression of the commandments of ,god4 ,matt4 #ae3c4 ,god said of the ,jewish people 7as a whole73 8,this people draweth nigh unto ,me with their mouth1 and honoreth ,me with their lips2 but their heart is far from ,me4 ,but in vain they do worship ,me1 teaching for doctrines the commandments of men40 ,verses #h1 #i4 ,on the ,sabbath days the rulers read in the synagogues from the ,scriptures1 and for this instruction there was no reproof4 ,jesus said3 8,the scribes and the ,pharisees sit in ,moses' seat2 all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe1 that observe and do2 but do not ye after their works2 for they say1 and do not40 ,matt4 #bc3b1 #c4 ,jesus had no word of condemnation for ,moses and his writings4 ,he said to the ,jews1 8,had ye believed ,moses1 ye would have believed ,me2 for he wrote of ,me40 ,john #e3df4 ,everything1 therefore1 which the scribes read and commanded from his writings was to be followed2 but the example of the readers was to be shunned1 for they did not obey the ,scriptures4 ,christ said of them1 8,they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne1 and lay them on men's shoulders2 but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers40 ,matt4 #bc3d4 ,these were not the commandments of ,god1 for 8,his commandments are not grievous0 7#a ,john #e3c72 and the burdens were not of ,christ1 for ,his burden is light 7,matt4 #aa3cj74 ,we hear much about the 8,judaizing teachers10 who sought to pervert the ,galatians1 and we know that they who were teaching 8another gospel0 were ,jews2 but we must not fall into the error of supposing that these 8,judaizing teachers0 were presenting the ,bible1 or any part of it1 to the new converts1 or trying to get them to follow the ,scriptures written by ,moses4 ,far from it2 they were leading them away from the ,bible1 and substituting for its teaching the commandments of men4 ,this was what roused the spirit of ,paul4 ,the 8,jews' religion0 was an entirely different thing from the religion of ,god1 as taught in the law1 the prophets1 and the psalms4 ,sidenote3 8,separated unto the ,gospel of ,god40 ,these are the words with which ,paul described himself in the ,epistle to the ,romans3 8,called to be an apostle1 separated unto the ,gospel of ,god40 ,rom4 #a3a4 ,so here he says that ,god 8separated me from my mother's womb1 and called me by ,his grace40 ,gal4 #a3ae4 ,that ,god chose ,saul to be an apostle1 before ,saul himself had any thought that he should ever be even a ,christian1 is evident from the sacred narrative4 ,on his way to ,damascus1 whither1 8breathing out threatenings and slaughter10 he was proceeding with full authority to seize1 bind1 and drag to prison all ,christians1 both men and women1 ,saul was suddenly arrested1 not by human hands1 but by the over-powering glory of the ,lord4 ,three days afterward the ,lord said to ,ananias1 when sending him to give ,saul his sight1 8,he is a chosen vessel unto ,me1 to bear ,my name before the ,gentiles40 ,acts #i3ae4 ,god arrested ,saul in his mad career of persecution1 because ,he had chosen him to be an apostle4 ,so we see that the pricks against which ,saul had been kicking were the strivings of the ,spirit to turn him to the work to which he had been called4 ,but how long before this had ,saul been chosen to be the messenger of the ,lord8--,he himself tells us that he was 8separated10--8set apart10--from his birth4 ,he is not the first one of whom we read that from birth he was chosen to his life-work4 ,recall the case of ,samson4 ,judges #ac3b-ad4 ,john the ,baptist was named1 and his character and life-work were described1 months before he was born4 ,the ,lord said to ,jeremiah3 8,before ,i formed thee in the belly ,i knew thee2 and before thou camest forth out of the womb ,i sanctified thee1 and ,i ordained thee a prophet unto the nations40 ,jer4 #a3e4 ,the heathen king ,cyrus was named more than a hundred years before he was born1 and his part in the work of ,god was laid out for him4 ,isa4 #dd3bh2 #de3a-d4 ,these are not isolated cases1 but are recorded for the purpose of showing us that ,god rules in the world4 ,it is as true of all men as it was of the ,thessalonians1 that 8,god hath from the beginning chosen0 them 8to salvation through sanctification of the ,spirit and belief of the truth40 #b ,thess4 #b3ac4 ,it rests with every one to make that calling and election sure4 ,and he who 8willeth that all men should be saved1 and come to the knowledge of the truth0 7#a ,tim4 #b3c1 #d1 ,r4 ,v471 has also appointed 8to every man his work0 7,mark #ac3cd74 ,he who leaves not ,himself without witness even in the inanimate creation 7,acts #ad3ag2 ,rom4 #a3bj71 would fain have man1 ,his highest earthly creation1 willingly give such witness to ,him as can be given only by human intelligence4 ,all men are chosen to be witnesses for ,god1 and to each is his labor appointed4 ,all through life the ,spirit is striving with every man1 to induce him to allow himself to be used for the work to which ,god has called him4 ,only the ,judgment ,day will reveal what wonderful opportunities men have recklessly flung away4 ,saul1 the violent persecutor1 became the mighty apostle4 ,who can imagine how much good might have been done by the men whose great power over their fellows has been exerted only for evil1 if they had yielded to the influence of the ,spirit8 ,not every one can be a ,paul2 but the thought that each one1 according to the ability that ,god has given him1 is chosen and called of ,god to witness for ,him1 will1 when once grasped1 give to life a new meaning4 ,the knowledge of this truth will not only make life more real for us1 leading us to seek to know the will of ,god for us individually1 and to submit wholly to ,him1 that ,he may use us to do the work for which ,he has designed us1 but it will tend to make us more considerate of others1 and not to despise the least4 ,what a wonderful1 a joyous1 and yet a solemn thought1 as we see men moving about1 that to each one of them ,god has given a work of his own to do4 ,they are all servants of the ,most ,high ,god1 each one assigned to special service4 ,it is a wondrous privilege1 and a wondrous responsibility4 ,how few are doing the work ,god would have them do6 ,we should be extremely careful not to hinder any person in the slightest degree from doing his heaven-appointed task4 ,another thing that we should remember is that it is ,god who gives to every man his work4 ,each one is to receive his orders from ,god1 and not from men4 ,therefore1 we should beware of dictating to men concerning their duty4 ,god can make it plain to them1 as well as to us2 and if they will not hear ,him1 they will not be likely to hear us1 even if we could direct them in the right way4 8,it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps0 7,jer4 #aj3bc71 much less to direct the steps of some other man4 ,sidenote3 ,conferring with ,flesh and ,blood4 8,immediately ,i conferred not with flesh and blood40 ,this statement is made for the purpose of showing that the apostle did not receive the ,gospel from any human being4 ,he saw ,christ1 and accepted ,him1 then he went to ,arabia1 and came back to ,damascus1 and not till three years after his conversion did he go up to ,jerusalem1 where he stayed only fifteen days1 and saw only two of the apostles4 ,moreover1 the brethren were afraid of him1 and would not at first believe that he was a disciple2 so it is evident that he did not receive the ,gospel from any man4 ,but there is much to learn from ,paul's not conferring with flesh and blood4 ,to be sure1 he had no need to1 since he had the ,lord's own word2 but such a course as his is by no means common4 ,for instance1 a man reads a thing in the ,bible1 and then must ask some other man's opinion before he dare believe it4 ,if none of his friends believe it1 he is fearful of accepting it4 ,if his pastor1 or some commentary1 explains the text away1 then away it goes2 flesh and blood gain the day against the ,spirit and the ,word4 ,or1 it may be that the commandment is so plain that there is no reasonable excuse for asking anybody what it means4 ,then the question is1 ,can ,i afford to do it8 ,will it not cost too much sacrifice8 ,the most dangerous flesh and blood that one can confer with is one's own4 ,it is not enough to be independent of others2 in matters of truth one needs to be independent of one's self4 8,trust in the ,lord with all thine heart2 and lean not unto thine own understanding40 ,prov4 #c3e4 8,he that trusteth in his own heart is a fool40 ,prov4 #bh3bf4 ,a pope is one who presumes to occupy the place in counsel which rightfully belongs to ,god alone4 ,the man who makes himself pope1 by following his own counsel1 is just as bad as the man who dictates to another1 and is more likely to be led astray than is the man who follows some pope other than himself4 ,if one is to follow a pope at all1 it would be more consistent to accept the pope of ,rome1 because he has had more experience in popery than any other4 ,but none is necessary1 since we have the ,word of ,god4 ,when ,god speaks1 the part of wisdom is to obey at once1 without taking counsel even of one's own heart4 ,the ,lord's name is 8,counselor0 7,isa4 #i3f71 and ,he is 8wonderful in counsel40 ,hear ,him6 8,he will be our ,guide forevermore40 ,sidenote3 8,immediately40 ,note that word4 ,paul did not stop to parley4 ,he lost no time4 ,he thought he was serving ,god when he was persecuting the church1 and the minute he found out his mistake he turned about4 ,when he saw ,jesus of ,nazareth1 he recognized ,him as his ,lord1 and immediately cried out1 8,lord1 what wilt ,thou have me to do80 ,he was ready to be set to work in the right way1 and that immediately4 ,it is an example well worth consideration4 ,would that everybody might truthfully say1 8,i made haste1 and delayed not to keep ,thy commandments40 ,ps4 #aai3fj4 8,i will run the way of ,thy commandments1 when ,thou shalt enlarge my heart40 ,verse #cb4 ,sidenote3 ,gentiles--,heathen4 ,paul tells us that ,christ was revealed in him1 that he might preach ,him among the heathen4 ,in the ,revision we have the word 8,gentiles0 used instead of 8heathen40 ,there is no difference4 ,the two words are used interchangeably in the ,english ,bible1 for wherever they occur1 they are translated from only one ,greek word1 or1 if it be in the ,old ,testament1 the corresponding ,hebrew word4 ,let us note a few instances4 ,in #a ,cor4 #ab3b we read1 8,ye know that ye were ,gentiles1 carried away unto these dumb idols1 even as ye were led40 ,this is from the ordinary word for 8heathen10 and the text itself shows that ,gentiles are idol-worshipers--heathen4 ,take notice that the ,corinthians 8were ,gentiles20 they ceased to be such on becoming ,christians4 ,eph4 #b3aa1 #ab3 8,wherefore remember1 that ye being in time past ,gentiles in the flesh1 who are called ,uncircumcision by that which is called the ,circumcision in the flesh made by hands2 that at that time ye were without ,christ1 being aliens from the commonwealth of ,israel1 and strangers from the covenants of promise1 having no hope1 and without ,god in the world40 ,surely1 to be a ,gentile is to be in a most unenviable condition4 ,we are told that 8,god at the first did visit the ,gentiles1 to take out of them a people for ,his name40 ,acts #ae3ad4 ,and ,james referred to the believers in ,antioch and elsewhere as those who 8from among the ,gentiles are turned to ,god40 ,god's people are taken out from among the ,gentiles1 but on being taken out1 they cease to be ,gentiles4 ,abraham1 the father of ,israel1 was taken from among the heathen 7,joshua #bd3b71 so that all ,israel are taken from among the ,gentiles4 ,thus it is that 8all ,israel shall be saved0 by the coming in of the fulness of the ,gentiles4 ,rom4 #aa3be1 #bf4 ,in ,ps4 #b3a-c we might lawfully read1 8,why do the ,gentiles rage1 and the people imagine a vain thing8 ,the kings of the earth set themselves1 and the rulers take counsel together1 against the ,lord1 and against ,his anointed that is1 against ,christ1 for ,christ means #8anointed'1 saying1 ,let us break their bands asunder1 and cast away their cords from us40 ,how often we see this fulfilled in the cases of individuals1 who1 with a triumphant air1 exclaim3 8,show me a place where the ,gentiles are commanded to keep the ten commandments60 meaning that they are ,gentiles1 and thinking thus to cast away from themselves the laws of ,god4 ,it is no honorable class in which they place themselves4 ,it is true that the ,gentiles are not commanded to keep the commandments1 as ,gentiles1 for that would be impossible2 as soon as they accept ,christ1 and the law of the ,spirit of life in ,him1 they cease to be ,gentiles4 ,how solicitous ,god is to save people from their ,gentile state1 is shown by ,his sending the apostle ,paul 7to say nothing of ,christ7 to bring them to ,himself4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,prophet to the ,gentiles4 ,in this connection it is worth while to note that ,god was as anxious for the conversion of the ,gentiles three thousand years ago as ,he is to-day4 ,the ,gospel was preached to them before the first advent of ,christ1 as well as it was afterwards4 ,paul was not the first one who preached to the ,gentiles after ,christ1 although he was sent specially to them4 ,he was known as the apostle to the ,gentiles1 yet everywhere he went he preached to the ,jews first1 and as long as they would hear him4 ,so it was before ,christ4 ,by many agencies ,god made ,himself known among all nations1 yet ,jeremiah was specially chosen as the prophet to the ,gentiles1 or heathen4 ,in ,jer4 #a3e1 8,before thou camest forth out of the womb ,i sanctified thee1 and ,i ordained thee a prophet unto the nations10 the ,hebrew word from which the word 8nations0 is translated is the very same that is regularly translated 8heathen40 8,why do the heathen rage80 ,ps4 #b3a4 8,proclaim ye this among the ,gentiles3 ,prepare war10 etc4 8,assemble yourselves1 and come1 all ye heathen40 ,joel #c3i-aa4 ,the words 8heathen0 and 8,gentile0 in these texts are the same as the word 8nations10 in ,jer4 #a3e4 ,this can be seen by comparing the old with the ,revised ,version4 ,so the ,lord said to ,jeremiah1 8,i sanctified thee1 and ,i ordained thee1 a prophet unto the ,gentiles40 ,let no one say that ,god ever at any time confined ,his truth to any one people1 whether ,jew or ,gentile4 8,there is no difference between the ,jew and the ,greek2 for the same ,lord over all is rich unto all that call upon ,him40 ,rom4 #aj3ab4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,new ,convert ,preaching4 ,as soon as ,paul was converted1 8straightway he preached ,christ in the synagogues40 ,acts #i3bj4 ,was it not marvelous that he should at once be able to preach so powerfully8--,indeed it was1 as it is marvelous that any man can preach ,christ4 ,that anybody should be able to preach ,christ in very truth1 involves no less a mystery than ,christ manifest in the flesh4 ,but do not let anybody suppose that ,paul got his knowledge instantaneously1 without any study4 ,remember that he had all his life been a diligent student of the ,scriptures4 ,it was not an uncommon thing for a rabbi to be able to repeat the greater portion or the whole of the ,hebrew ,scriptures from memory1 and we may be sure that ,paul1 who had made more advancement than any others of his age1 was as familiar with the words of the ,bible as a bright schoolboy is with the multiplication table4 ,but his mind was blinded by the traditions of the fathers1 which had been drilled into him at the same time4 ,the blindness which came upon him when the light shone round him on the way to ,damascus1 was but a picture of the blindness of his mind2 and the seeming scales that fell from his eyes when ,ananias spoke to him1 indicated the shining forth of the ,word within him1 and the scattering of the darkness of tradition4 ,paul's case was very different from that of a new convert who has never read or studied the ,bible4 ,such an one can1 indeed1 tell what ,christ has done for him1 and may thereby do much good2 but he needs much study of the ,scriptures to make him able to show men the way of life perfectly1 and lead them in the way of righteousness4 ,sidenote3 ,paul in ,arabia4 ,many have thought that it was while ,paul was in ,arabia that he had his wonderful revelations1 and was taken up into heaven1 where he heard 8unspeakable words which it is not lawful for a man to utter40 ,this may well be1 although it is by no means probable that his visions of heavenly things were confined to that time4 ,all his life through the apostle was in close communion with heaven1 and we may be sure that 8the heavenly vision0 was never hidden from his sight4 ,so1 also1 we may be sure that1 since preaching was his life-work1 he did not spend all the months he was in ,arabia in study and contemplation4 ,he had been so severe a persecutor1 and had received so richly of ,god's grace1 that he counted all the time lost in which he could not reveal that grace to others1 feeling1 8,woe is me1 if ,i preach not the ,gospel40 ,he preached in the synagogues in ,damascus1 as soon as he was converted1 before he went into ,arabia2 so it is but natural to conclude that he preached the ,gospel to the ,arabs4 ,he could preach there without the opposition that he always received when among the ,jews1 and1 therefore1 his labors would not so much interfere with his meditation on the new worlds that had just opened before him4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,persecutor ,preaching4 ,wonderful1 indeed1 it was to hear that 8he that once persecuted us1 now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc40 ,in view of the case of ,saul of ,tarsus1 let no one look on any opposer of the ,gospel as incorrigible4 ,those who make opposition are to be instructed with meekness1 for who knows but that ,god will give them repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth8 ,one might have said of ,paul1 ,he has had the light as clearly as any man can have it4 ,he has had every opportunity2 he has not only heard the inspired testimony of ,stephen1 but he has heard the dying confessions of many martyrs2 he is a hardened wretch1 from whom it is useless to expect any good4 ,yet that same ,saul became the greatest preacher of the ,gospel1 even as he had been the most bitter persecutor4 ,is there a malignant opposer of the truth8 ,do not strive with him1 and do not reproach him4 ,let him have all the bitterness and strife to himself1 while you hold yourself to the ,word of ,god and to prayer4 ,it may not be long till ,god1 who is now blasphemed1 will be glorified in him4 ,sidenote3 ,glorifying ,god4 8,and they glorified ,god in me40 ,how different ,paul's case was from that of those to whom he said1 8,the name of ,god is blasphemed among the ,gentiles through you0 7,rom4 #b3bd76 ,every one who professes to be a follower of ,god should be a means of bringing glory to ,his name1 yet many cause it to be blasphemed2 and to have the name of ,god blasphemed through us is as bad as to be ourselves open blasphemers4 ,how can we cause ,his name to be glorified8--8,let your light so shine before men1 that they may see your good works1 and glorify your ,father which is in heaven40 ,matt4 #e3af4 ,,recapitulation4 ,let us now take a brief glance at the chapter as a whole4 ,the greeting1 embracing the first five verses1 tells us the name and calling of the writer of the epistle1 and his authority4 ,it incidentally notes the fact that ,christ is ,divine4 ,a benediction is pronounced1 from ,god the ,father1 and ,jesus ,christ the ,son4 ,christ gave ,himself for our sins1--purchased them1--thus to deliver us from this present evil world4 ,our sins constitute this present evil world4 ,our sins belong to ,christ1 not to us2 so by the power of ,his death and resurrection1 in which ,he gave ,himself for our sins1 we may be kept from them4 ,it is the will of ,god to save us1 so that there can be no doubt as to our acceptance4 ,to ,god belongs the glory1 because ,his is the kingdom and the power4 ,the next two verses show us the condition of the churches in ,galatia at the time the epistle was written1 and thus make known to us why it was written4 ,they were departing from ,god1 being led astray by some who were perverting the ,gospel of ,christ1 preaching a pretended gospel instead of the one only ,gospel1 which is the power of ,god to salvation to every one that believes4 ,the marvel of the thing is the same as that expressed in ,jer4 #b3ab1 #ac3 8,be astonished1 ,o ye heavens1 at this1 and be horribly afraid1 be ye very desolate1 saith the ,lord4 ,for ,my people have committed two evils3 they have forsaken ,me the ,fountain of living waters1 and hewed them out cisterns1 broken cisterns1 that can hold no water40 ,then in the next two verses 7#h1 #i7 we find a curse pronounced on any one1 even though it were the apostle himself1 or an angel from heaven1 who should presume to teach any other gospel than that he had preached4 ,this shows the seriousness of the situation4 ,the ,galatian brethren were being placed under the curse by the accursed preachers who preached a false gospel4 ,following this1 in verses #aj-ab1 the apostle shows himself to be the servant of ,christ1 because he was seeking to please ,god only1 and not men4 ,the preachers who perverted the souls of men1 would preach smooth things1--things in harmony with human nature1--to draw away disciples after them2 ,paul preached only the plain truth of ,god1 which he received not through any man1 but direct from heaven4 ,lastly we have the beginning of a little narrative of personal experience1 which is continued more than half way through the second chapter4 ,in this ,paul refers to his life before his conversion1 when he persecuted the church2 mentions his conversion1 which was the revelation of ,christ in him2 tells why he was called1 and how promptly he responded to the call2 and lastly shows how he had no opportunity to get the ,gospel from apostles and brethren who were believers before him1 even if he had wished to1 since he had no connection with them for years after his conversion4 ,the force of this will appear more plainly as we proceed4 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,life by the ,faith of ,christ1 the ,truth of the ,gospel4 ,there are doubtless many who are reading this little book1 not out of curiosity to see what another person thinks about the ,epistle to the ,galatians1 but for help in arriving at an understanding of that much-discussed portion of ,scripture4 ,with each one of these ,i wish to hold a little personal talk before we proceed further with our study4 ,every portion of ,scripture is connected with every other portion2 as soon as we learn one thing thoroughly1 making it a part of ourselves1 it joins us and aids us in the search for more knowledge1 just as each morsel of food that we eat and assimilate assists us in our labor for our daily bread4 ,if1 therefore1 we proceed in the right way with the study of the ,epistle to the ,galatians1 we shall have opened a wide door to the whole ,bible4 ,the way to knowledge is very simple1 so simple that many people despise it4 ,it is not1 however1 to be despised1 for1 in spite of the oft-repeated statement to the contrary1 there is ,a ,royal ,road to ,knowledge1 and that road is open to all4 ,here are the directions1 laid down by the king who1 to the highest degree1 proved it to be the right way3-- 8,my son1 if thou wilt receive ,my words1 and hide ,my commandments with thee2 so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom1 and apply thine heart to understanding2 yea1 if thou criest after knowledge1 and liftest up thy voice for understanding2 if thou seekest her as silver1 and searchest for her as for hid treasures2 then shalt thou understand the fear of the ,lord1 and find the knowledge of ,god4 ,for the ,lord giveth wisdom2 out of ,his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding40 ,prov4 #b3a-f4 ,it was in a dream that ,god appeared to ,solomon1 and promised to give him wisdom1 but it was not by idle dreaming that the wisdom came4 ,solomon did not go to sleep1 and wake up to find himself the wisest man that ever lived4 ,he longed for knowledge so much that he did1 indeed1 dream of it by night1 but he worked for it by day4 ,the foregoing ,scripture tells his experience4 ,wisdom and knowledge concerning everything are to be found in ,god's ,word2 and if you would understand the ,word of ,god1 you must study it4 ,no man on earth can give you his knowledge4 ,another may aid you by his experience1 so that it need not take you as long as it took him2 he may direct you how and where to work2 but whatever any one really knows he must acquire for himself4 ,when you have traveled over a road a thousand times1 you know every turn in it1 no matter how many there are1 and can see the whole way in your mind4 ,so after you have thought through a portion of ,scripture time after time1 you will at last be able to see the whole of it1 and every separate statement in it1 at a single glance4 ,and when you can do that1 you will see in it what no man on earth can tell you4 ,it is useless to think to understand a detached sentence that may present special difficulty1 without reference to the connection4 ,if ,i should bring you a letter1 and1 pointing to a sentence near the close1 should ask you to tell me what my correspondent means1 you would at once ask1 8,what is he writing about8 what does he say in what precedes80 ,if ,i should reply that ,i didn't wish you to know the subject of the letter1 and would not allow you to read it from the beginning1 you would say1 8,then ,i can not help you40 ,but if ,i should put the letter into your hands1 asking you to help me to understand the difficult sentence1 you would at once read the letter carefully from the beginning1 making sure that you understood everything as you read1 and then1 with all that preceded the difficult sentence clearly in your mind1 you would expect to understand the sentence itself4 ,even thus reasonably should we deal with the ,bible4 ,therefore1 to each one ,i say3 ,study the very words of the text4 ,go over them again and again2 and every time you begin the study of a new portion1 go back to the beginning and review all that you have been over4 ,it is a royal method1 and it yields royal results4 ,the first chapter of ,galatians gives us a brief1 comprehensive view of what the ,gospel is1 of the condition of the ,galatian brethren1 and of ,paul's personal experience4 ,the second chapter refers to the meeting held in ,jerusalem1 seventeen years after ,paul's conversion1 and tells us what was the subject of controversy1 and ,paul's relation to it4 ,the apostle's sole burden was to preserve 8the truth of the ,gospel0 among the brethren4 ,having the first chapter clearly in mind1 we may proceed to the study of the second1 remembering that it is but a continuation of the first4 8,then after the space of fourteen years ,i went up again to ,jerusalem with ,barnabas1 taking ,titus also with me4 ,and ,i went up by revelation2 and ,i laid before them the ,gospel which ,i preach among the ,gentiles1 but privately before them who were of repute1 lest by any means ,i should be running1 or had run1 in vain4 ,but not even ,titus who was with me1 being a ,greek1 was compelled to be circumcised2 and that because of the false brethren privily brought in1 who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in ,christ ,jesus1 that they might bring us into bondage2 to whom we gave place in the way of subjection1 no1 not for an hour2 that the truth of the ,gospel might continue with you4 ,but from those who were reputed to be somewhat 7whatsoever they were1 it maketh no matter to me3 ,god accepteth no man's person7--they1 ,i say1 who were of repute1 imparted nothing to me2 but contrariwise1 when they saw that ,i had been intrusted with the ,gospel of the uncircumcision1 even as ,peter with the ,gospel of the circumcision 7for ,he that wrought for ,peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the ,gentiles72 and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me1 ,james and ,cephas and ,john1 they who were reputed to be pillars1 gave to me and ,barnabas the right hands of fellowship1 that we should go unto the ,gentiles1 and they unto the circumcision2 only they would that we should remember the poor2 which very thing ,i was also zealous to do4 8,but when ,cephas came to ,antioch1 ,i resisted him to the face1 because he stood condemned4 ,for before that certain came from ,james1 he did eat with the ,gentiles2 but when they came1 he drew back and separated himself1 fearing them that were of the circumcision4 ,and the rest of the ,jews dissembled likewise with him2 insomuch that even ,barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation4 ,but when ,i saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the ,gospel1 ,i said unto ,cephas before them all1 ,if thou1 being a ,jew1 livest as do the ,gentiles1 and not as do the ,jews1 how compellest thou the ,gentiles to live as do the ,jews8 ,we being ,jews by nature1 and not sinners of the ,gentiles1 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law1 save through faith in ,jesus ,christ1 even we believed on ,christ ,jesus1 that we might be justified by faith in ,christ1 and not by the works of the law2 because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified4 ,but if1 while we sought to be justified in ,christ1 we ourselves also were found sinners1 is ,christ a minister of sin8 ,god forbid4 ,for if ,i build up again those things which ,i destroyed1 ,i prove myself a transgressor4 ,for ,i through the law died unto the law1 that ,i might live unto ,god4 ,i have been crucified with ,christ2 yet ,i live2 and yet no longer ,i1 but ,christ liveth in me2 and that life which ,i now live in the flesh ,i live in faith1 the faith which is in the ,son of ,god1 who loved me1 and gave ,himself up for me4 ,i do not make void the grace of ,god2 for if righteousness is through the law1 then ,christ died for naught40 ,galatians #b1 ,r4 ,v4 ,sidenote3 ,another ,visit to ,jerusalem4 8,fourteen years after10 following the natural course of the narrative1 means fourteen years after the visit recorded in ,gal4 #a3ah1 which was three years after the apostle ,paul's conversion4 ,the second visit1 therefore1 was seventeen years after his conversion1 or about the year #ea ,a4 ,d41 which coincides with the time of the conference in ,jerusalem1 which is recorded in ,acts #ae4 ,it is with that conference1 and the things that led to it1 and grew out of it1 that the second chapter of ,galatians deals4 ,in reading this chapter1 therefore1 the fifteenth of ,acts must be understood and borne in mind4 ,sidenote3 ,that ,new ,gospel4 ,in the first chapter of ,galatians 7verses #f1 #g7 we are told that some were troubling the brethren1 by perverting the ,gospel of ,christ1 presenting a false gospel1 and pretending that it was the true ,gospel4 ,in ,acts #ae3a we read that 8certain men which came down from ,judea taught the brethren1 and said1 ,except ye be circumcised after the manner of ,moses1 ye can not be saved40 ,this1 we see1 was the other gospel1 which was not another1 since there is only one1 but which was being palmed off upon the brethren as the true ,gospel4 ,that these men who brought this teaching professed to be preaching the ,gospel1 is evident from the fact that they professed to tell the people what they must do to be saved4 ,paul and ,barnabas would not give any place to the new preaching1 but withstood it1 in order1 as ,paul tells the ,galatians1 8that the truth of the ,gospel might continue with you40 ,gal4 #b3e4 ,the apostles had 8no small dissension and disputation with them40 ,acts #ae3b4 ,the controversy was no insignificant one1 but was between the real ,gospel and a counterfeit4 ,the question was a vital one for the new believers1 and has no less interest for us2 it concerns our salvation4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,denial of ,christ4 ,a glance at the experience of the church at ,antioch1 to whom this new gospel was brought1 will show that it did in the most direct manner deny the power of ,christ to save4 ,the ,gospel was first brought to them by brethren who had been scattered by the persecution that arose on the death of ,stephen4 ,these brethren came to ,antioch 8preaching the ,lord ,jesus4 ,and the hand of the ,lord was with them2 and a great number believed1 and turned unto the ,lord40 ,acts #aa3ai-ba4 ,then the apostles sent ,barnabas to assist in the work2 and he1 8when he came1 and had seen the grace of ,god1 was glad1 and exhorted them all1 that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the ,lord4 ,for he was a good man1 and full of the ,holy ,ghost and of faith2 and much people was added unto the ,lord40 ,verses #bb-bd4 ,then ,barnabas found ,saul1 and together they labored with the church in ,antioch for more than a year4 ,verses #be1 #bf4 ,there were in the church prophets and teachers1 and as they ministered unto the ,lord1 and fasted1 the ,holy ,ghost spoke to them1 telling them to separate ,barnabas and ,saul to the work to which ,he had called them4 ,acts #ac3a-c4 ,so we see that the church there had had much experience in the things of ,god4 ,they were acquainted with the ,lord and with the voice of the ,holy ,spirit1 who witnessed that they were children of ,god4 ,and now after all this1 these men said to them1 8,except ye be circumcised after the manner of ,moses1 ye can not be saved40 ,that was as much as to say1 ,all your faith in ,christ1 and all the witness of the ,spirit1 are nothing without the sign of circumcision4 ,the sign of circumcision1 without faith1 was exalted above faith in ,christ without any outward sign4 ,the new gospel was a most direct assault upon the ,gospel1 and a flat denial of ,christ4 ,sidenote3 8,false ,brethren40 ,it is no wonder that ,paul styles those who presented this teaching1 8false brethren10 who had1 as the ,danish strongly expresses it1 8sneaked in40 ,gal4 #b3d4 ,to the ,galatians he said of them1 8,there be some that trouble you1 and would pervert the ,gospel of ,christ40 ,gal4 #a3g4 ,the apostles and elders1 in their letter to the churches1 said of those men1 8,certain which went out from us have troubled you with words1 subverting your souls40 ,acts #ae3bd4 ,and they further added that they 8gave no commandment0 to them4 ,verse #bd1 ,r4 ,v4 ,that is to say1 these teachers were 8false brethren10 who were not recognized by the apostles as teachers1 who were speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves4 ,there have been many such since that time4 ,so vicious was their work that the apostle said1 8,let them be accursed40 ,they were deliberately seeking to undermine the ,gospel of ,christ1 and thus to destroy the souls of the believers4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,sign of ,circumcision40 ,these false brethren had said1 8,except ye be circumcised after the manner of ,moses1 ye can not be saved40 ,literally1 you have not power to be saved4 ,they made salvation only a human thing1 resulting solely from the exercise of human power4 ,they had no knowledge of what circumcision really is4 8,he is not a ,jew1 which is one outwardly2 neither is that circumcision1 which is outward in the flesh2 but he is a ,jew1 which is one inwardly2 and circumcision is that of the heart1 in the ,spirit1 and not in the letter2 whose praise is not of men1 but of ,god40 ,rom4 #b3bh1 #bi4 ,there was a time1 after ,abraham believed ,god1 when he listened to the voice of ,sarai1 instead of to ,god1 and sought to fulfil the promises of ,god by the power of his own flesh4 ,see ,genesis #af4 ,the result was a failure--a bond-servant instead of an heir4 ,then ,god appeared to him again1 exhorting him to walk before ,him with singleness of heart1 and repeating ,his covenant4 ,as a reminder of his failure1 and of the fact that 8the flesh profiteth nothing10 ,abraham received 8the sign of circumcision10--a cutting off of the flesh4 ,this was to show that since in the flesh 8dwelleth no good thing10 the promises of ,god can be realized only by the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh1 through the ,spirit4 8,for we are the circumcision1 which worship ,god in the ,spirit1 and rejoice in ,christ ,jesus1 and have no confidence in the flesh40 ,phil4 #c3c4 ,abraham was1 therefore1 really circumcised as soon as he received the ,spirit through faith in ,god4 8,and he received the sign of circumcision1 a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised40 ,rom4 #d3aa4 ,outward circumcision was never anything more than a sign of the real circumcision of the heart2 when this was absent1 the sign was a fraud2 but when the real circumcision was present1 the sign could be dispensed with4 ,abraham is 8the father of all them that believe1 though they be not circumcised40 ,the 8false brethren0 who visited the church at ,antioch1 subverting the souls of the disciples1 and those of the same class who afterwards troubled the ,galatians1 perverting the ,gospel of ,christ1 were substituting the empty sign for the reality4 ,with them the shell of the nut without the kernel counted for more than the kernel without the shell4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,flesh ,profiteth ,nothing40 ,jesus said1 8,it is the ,spirit that quickeneth2 the flesh profiteth nothing2 the words that ,i speak unto you1 they are ,spirit1 and they are life40 ,john #f3fc4 ,the people of ,antioch and ,galatia had trusted in ,christ for salvation2 now there were some who sought to induce them to trust in the flesh4 ,they did not tell them that they were at liberty to sin4 ,oh1 no2 they told them that they must keep the law6 ,yes1 they must do it themselves2 they must make themselves righteous without ,jesus ,christ4 ,for circumcision stood for the keeping of the law4 ,now the real circumcision was the law written in the heart by the ,spirit2 but these 8false brethren0 wished the believers to trust in the outward form of circumcision1 as a substitute for the ,spirit's work2 so that the thing which was given as a sign of righteousness by faith1 became only a sign of self-righteousness4 ,the false brethren would have them circumcised for righteousness and salvation2 but ,peter said1 8,through the grace of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ we believe to be saved40 ,just as ,paul wrote1 8,with the heart man believeth unto righteousness2 and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation40 ,rom4 #aj3aj4 8,whatsoever is not of faith is sin40 ,rom4 #ad3bc4 ,therefore1 all the efforts of men to keep the law of ,god by their own power1 no matter how earnest and sincere they may be1 can never result in anything but imperfection--sin4 8,all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags40 ,isa4 #fd3f4 ,sidenote3 8,a ,yoke of ,bondage40 ,when the question came up in ,jerusalem1 ,peter said to those who would have men seek to be justified by their own works1 instead of by faith in ,christ1 8,now therefore why tempt ye ,god1 to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples1 which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear80 ,acts #ae3aj4 ,this yoke was a yoke of bondage1 as is shown by ,paul's words1 that the 8false brethren0 sneaked in 8to spy out our liberty which we have in ,christ ,jesus1 that they might bring us into bondage40 ,gal4 #b3d4 ,christ gives freedom from sin4 ,his life is 8the perfect law of liberty40 8,by the law is the knowledge of sin0 7,rom4 #c3bj71 but not freedom from it4 8,the law is holy1 and the commandment holy1 and just1 and good0 7,rom4 #g3ab71 just because it gives the knowledge of sin by condemning it4 ,it is a sign-post1 which points out the way1 but does not carry us4 ,it can tell us that we are out of the way2 but ,jesus ,christ alone can make us walk in it2 for ,he is the way4 ,sin is bondage4 ,prov4 #e3bb4 ,only those who keep the commandments of ,god are at liberty 7,ps4 #aai3de72 and the commandments can be kept only by faith in ,christ 7,rom4 #h3c1 #d74 ,therefore1 whoever induces people to trust in the law for righteousness1 without ,christ1 simply puts a yoke upon them1 and fastens them in bondage4 ,when a man has been convicted by the law as a transgressor1 and cast into prison1 he can not be delivered from his chains by the law which holds him there4 ,but that is no fault of the law3 just because it is a good law1 it can not say that a guilty man is innocent4 ,so these ,galatian brethren were brought into bondage by men who were foolishly and vainly seeking to exalt the law of ,god by denying ,him who gave it1 and in whom alone its righteousness is found4 ,sidenote3 ,why ,paul ,went ,up to ,jerusalem4 ,the record in ,acts says that it was determined at ,antioch that ,paul and ,barnabas and some others should go up to ,jerusalem about this matter4 ,but ,paul declares that he went up 8by revelation40 ,gal4 #b3b4 ,paul did not go up simply on their recommendation1 but the same ,spirit moved both him and them4 ,he did not go up to learn the truth of the ,gospel1 but to maintain it4 ,he went1 not to find out what the ,gospel really is1 but to communicate the ,gospel which he had preached among the heathen4 ,those who were chief in the conference imparted nothing to him4 ,he had not been preaching for seventeen years that of which he stood in doubt4 ,he knew whom he believed4 ,he had not received the ,gospel from any man1 and he did not need to have any man's testimony that it was genuine4 ,when ,god has spoken1 an indorsement by man is an impertinence4 ,the ,lord knew that the brethren in ,jerusalem needed his testimony1 and the new converts needed to know that those whom ,god sent spoke the words of ,god1 and1 therefore1 all spoke the same thing4 ,they needed the assurance that as they had turned from many gods to the one ,god1 the truth is one1 and there is but one ,gospel for all men4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,gospel ,not ,magic4 ,the great lesson taught by this experience1 to which ,paul referred the ,galatians1 is that there is nothing in this world that can confer grace and righteousness upon men1 and that there is nothing in the world that any man can do1 that will bring salvation4 ,the ,gospel is the power of ,god unto salvation1 and not the power of man4 ,any teaching that leads men to trust in any object1 whether it be an image1 a picture1 or anything else1 or to trust for salvation in any work or effort of their own1 even though that effort be directed toward the most praiseworthy object1 is a perversion of the truth of the ,gospel1--a false gospel4 ,there are in the church of ,christ no 8sacraments0 that by some sort of magical working confer special grace on the receiver2 but there are things that a man who believes in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and who is thereby justified and saved1 may do as an expression of his faith4 ,the only thing in the world that has any efficacy in the way of salvation1 is the life of ,god in ,christ4 8,by grace are ye saved through faith2 and that not of yourselves2 it is the gift of ,god2 not of works1 lest any man should boast4 ,for we are ,his workmanship1 created in ,christ ,jesus unto good works1 which ,god hath before prepared that we should walk in them40 ,eph4 #b3h-aj1 margin4 ,this is 8the truth of the ,gospel10 and it was for this that ,paul stood4 ,it is the ,gospel for all time4 ,sidenote3 ,galatians and the ,gospel4 ,in this chapter the apostle says that he withstood the false teaching which was now misleading the ,galatian brethren1 in order that 8the truth of the ,gospel0 might remain with them4 ,compare this with his introduction1 in the first chapter1 and his vehement assertions concerning the ,gospel which he had preached to them1 and his astonishment that they were now forsaking it1 and it will be self-evident that the epistle must contain nothing else but the ,gospel in the most forcible form of expression4 ,many have misunderstood it1 and have derived no personal gain from it1 because they have thought that it was but a contribution to the 8strivings about the law10 against which ,paul himself warned the brethren4 ,sidenote3 ,no ,monopoly of ,truth4 8,whatsoever they were1 it maketh no matter to me2 ,god accepteth no man's person40 ,there is no man or body of men on earth1 that has a monopoly of truth1--a corner1 so to speak1 so that whoever wishes it must come to him4 ,truth is independent of men4 ,truth is of ,god1 for ,christ1 who is the shining of ,his glory1 and the very impress of ,his substance 7,heb4 #a3c71 is the truth 7,john #ad3f74 ,whoever gets the truth1 must get it from ,god1 and not from any man1 just as ,paul received the ,gospel4 ,god may and does use men as instruments1 or channels1 but ,he alone is the ,giver4 ,neither names nor numbers have anything to do with determining what is truth4 ,the truth is no more mighty1 nor to be accepted more readily1 when it is presented by ten thousand princes than when maintained by a single humble1 laboring man4 ,and there is no more presumptive evidence that ten thousand men have the truth than that one has it4 ,every man on earth may be the possessor of just as much of the truth as he is willing to use1 and no more4 ,see ,john #g3ag2 #ab3ce1 #cf4 ,he who would act the pope1 thinking to hold a monopoly of the truth1 and compel people to come to him for it1 dealing it out here1 and withholding it there1 loses all the truth that he ever had1 if he ever really had any4 ,truth and popery can not exist together2 no pope1 or man with a popish disposition1 has the truth4 ,as soon as a man receives the truth1 he ceases to be a pope4 ,if the pope of ,rome should get converted1 and become a disciple of ,christ1 that very hour he would vacate the papal seat4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,biggest ,not ,always the ,best4 ,just as there is no man who has a monopoly of truth1 so there are no places to which men must necessarily go in order to find it4 ,the brethren in ,antioch did not need to go to ,jerusalem to learn the truth1 or to find out if what they had was the genuine article4 ,the fact that truth was first proclaimed in a certain place1 does not prove that it can be found only there1 or that it can be found there at all4 ,in fact1 the last places in the world to go to with the expectation of finding or learning truth1 are the cities where the ,gospel was preached in the first centuries after ,christ1 as ,jerusalem1 ,antioch1 ,rome1 ,alexandria1 etc4 ,paul did not go up to ,jerusalem to them that were apostles before him1 but began at once to preach4 ,the ,papacy arose in part in this way3 ,it was assumed that the places where the apostles1 or some of them1 had preached must have the truth in its purity1 and that all men must take it from there4 ,it was also assumed that the people of a city must know more of it than the people in the country or in a village4 ,so1 from all bishops being on an equality1 as at the beginning1 it soon came to pass that the 8country bishops0 7chorepiscopoi7 were rated as secondary to those who officiated in the cities4 ,then1 when that spirit crept in1 of course the next step was necessarily a strife among the city bishops to see which one should be greatest2 and the unholy struggle went on until ,rome gained the coveted place of power4 ,but ,jesus was born in ,bethlehem1 a place that was 8little among the thousands of ,judah0 7,micah #e3b71 and nearly all ,his life ,he lived in ,nazareth1 a little town of so poor repute that a man in whom there was no guile said1 8,can there any good thing come out of ,nazareth80 ,john #a3de-dg4 ,afterward ,jesus took up ,his abode in the wealthy city of ,capernaum1 but was always known as 8,jesus of ,nazareth40 ,it is no farther to heaven from the smallest village or even the smallest lonely cabin on the plain1 than it is from the largest city1 or bishop's palace4 ,and ,god1 8the high and lofty ,one that inhabiteth eternity1 whose name is ,holy10 dwells with him that is of a contrite and humble spirit4 ,isa4 #eg3ae4 ,sidenote3 ,appearances ,are ,nothing4 ,god looks at what a man is1 and not at what he seems to be4 ,what he seems to be is what men estimate him to be1 and depends largely on the eyes of those who look at him2 what he is1 is the measure of the power and wisdom of ,god that is in him4 ,god does not set any store upon official position4 ,it is not position that gives authority1 but authority that gives the real position4 ,many a humble1 poor man on earth1 with never an official title to his name1 has occupied a position really higher and of greater authority than that of all the kings of the earth4 ,authority is the unfettered presence of ,god in the soul4 ,sidenote3 ,it ,is ,god ,that ,works4 8,he that wrought effectually in ,peter to the apostleship of the circumcision1 the same was mighty in me toward the ,gentiles40 ,the ,word of ,god is living and active4 ,heb4 #d3ab1 ,r4 ,v4 ,whatever activity there is in the work of the ,gospel1 if there is any work done1 is all of ,god4 ,jesus 8went about doing good10 8for ,god was with ,him40 ,acts #aj3ch4 ,he ,himself said1 8,i can of ,mine own self do nothing40 ,john #e3cj4 8,the ,father that dwelleth in ,me1 ,he doeth the works40 ,john #ad3aj4 ,so ,peter spoke of ,him as 8a ,man approved of ,god0 8by miracles and wonders and signs1 which ,god did by ,him40 ,acts #b3bb4 ,the disciple is not greater than his ,lord4 ,paul and ,barnabas1 therefore1 at the meeting in ,jerusalem1 told 8what miracles and wonders ,god had wrought among the ,gentiles by them40 ,acts #ae3ab4 ,paul declared that he labored to 8present every man perfect in ,christ ,jesus10 8striving according to ,his working1 which worketh in me mightily40 ,col4 #a3bh1 #bi4 ,this same power it is the privilege of the humblest believer to possess1 8for it is ,god which worketh in you both to will and to do of ,his good pleasure40 ,phil4 #b3ac4 ,the name of ,jesus is ,emmanuel1 8,god with us40 ,god with ,jesus caused ,him to go about doing good4 ,he is unchangeable2 therefore1 if we truly have ,jesus1 ,god with us1 we1 likewise1 shall go about doing good4 ,sidenote3 ,recognizing the ,gift4 ,the brethren in ,jerusalem showed their connection with ,god by recognizing the grace that was given to ,paul and ,barnabas4 ,when ,barnabas first went to ,antioch1 and saw the grace of ,god that was working there1 he was glad1 8and exhorted them all1 that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the ,lord4 ,for he was a good man1 and full of the ,holy ,ghost40 ,acts #aa3ba-bd4 ,those who are moved by the ,spirit of ,god will always be quick to discern the workings of the ,spirit in others4 ,the surest evidence that any one knows nothing personally of the ,spirit is that he can not recognize ,his working4 ,the other apostles had the ,holy ,spirit1 and they perceived that ,god had chosen ,paul for a special work among the ,gentiles2 and1 although his manner of working was different from theirs1 for ,god had given him special gifts for his special work1 they freely gave to him the right hand of fellowship1 only requesting that he would remember the poor among his own nation2 and this he had already shown his willingness to do4 ,acts #aa3bg-cj4 ,so ,paul and ,barnabas returned to their work in ,antioch4 ,sidenote3 ,perfect ,unity4 ,we must not lose sight of the object ,paul had in mind in referring to the meeting in ,jerusalem4 ,it was to show that there was no difference of opinion among the apostles nor in the church as to what the ,gospel is4 ,there were 8false brethren10 it is true1 but inasmuch as they were false1 they were no part of the church1 the body of ,christ1 who is the truth4 ,many professed ,christians1 sincere persons1 suppose that it is almost a matter of necessity that there be differences in the church4 8,all can not see alike10 is the common statement4 ,so they misread ,eph4 #d3ac1 making it read that ,god has given us gifts1 8till we all come into the unity of the faith40 ,what the ,word teaches is that 8in the unity of the faith1 and of the knowledge of the ,son of ,god10 we all come 8unto a perfect man1 unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of ,christ40 ,there is only 8one faith0 7,eph4 #d3e71 8the faith of ,jesus10 as there is only one ,lord2 and those who have not that faith must necessarily be out of ,christ4 ,it is not at all necessary that there be the slightest difference upon any question of truth4 ,truth is the ,word of ,god1 and the ,word of ,god is light2 nobody but a blind man ever has any trouble to see a light that shines4 ,the fact that a man has never in his life seen any other light used at night1 except that from a tallow candle1 does not in the least stand in the way of his recognizing that the light from an electric lamp is light1 the first moment he sees it4 ,there are1 of course1 different degrees of knowledge1 but never any controversy between those different degrees4 ,all truth is one4 ,sidenote3 ,withstanding ,peter4 8,but when ,peter was come to ,antioch1 ,i withstood him to the face1 because he was to be blamed40 ,we need not magnify nor dwell upon the mistakes of ,peter or any other good man1 because that is not profitable for us2 but we must note this overwhelming proof that ,peter was never considered the 8prince of the apostles10 and that he never was1 and never considered himself to be1 pope4 ,fancy any priest1 bishop1 or cardinal1 withstanding ,leo ,,xiii4 to the face in a public assembly4 ,he would be considered extremely fortunate if the papal guards allowed him to escape with his life for thus presuming to oppose the self-styled 8vicar of the ,son of ,god40 ,but ,peter made a mistake1 and that upon a vital matter of doctrine1 because he was not infallible1 and he meekly accepted the rebuke that ,paul gave him1 like the sincere1 humble ,christian that he was4 ,if there were such a thing as a human head to the church1 it would evidently be ,paul1 instead of ,peter1 as appears from the whole narrative4 ,paul was sent to the ,gentiles1 and ,peter to the ,jews2 but the ,jews formed only a very small portion of the church2 the converts from the ,gentiles soon outnumbered them1 so that their presence was scarcely discernible4 ,all these ,christians were largely the fruit of ,paul's labors1 and they naturally looked up to him more than to others1 so that ,paul could say that upon him daily came 8the care of all the churches40 #b ,cor4 #aa3bh4 ,but infallibility is not the portion of any man1 and ,paul himself did not claim it4 ,the greatest man in the church of ,christ has no lordship over the weakest4 8,one is your ,master1 even ,christ2 and all ye are brethren40 8,be subject one to another40 ,sidenote3 ,making a ,difference4 ,when ,peter was at the conference in ,jerusalem1 he told the facts about the receiving of the ,gospel by the ,gentiles1 through his preaching1 saying1 8,god1 which knoweth the hearts1 bare them witness1 giving them the ,holy ,ghost1 even as ,he did unto us2 and put no difference between us and them1 purifying their hearts by faith40 ,acts #ae3h1 #i4 ,god put no difference between ,jews and ,gentiles in the matter of the purification of the heart1 because1 knowing the hearts1 ,he knew that 8there is no difference2 for all have sinned1 and come short of the glory of ,god10 so that there is no other way than for all to be 8justified freely by ,his grace through the redemption that is in ,christ ,jesus40 ,rom4 #c3bb-bd4 ,yet1 after having been shown this fact by the ,lord2 after having preached to the ,gentiles1 and after having witnessed the gift of the ,holy ,ghost to them1 the same as to ,jewish believers2 after having eaten with those ,gentile converts1 and faithfully defending his course2 after having given a clear testimony in conference1 that ,god made no difference between ,jews and ,gentiles2 and even immediately after himself making no difference1 ,peter suddenly1 as soon as some came who he thought would not approve of such freedom1 began to make a difference4 8,he withdrew and separated himself1 fearing them which were of the circumcision40 ,this was1 as ,paul says1 dissimulation1 and was not only wrong in itself1 but was calculated to confuse and mislead the disciples4 ,the fact that this was dissimulation1 which was apparent1 only emphasizes the fact that there was no real difference among the brethren4 ,it was fear1 not faith1 that for the moment controlled ,peter4 ,sidenote3 ,contrary to the ,truth of the ,gospel4 ,a wave of fear seems to have passed over the ,jewish believers1 for 8the other ,jews dissembled likewise with him2 insomuch that ,barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation40 ,this in itself was1 of course1 not walking 8uprightly1 according to the truth of the ,gospel20 but the mere fact of dissembling was not the whole of the offense against the truth of the ,gospel4 ,under the circumstances it was a public denial of ,christ1 just as much as that of which ,peter had once before1 through sudden fear1 been guilty4 ,we have all been too often guilty of the same sin to permit us to sit in judgment2 we can only note the fact and the natural consequence1 as a warning to ourselves4 ,see how the action of ,peter and the others was a virtual1 although unintentional1 denial of ,christ4 ,there had just been a great controversy over the question of circumcision4 ,it was a question of justification and salvation1--whether men were saved by faith alone in ,christ1 or by outward forms4 ,clear testimony had been borne that salvation is by faith alone3 and now1 while the controversy is still alive1 while the 8false brethren0 are still propagating their errors1 these loyal brethren suddenly discriminated against the ,gentile believers1 because they were uncircumcised1 in effect saying to them1 ,except ye be circumcised1 ye can not be saved4 ,their actions said1 ,we also are in doubt about the power of faith in ,christ alone to save men2 we really believe that salvation depends on circumcision and the works of the law2 faith in ,christ is well1 but there's something more to do2 it is not in itself sufficient4 ,such a denial of the truth of the ,gospel ,paul could not endure1 and he at once struck directly at the root of the matter4 ,sidenote3 8,sinners of the ,gentiles10 and ,sinners of the ,jews4 ,paul said to ,peter1 8,we 444 are ,jews by nature1 and not sinners of the ,gentiles40 ,did he mean that they1 being ,jews1 were1 therefore1 not sinners8--,by no means1 for he immediately adds that they had believed on ,jesus ,christ for justification4 ,they were sinners of the ,jews1 and not sinners of the ,gentiles2 but whatever things they had to boast of as ,jews1 all had to be counted loss for the sake of ,christ4 ,nothing availed them anything except faith in ,christ2 and since this was so1 it was evident that the ,gentile sinners could be saved directly by faith in ,christ1 without going through the dead forms which had been of no service to the ,jews1 and which were given largely as the result of their unbelief4 8,this is a faithful saying1 and worthy of all acceptation1 that ,christ ,jesus came into the world to save sinners40 #a ,tim4 #a3ae4 8,all have sinned10 and stand alike guilty before ,god2 but all1 of whatever race or class1 can accept this saying1 8,this ,man receiveth sinners1 and eateth with them40 ,a circumcised sinner is no better than an uncircumcised one2 a sinner who stands as a church-member1 is no better than one who is outside4 ,the sinner who has gone through the form of baptism is not better than the sinner who has never made any profession of religion4 ,sin is sin1 and sinners are sinners1 whether in the church or out2 but1 thank ,god1 ,christ is the propitiation for our sins1 as well as for the sins of the whole world4 ,there is hope for the unfaithful professor of religion1 as well as for the sinner who has never named the name of ,christ4 ,the same ,gospel that is preached to the world1 must be preached to the church2 for there is only one ,gospel4 ,it serves to convert sinners in the world1 as well as sinners who stand as church-members1 and at the same time it renews those who are really in ,christ4 ,sidenote3 8,justified40 8,knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law10 8we have believed in ,jesus ,christ1 that we might be justified10 said the apostle4 ,the meaning of the word 8justified0 is 8made righteous40 ,this is the exact term that appears in other languages1 which are not composed of foreign terms4 ,the ,latin word for righteousness is justitia4 ,to be just is to be righteous4 ,then we add the termination fy1 from the ,latin word1 meaning 8to make10 and we have the exact equivalent of the simpler term1 8make righteous40 ,in an accommodated sense we use the term 8justified0 of a man who has not done wrong in a thing whereof he is accused4 ,but1 strictly speaking1 such an one needs no justification1 since he is already just2 his righteous deed justified him4 ,he was justified in his deed4 ,but since all have sinned1 there are none just or righteous before ,god2 therefore they need to be justified1 or made righteous1 which ,god does4 ,now the law of ,god is righteousness4 ,see ,rom4 #g3ab2 #i3cj1 #ca2 ,ps4 #aai3agb4 ,therefore ,paul did not disparage the law1 although he declared that no man could be made righteous by the law1 meaning1 of course1 the law written on stones or in a book4 ,no2 so highly did he appreciate the law1 that he believed in ,christ for the righteousness which the law demands but can not give4 8,for what the law could not do1 in that it was weak through the flesh1 ,god sending ,his own ,son in the likeness of sinful flesh1 and for sin1 condemned sin in the flesh2 that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us1 who walk not after the flesh1 but after the ,spirit40 ,rom4 #h3c1 #d4 ,the law1 which declares all men to be sinners1 could not justify them except by declaring that sin is not sin2 and that would not be justification1 but a self-contradiction in the law4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,law ,can ,not ,justify4 8,by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified40 ,shall we say1 ,then we will do away with the law8 ,that is what every confirmed criminal thinks4 ,persistent law-breakers would gladly do away with the law which declares them guilty and will not say that wrong is right4 ,but the law of ,god can not be abolished1 for it is the statement of the will of ,god4 ,rom4 #b3ah4 ,in very fact it is the life and character of ,god4 8,the law is holy1 and the commandment holy1 and just1 and good40 ,rom4 #g3ab4 ,we read the written law1 and find in it our duty made plain4 ,but we have not done it2 therefore we are guilty4 8,all have sinned1 and come short of the glory of ,god40 8,there is none that doeth good1 no1 not one40 ,rom4 #c3bc1 #ab4 ,moreover1 there is not one who has strength to do the law1 its requirements are so great4 ,then it is very evident that no one can be justified by the works of the law1 and it is equally evident that the fault is not in the law1 but in the individual4 ,let the man get ,christ in the heart by faith1 and then the righteousness of the law will be there also1 for ,christ says1 8,i delight to do ,thy will1 ,o ,my ,god2 yea1 ,thy law is within ,my heart40 ,ps4 #dj3h4 ,he who would throw away the law because it will not call evil good1 would reject ,god because ,he 8will by no means clear the guilty40 ,ex4 #cd3g4 ,but ,god will remove the guilt1 will make the sinners righteous1 that is1 in harmony with the law1 and then the law which before condemned them will witness to their righteousness4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,faith of ,christ40 ,much is lost1 in reading the ,scriptures1 by not noting exactly what they say4 ,here we have literally1 8the faith of ,christ10 just as in ,rev4 #ad3ab we have 8the faith of ,jesus40 ,he is the ,author and ,finisher of faith4 ,heb4 #ab3b4 ,god has 8dealt to every man the measure of faith0 7,rom4 #ab3c71 in giving ,christ to every man4 8,faith cometh by hearing1 and hearing by the ,word of ,god0 7,rom4 #aj3ag71 and ,christ is the ,word4 ,all things are of ,god4 ,it is ,he who gives repentance and forgiveness of sins4 ,there is1 therefore1 no opportunity for any one to plead that his faith is weak4 ,he may not have accepted and made use of the gift1 but there is no such thing as 8weak faith40 ,a man may be 8weak in faith10 that is1 may be afraid to depend on faith1 but faith itself is as strong as the ,word of ,god4 ,there is no faith but the faith of ,christ2 everything else professing to be faith is a spurious article4 ,christ alone is righteous2 ,he has overcome the world1 and ,he alone has power to do it2 in ,him dwelleth all the fulness of ,god1 because the law--,god ,himself--was in ,his heart2 ,he alone has kept and can keep the law to perfection2 therefore1 only by ,his faith1--living faith1 that is1 ,his life in us1--can we be made righteous4 ,but this is sufficient4 ,he is a 8tried ,stone40 ,the faith which ,he gives to us is ,his own tried and approved faith1 and it will not fail us in any contest4 ,we are not exhorted to try to do as well as ,he did1 or to try to exercise as much faith as ,he had1 but simply to take ,his faith1 and let it work by love1 and purify the heart4 ,it will do it2 take it6 ,sidenote3 ,believing ,is ,receiving4 8,as many as received ,him1 to them gave ,he power to become the sons of ,god1 even to them that believe on ,his name40 ,john #a3ab4 ,that is1 as many as believed on ,his name received ,him4 ,to believe on ,his name is to believe that ,he is the ,son of ,god2 to believe that ,he is the ,son of ,god1 means to believe that ,he is come in the flesh1 in human flesh1 in our flesh1 for ,his name is 8,god with us20 so to believe on ,his name means simply to believe that ,he dwells personally in every man1--in all flesh4 ,we do not make it so by believing it2 it is so1 whether we believe it or not2 we simply accept the fact1 which all nature reveals to us4 ,it follows1 then1 as a matter of course that1 believing in ,christ1 we are justified by the faith of ,christ1 since we have ,him personally dwelling in us1 exercising ,his own faith4 ,all power in heaven and earth is in ,his hands1 and1 recognizing this1 we simply allow ,him to exercise ,his own power in ,his own way4 ,god does 8exceedingly abundantly10 by 8the power that worketh in us40 ,sidenote3 ,christ ,not the ,minister of ,sin4 ,jesus ,christ is 8the ,holy and ,righteous ,one40 ,acts #c3ad1 ,r4 ,v4 8,he was manifested to take away our sins2 and in ,him is no sin40 #a ,john #c3e4 ,he not only 8did no sin0 7#a ,peter #b3bb71 but ,he 8knew no sin0 7#b ,cor4 #e3ba74 ,therefore1 it is impossible that any sin can come from ,him4 ,he does not impart sin4 ,in the stream of life that flows from the heart of ,christ1 through ,his wounded side1 there is no trace of impurity4 ,it is 8a pure river of water of life1 clear as crystal40 ,he is not the minister of sin1 that is1 ,he does not minister sin to anybody4 ,if in any one who has sought--and not only sought1 but found--righteousness through ,christ1 there is afterwards found sin1 it is because the person has dammed up the stream1 allowing the water to become stagnant4 ,the ,word has not been given free course1 so that it could be glorified2 and where there is no activity1 there is death4 ,no one is to blame for this but the person himself4 ,let no professed ,christian take counsel of his own imperfections1 and say that it is impossible for a ,christian to live a sinless life4 ,it is impossible for a true ,christian1 one who has full faith1 to live any other kind of life4 8,how shall we1 that are dead to sin1 live any longer therein80 ,rom4 #f3b4 8,whosoever is born of ,god doth not commit sin2 for ,his seed remaineth in him2 and he can not sin1 because he is born of ,god40 #a ,john #c3i4 ,therefore 8abide in ,him40 ,sidenote3 ,what ,was ,destroyed8 8,if ,i build up again those things which ,i destroyed1 ,i prove myself a transgressor40 ,we ask again1 ,what was destroyed1 the building up of which will prove us to be transgressors8 ,remembering that the apostle is talking of those who have believed in ,jesus ,christ1 that they might be justified by the faith of ,christ1 we find the answer to the question in ,rom4 #f3f3 8,knowing this1 that our old man is crucified with ,him1 that the body of sin might be destroyed1 that henceforth we should not serve sin40 ,also ,col4 #b3aj1 #aa3 8,ye are complete in ,him1 which is the head of all principality and power2 in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands1 in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of ,christ40 ,that which is destroyed is the body of sin1 and it is destroyed only by this personal presence of the life of ,christ4 ,it is destroyed in order that we may be freed from its power1 and may no longer need to serve it4 ,it is destroyed for everybody1 for ,christ in ,his own flesh has abolished 8the enmity10 the carnal mind2 not ,his own1 for ,he had none1 but ours4 ,our sins1 our weaknesses1 were upon ,him4 ,for every soul the victory has been gained1 and the enemy has been disarmed4 ,we have only to accept the victory which ,christ has won4 ,the victory over all sin is already a reality2 our faith in it makes it real to us4 ,the loss of faith puts us outside the reality1 and the old body of sin looms up again4 ,that which is destroyed by faith is built up again by unbelief4 ,remember that this destruction of the body of sin1 although performed by ,christ for all1 is1 nevertheless1 a present1 personal matter with each individual4 ,sidenote3 8,dead to the ,law40 ,many seem to fancy that 8dead to the law0 means the same as that the law is dead4 ,not by any means4 ,the law must be in full force1 else no one could be dead by means of it4 ,how does a man become dead to the law8--,by receiving its full penalty1 which is death4 ,he is dead1 but the law which put him to death is still as ready as ever to put to death another criminal4 ,suppose1 now1 that the man who was executed for gross crimes should1 by some miraculous power1 come to life again1 would he not still be dead to the law8--,certainly2 nothing that he had done could be mentioned to him by the law2 but if he should again commit crimes1 the law would again execute him1 but as another man4 ,we say now that ,i1 through the law1 am dead to the law1 that ,i might live unto ,god4 ,by the body of ,christ ,i am raised from the death which ,i have suffered by the law because of my sin1 and now ,i walk 8in newness of life10 a life unto ,god4 ,like ,saul of old1 ,i am by the ,spirit of ,god 8turned into another man40 #a ,sam4 #aj3f4 ,this is the ,christian's experience4 ,that this is the case is shown by what follows4 ,sidenote3 ,crucified with ,christ4 8,i am crucified with ,christ2 nevertheless ,i live2 yet not ,i1 but ,christ liveth in me40 ,christ was crucified2 ,he was 8delivered for our offenses1 and raised again for our justification40 ,rom4 #d3be4 ,but unless we are crucified with ,him1 ,his death and resurrection profit us nothing4 ,if the cross of ,christ is separated from us1 and outside of us1 even though it be but by so much as a moment of time and an hair's breadth of space1 it is to us all the same as if ,he were not crucified4 ,no one was ever saved simply by looking forward to a cross to be erected and a ,christ to be crucified at some indefinite time in the future1 and no one can now be saved simply by believing that at a certain time in the past ,christ was crucified4 ,no2 if men would see ,christ crucified1 they must look neither forward nor backward1 but upward2 for the arms of the cross that was erected on ,calvary reach from ,paradise lost to ,paradise restored1 and embrace the whole world of sin4 ,the crucifixion of ,christ is not a thing of but a single day4 ,he is 8the ,lamb that hath been slain from the foundation of the world0 7,rev4 #ac3h1 ,r4 ,v472 and the pangs of ,calvary will not be ended as long as a single sin or sinner exists in the universe4 ,even now ,christ bears the sins of the whole world1 for 8in ,him all things consist20 and when at the last ,he is obliged to cut off the irreclaimably wicked in the lake of fire1 the anguish which they suffer will be only that which the ,christ whom they have rejected suffered on the cross4 ,sidenote3 ,where the ,cross ,is4 ,christ bore our sins in ,his own body on the tree4 #a ,peter #b3bd4 ,he was 8made a curse for us10 in that ,he hung on the tree4 ,gal4 #c3ac4 ,on the cross ,he bore not only the weakness and sin of humanity1 but also the weakness of the earth4 ,thorns are the sign of the curse1 the weakened1 imperfect condition of the earth 7,gen4 #c3ag1 #ah2 #d3aa1 #ab72 and on the cross ,christ bore the crown of thorns4 ,therefore1 all the curse1 every trace of it1 is borne by ,christ1--by ,christ crucified4 ,wherever1 therefore1 we see any curse1 or wherever there is any curse1 whether we see it or not1 there is the cross of ,christ4 ,this can be seen again from the following3 ,the curse is death1 and death kills2 the curse is in everything1 yet everywhere we see life4 ,here is the miracle of the cross4 ,christ suffered the curse of death1 and yet lived4 ,he is the only one that could do it4 ,therefore1 the fact that we see life everywhere1 also in ourselves1 in spite of the curse which is everywhere1 is positive proof that the cross of the ,crucified ,one is there bearing it4 ,so it is that not only every blade of grass1 every leaf of the forest1 and every piece of bread that we eat has the stamp of the cross of ,christ on it1 but1 above all1 we have the same4 ,wherever there is a fallen1 sin-scarred1 miserable human being1 there is also the ,christ of ,god crucified for him and in him4 ,christ on the cross bears all things1 and the sins of that man are on ,him4 ,because of unbelief and ignorance the man feels all the weight of the heavy burden1 but the load is on ,christ1 nevertheless4 ,it is easy for ,christ1 but heavy for the man2 if the man will believe1 he may be relieved of the load4 ,in short1 ,christ bears the sins of all the world on the cross4 ,therefore1 wherever sin is found1 there we may be sure is the cross of ,christ4 ,sidenote3 ,where ,sin ,is4 ,sin is a personal matter4 ,a man is guilty only of his own sins1 and not of those which another has committed4 ,now ,i can not sin where ,i am not1 but only where ,i am4 ,sin is in the heart of man2 8for from within1 out of the heart of men1 proceed evil thoughts1 adulteries1 fornications1 murders1 thefts1 covetousness1 wickedness1 deceit1 lasciviousness1 an evil eye1 blasphemy1 pride1 foolishness2 all these evil things come from within40 ,mark #g3ba-bc4 8,the heart is deceitful above all things1 and desperately wicked40 ,jer4 #ag3i4 ,sin is in every fiber of our being by nature4 ,we are born in sin1 and our life is sin1 so that sin can not be taken from us without taking our life4 ,what ,i need is freedom from my own personal sin1--that sin which not only has been committed by me personally1 but which dwells in the heart1--the sin which constitutes the whole of my life4 ,sidenote3 ,bound by ,sin4 8,his own iniquities shall take the wicked himself1 and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins40 ,prov4 #e3bb4 8,for though thou wash thee with niter1 and take thee much soap1 yet thine iniquity is marked before ,me1 saith the ,lord40 ,jer4 #b3bb4 ,my sin is committed by myself1 in myself1 and ,i can not separate it from me4 ,cast it on the ,lord8 ,ah1 yes1 that is right1 but how8 ,can ,i gather it up in my hands1 and cast it from me1 so that it will light upon ,him8--,i can not4 ,if ,i could separate it but a hair's breadth from me1 then ,i should be safe1 no matter what became of it1 since it would not be found in me4 ,in that case ,i could dispense with ,christ2 for if sin were not found on me1 it would make no matter to me where it was found4 ,if ,i could gather up my sins so as to lay them upon ,christ crucified apart from me1 then ,i would not need to put them on ,him4 ,they would then be away from me1 and that would clear me4 ,but no works of any kind that ,i can do can save me2 therefore1 all my efforts to separate myself from my sins are unavailing4 ,sidenote3 ,christ ,bears the ,sin in ,us4 ,it is evident from what has been said that whoever bears my sins must come where ,i am1 yea1 must come into me4 ,and this is just what ,christ does4 ,christ is the ,word1 and to all sinners1 who would excuse themselves by saying that they can not know what ,god requires of them1 ,he says1 8,the ,word is very nigh unto thee1 in thy mouth1 and in thy heart1 that thou mayest do it40 ,deut4 #cj3aa-ad4 ,therefore1 ,he says1 8,if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the ,lord ,jesus1 and shalt believe in thine heart that ,god hath raised ,him from the dead1 thou shalt be saved40 ,rom4 #aj3i4 ,what shall we confess about the ,lord ,jesus8--,why1 confess the truth1 that ,he is nigh thee1 even in thy mouth and in thy heart1 and believe that ,he is there risen from the dead4 8,now that ,he ascended1 what is it but that ,he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth80 ,eph4 #d3i4 ,the risen ,saviour is the crucified ,saviour4 ,as ,christ risen is in the heart of the sinner1 therefore1 ,christ crucified is there4 ,if it were not so1 there would be no hope for any4 ,a man may believe that ,jesus was crucified eighteen hundred years ago1 and may die in his sins2 but he who believes that ,christ is crucified and risen in him1 has salvation4 ,all that any man in the world has to do in order to be saved1 is to believe the truth1 that is1 to recognize and acknowledge facts1 to see things just as they actually are1 and to confess them4 ,whoever believes that ,christ is crucified in him1 which is the fact in the case of every man1 and confesses that the crucified ,christ is also risen1 and that ,he dwells in him by and with the power of the resurrection1 is saved from sin1 and will be saved as long as he holds fast his confession4 ,this is the only true confession of faith4 ,what a glorious thought that1 wherever sin is1 there is ,christ1 the ,saviour from sin6 ,he bears sin1 all sin1 the sin of the world4 ,sin is in all flesh1 and so ,christ is come in the flesh4 ,christ is crucified in every man that lives on earth4 ,this is the word of truth1 the ,gospel of salvation1 which is to be proclaimed to all1 and which will save all who accept it4 ,sidenote3 ,living by ,faith4 ,in the tenth chapter of ,romans1 as already noted1 we learn that ,christ is in every man1 8a very present help in trouble40 ,he is in the sinner1 in order that the sinner may have every incentive and facility for turning from sin to righteousness4 ,he is 8the way1 the truth1 and the life40 ,john #ad3f4 ,there is no other life than ,his4 ,he is the life4 ,but1 although ,he is in every man1 not every man has ,his righteousness manifested in his life2 for some 8hold down the truth in unrighteousness40 ,rom4 #a3ah1 ,r4 ,v4 ,now ,paul's inspired prayer was that we might be strengthened with might by the ,spirit of ,god in the inner man1 8that ,christ may dwell in your hearts by faith20 8that ye might be filled with all the fulness of ,god40 ,eph4 #c3af-ai4 ,the difference1 then1 between the sinner and the ,christian is this3 that1 whereas ,christ crucified and risen is in every man1 in the sinner ,he is there unrecognized and ignored1 while in the ,christian ,he dwells there by faith4 ,christ is crucified in the sinner1 for wherever there is sin and the curse1 there is ,christ bearing it4 ,all that is needed now is for the sinner to be crucified with ,christ1 to let ,christ's death be his own death1 in order that the life of ,jesus may be manifested in his mortal flesh4 ,faith in the eternal power and ,divinity of ,god1 that are seen in all the things that ,he has made1 will enable any one to grasp this mystery4 ,the seed is not quickened 8except it die40 #a ,cor4 #ae3cf4 8,except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die1 it abideth alone2 but if it die1 it bringeth forth much fruit40 ,john #ab3bd4 ,so the one who is crucified with ,christ1 begins at once to live1 but it is as another man4 8,i live2 yet not ,i1 but ,christ liveth in me40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,life of the ,world4 8,but ,christ was actually crucified eighteen hundred years1 and more1 ago1 was ,he not80--,certainly4 8,then how can it be that my personal sins were upon ,him8 or how can it be that ,i am now crucified with ,him80--,well1 it may be that we can not understand the fact1 but that makes no difference with the fact4 ,but when we remember that ,christ is the life1 even 8that eternal life1 which was with the ,father1 and was manifested unto us0 7#a ,john #a3b71 we may understand something of it4 8,in ,him was life2 and the life was the light of men10--8the true light1 which lighteth every man that cometh into the world40 ,john #a3d1 #i4 ,christ is larger than the ,man ,jesus of ,nazareth1 whom the eyes of all men could see4 ,flesh and blood1--that which the eyes can see1--can not reveal 8the ,christ1 the ,son of the living ,god40 ,matt4 #af3af1 #ag4 8,eye hath not seen1 nor ear heard1 neither have entered into the heart of man1 the things which ,god hath prepared for them that love ,him4 ,but ,god hath revealed them unto us by ,his ,spirit40 #a ,cor4 #b3i1 #aj4 ,so no man1 no matter how well acquainted he was with the ,carpenter of ,nazareth1 could call ,him ,lord but by the ,holy ,ghost4 #a ,cor4 #ab3c4 ,by the ,spirit1 ,his own personal presence1 ,he can dwell in every man on earth1 and fill the heavens as well1 a thing which ,jesus1 in the flesh could not do4 ,therefore1 it was expedient for ,him to go away1 and send the ,comforter4 8,he is before all things1 and in ,him all things consist40 ,col4 #a3af1 #ag1 ,r4 ,v4 ,jesus of ,nazareth was the manifestation of ,christ in the flesh2 but the flesh was not ,christ1 for 8the flesh profiteth nothing40 ,it is the ,word which was in the beginning1 and whose power upholds all things1 that is the ,christ of ,god4 ,the sacrifice of ,christ1 so far as this world is concerned1 dates from the foundation of the world4 ,while ,christ was going about doing good in ,judea and ,galilee1 ,he was in the bosom of the ,father making reconciliation for the sins of the world4 ,the scene on ,calvary was the manifestation of what has taken place as long as sin has existed1 and will take place until every man is saved who is willing to be saved3 ,christ bearing the sins of the world4 ,he bears them now4 ,one act of death and resurrection was sufficient for all time1 for it is eternal life that we are considering2 therefore1 it is not necessary for the sacrifice to be repeated4 ,that life pervades and upholds all things1 so that whoever accepts it by faith has all the benefit of the entire sacrifice of ,christ4 ,by ,himself ,he 8made purification of sins40 ,whoever rejects the life1 or is unwilling to acknowledge that the life which he has is ,christ's life1 loses1 of course1 the benefit of the sacrifice4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,faith of the ,son of ,god4 ,christ lived by the ,father4 ,john #f3eg4 ,his faith in the word that ,god gave ,him was such that ,he repeatedly and positively maintained that when ,he died ,he should rise again the third day4 ,in this faith ,he died1 saying1 8,father1 into ,thy hands ,i commend ,my ,spirit40 ,luke #bc3df4 ,that faith which gave ,him the victory over death 7,heb4 #e3g71 because it gave ,him the complete victory over sin1 is the faith which ,he exercises in us1 when ,he dwells in us by faith2 for ,he is 8the same yesterday1 and to-day1 and forever40 ,it is not we that live1 but ,christ that lives in us1 and uses ,his own faith to deliver us from the power of ,satan4 8,what have we to do80--,let ,him live in us in ,his own way4 8,let this mind be in you1 which was also in ,christ ,jesus40 ,how can we let ,him8--,simply by acknowledging ,him2 by confessing ,him4 ,we can not understand1 so as to explain the mystery of ,christ in us the hope of glory1 but everything in nature that serves to sustain our life teaches us the fact4 ,the sunlight that shines upon us1 the air that we breathe1 the food that we eat1 and the water that we drink1 are all means of conveying life to us4 ,the life that they convey to us is none other than the life of ,christ1 for ,he is the life1 and thus we have constantly before us and in us evidence of the fact that ,christ can live in us4 ,if we allow the ,word to have free course in us1 it will be glorified in us1 and will glorify us4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,gift for ,me4 8,who loved me1 and gave ,himself for me40 ,how personal this is4 ,i am the one whom ,he loved4 ,each soul in the world can say1 8,he loved me1 and gave ,himself for me40 ,leave ,paul out of the question in reading this4 ,paul is dead1 but the words that he wrote are yet alive4 ,it was true of ,paul1 but no more so than of every other man4 ,they are the words which the ,spirit puts in our mouths1 if we will but receive them4 ,the whole gift of ,christ is for each individual me4 ,christ is not divided1 but every soul gets the whole of ,him1 just the same as if there were not another person in the world4 ,each one gets all the light that shines4 ,the fact that there are millions of people for the sun to shine upon1 does not make its light any the less for me2 ,i get the full benefit of it1 and could not get more if ,i were the only person in the world4 ,it shines for me4 ,so ,christ gave ,himself for me1 the same as if ,i were the only sinner in the world2 and the same is true of every other sinner4 ,when you sow a grain of wheat1 you get many more grains of the same kind1 each one having the same life1 and just as much of it1 as the original seed had4 ,so it is with ,christ1 the true ,seed4 ,in dying for us1 that we may also become the true seed1 ,he gives to every one of us the whole of ,his life4 8,thanks be unto ,god for ,his unspeakable gift40 ,sidenote3 ,christ ,not ,dead in ,vain4 8,i do not frustrate the grace of ,god2 for if righteousness come by the law1 then ,christ is dead in vain40 ,this is the summing up of the case4 ,it is the substance of what has preceded4 ,if righteousness came by the law1 then there would have been no use for the death of ,christ4 ,the law itself can do nothing except point out men's duty2 therefore1 to speak of righteousness coming by the law1 means by our works1 by our individual effort4 ,so the text is equivalent to the statement that if we could save ourselves1 ,christ died for nothing2 for salvation is the one thing to be gained4 ,well1 we can not save ourselves2 and ,christ is not dead in vain2 therefore there is salvation in ,him4 ,he is able to save all that come unto ,god by ,him4 ,some must be saved1 else ,he has died in vain2 but ,he has not died in vain2 therefore1 the promise is sure3 8,he shall see ,his seed1 ,he shall prolong ,his days1 and the pleasure of the ,lord shall prosper in ,his hand1 ,he shall see of the travail of ,his soul1 and shall be satisfied40 ,isa4 #ec3aj1 #aa4 8,whosoever will10 may be of the number4 ,since ,he died not in vain1 see to it 8that ye receive not the grace of ,god in vain40 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,redeemed from the ,curse1 to the ,blessing of ,abraham4 ,the two chapters of ,galatians that we have already studied give us sufficient idea of the entire book1 so that we can practically take leave of the ,galatian brethren1 and consider it as addressed solely to us4 ,the circumstances that called forth the writing of the epistle were that the ,galatians1 having accepted the ,gospel1 were led astray by false teachers1 who presented to them 8another gospel10 that is1 a counterfeit gospel1 since there is but one for all time and for all men4 ,the way it was presented to them was1 8,except ye be circumcised after the manner of ,moses1 ye can not be saved40 ,outward circumcision was given as a sign of righteousness which the individual already possessed by faith4 ,rom4 #d3aa4 ,it was a sign that the law was written in the heart by the ,spirit1 and it was1 therefore1 only a mockery and a sham when the law was transgressed4 ,rom4 #b3be-bi4 ,but for one to be circumcised in order to be saved1 was to put his trust in works of his own and not in ,christ4 ,now1 although there is in these days no question as to whether or not a man should submit to the specific rite of circumcision in order to be saved1 the question of salvation itself1 whether by human works or by ,christ alone1 is as live a one as ever4 ,instead of attacking their error1 and combating it with hard argument1 the apostle begins with experience1 the relation of which illustrates the case in hand4 ,in this narrative he has occasion to show that salvation is wholly by faith1 for all men alike1 and not in any degree by works4 ,as ,christ tasted death for every man1 so every man who is saved must have ,christ's personal experience of death and resurrection and life4 ,christ in the flesh does what the law could not do4 ,gal4 #b3ba2 ,rom4 #h3c1 #d4 ,but that very fact witnesses to the righteousness of the law4 ,if the law were at fault1 ,christ would not fulfil its demands4 ,he shows its righteousness by fulfilling1 or doing1 what it demands1 not simply for us1 but in us4 ,the grace of ,god in ,christ attests the majesty and holiness of the law4 ,we do not frustrate the grace of ,god2 if righteousness could come by the law1 then would ,christ be dead in vain4 ,but to claim that the law could be abolished1 or could relax its claims1 and thus be of no account1 is also to say that ,christ is dead in vain4 ,let it be repeated1 righteousness can not possibly come by the law1 but only by the faith of ,christ2 but the fact that the righteousness of the law could be attained in no other way by us than by the crucifixion and resurrection and life of ,christ in us1 shows the infinite greatness and holiness of the law4 8,o foolish ,galatians1 who did bewitch you1 before whose eyes ,jesus ,christ was openly set forth crucified8 ,this only would ,i learn from you1 ,received ye the ,spirit by the works of the law1 or by the hearing of faith8 ,are ye so foolish8 having begun in the ,spirit1 are ye now perfected in the flesh8 ,did ye suffer so many things in vain8 if it be indeed in vain4 ,he therefore that supplieth to you the ,spirit1 and worketh miracles among you1 doeth he it by the works of the law1 or by the hearing of faith8 ,even as ,abraham believed ,god1 and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness4 ,know therefore that they which be of faith1 the same are sons of ,abraham4 ,and the ,scripture1 foreseeing that ,god would justify the ,gentiles by faith1 preached the ,gospel beforehand unto ,abraham1 saying1 ,in thee shall all the nations be blessed4 ,so then they which be of faith are blessed with the faithful ,abraham4 ,for as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse2 for it is written1 ,cursed is every one which continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law1 to do them4 ,now that no man is justified by the law in the sight of ,god1 is evident2 for1 ,the righteous shall live by faith2 and the law is not of faith2 but1 ,he that doeth them shall live in them4 ,christ redeemed us from the curse of the law1 having become a curse for us2 for it is written1 ,cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree2 that upon the ,gentiles might come the blessing of ,abraham in ,christ ,jesus2 that we might receive the promise of the ,spirit through faith4 8,brethren1 ,i speak after the manner of men1 ,though it be but a man's covenant1 yet when it hath been confirmed1 no one maketh it void1 or addeth thereto4 ,now to ,abraham were the promises spoken1 and to his seed4 ,he saith not1 ,and to seeds1 as of many2 but as of one1 ,and to thy seed1 which is ,christ4 ,now this ,i say3 ,a covenant confirmed beforehand by ,god1 the law1 which came four hundred and thirty years after1 doth not disannul1 so as to make the promise of none effect4 ,for if the inheritance is of the law1 it is no more of promise2 but ,god hath granted it to ,abraham by promise4 ,what then is the law8 ,it was added because of transgressions1 till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made2 and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator4 ,now a mediator is not a mediator of one2 but ,god is one4 ,is the law then against the promises of ,god8 ,god forbid2 for if there had been a law given which could make alive1 verily righteousness would have been of the law4 ,howbeit the ,scripture hath shut up all things under sin1 that the promise by faith in ,jesus ,christ might be given to them that believe4 8,but before faith came1 we were kept in ward under the law1 shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed4 ,so that the law hath been our tutor to bring us unto ,christ1 that we might be justified by faith4 ,but now that faith is come1 we are no longer under a tutor4 ,for ye are all sons of ,god1 through faith1 in ,christ ,jesus4 ,for as many of you as were baptized into ,christ did put on ,christ4 ,there can be neither ,jew nor ,greek1 there can be neither bond nor free1 there can be no male and female2 for ye all are one man in ,christ ,jesus4 ,and if ye are ,christ's1 then are ye ,abraham's seed1 heirs according to promise40 ,galatians #c1 ,r4 ,v4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,sin of ,witchcraft4 ,the apostle asks those who are departing from ,god and ,his truth1 8,who hath bewitched you80 8,behold1 to obey is better than sacrifice1 and to hearken than the fat of rams4 ,for rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft1 and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry40 #a ,sam4 #ae3bb1 #bc4 ,if you look up this text in the ,bible1 you will see that in both instances the words 8is as0 are added4 ,the literal ,hebrew is1 8,rebellion is the sin of witchcraft1 and stubbornness is iniquity and idolatry40 ,and how so8--,plainly enough1 for stubbornness and rebellion are rejection of ,god2 and he who rejects ,god1 puts himself under the control of evil spirits4 ,all idolatry is devil-worship4 8,the things which the ,gentiles sacrifice1 they sacrifice to devils40 #a ,cor4 #aj3bj4 ,there is no middle ground4 ,christ says1 8,he that is not with ,me is against ,me40 ,matt4 #ab3cj4 ,that is1 disobedience1 rejection of the ,lord1 is the spirit of antichrist4 ,the ,galatian brethren were1 as we have already seen1 departing from ,god1 and consequently they were inevitably1 although perhaps unconsciously1 relapsing into idolatry4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,safeguard against ,spiritualism4 ,spiritualism is only another name for ancient witchcraft and soothsaying4 ,it is a fraud1 but not the kind of fraud that most people think it is4 ,there is reality in it4 ,it is a fraud in that while it professes to receive communications from the spirits of the dead1 it has communication only with the spirits of devils1 since 8the dead know not anything40 ,to be a ,spiritualist medium is to give one's self to the control of demons4 ,now there is only one protection against this1 and that is to hold fast to the ,word of ,god4 ,he who lightly regards ,god's ,word1 severs himself from association with ,god1 and puts himself within ,satan's influence4 ,even though a man denounce ,spiritualism in the strongest terms1 if he does not hold to ,god's ,word1 he will sooner or later be carried away by the strong delusion4 ,only by keeping the ,word of ,christ's patience can men be kept from the temptation that is coming on all the world4 ,rev4 #c3aj4 8,the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience0 7,eph4 #b3b71 is the spirit of ,satan1 the spirit of antichrist2 and the ,gospel of ,christ1 which reveals the righteousness of ,god 7,rom4 #a3af1 #ag71 is the only possible salvation from it4 ,sidenote3 ,christ ,crucified before ,us4 8,who did bewitch you1 before whose eyes ,jesus ,christ was openly set forth crucified80 ,jesus was set forth before the ,galatians1 when ,paul preached to them1 as openly crucified before their eyes4 ,so vivid was the presentation1 that they could actually see ,christ crucified4 ,it was not skilful word-painting on the part of ,paul1 nor imagination on the part of the ,galatians1 for then it would have been only deception4 ,no2 it was an actual fact2 ,christ was there1 crucified1 before their eyes1 and ,paul by the ,spirit enabled them to see ,him4 ,we know that it was not ,paul's skill in making beautiful word pictures that enabled them to fancy that they saw the crucifixion1 for elsewhere ,paul says that he determined to know nothing but ,jesus ,christ and ,him crucified1 and that he purposely and carefully refrained from using the wisdom of words1 for fear that he should make the cross of ,christ without effect4 #a ,cor4 #a3ag1 #ah2 #b3a-d4 ,the experience of the ,galatians in this matter was not peculiar to them4 ,the cross of ,christ is a present thing4 ,the expression1 8,come to the cross10 is not an empty form of words1 but an invitation that can be literally complied with4 ,christ is crucified before us1 and each blade of grass1 each leaf in the forest1 reveals the fact4 ,yea1 we have the testimony in our own bodies1 in that1 although sinful and corruptible1 we yet live4 ,not until one has seen ,christ crucified before his eyes1 and can see the cross of ,christ at every turn1 does one know the reality of the ,gospel4 ,let those scoff who will2 the fact that a blind man can not see the sun1 and denies that it shines1 will not deter one who sees it from talking of its glory4 ,many there are who can testify that it is something more than a figure of speech1 when the apostle says that ,christ was crucified before the eyes of the ,galatians4 ,they have had the experience4 ,god grant that this study of ,galatians1 before it is finished1 may be the means of opening the eyes of many more1 so that they may see ,christ crucified before their eyes1 and know ,him crucified in them and for them4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,good ,beginning4 ,the question1 8,received ye the ,spirit by the works of the law1 or by the hearing of faith80 admits of but one answer4 ,it was by the hearing of faith4 ,the ,spirit is given to those who believe4 ,john #g3ci2 ,eph4 #a3ac4 ,the question also shows that the ,galatians had received the ,holy ,spirit4 ,there is no other way of beginning the ,christian life4 8,no man can say that ,jesus is the ,lord1 but by the ,holy ,ghost40 #a ,cor4 #ab3c4 ,in the beginning the ,spirit of ,god moved upon the face of the waters1 begetting life and activity in the creation2 for without the ,spirit there is no motion--no life4 8,not by might1 nor by power1 but by ,my ,spirit1 saith the ,lord of hosts40 ,zech4 #d3f4 ,the ,spirit of ,god alone can carry out the perfect will of ,god1 and no works that a man can do can bring ,him into the soul1 any more than a dead man can manufacture the breath by which he can be made to live and move4 ,those to whom ,paul addressed this ,epistle had seen ,christ crucified before their eyes1 and had accepted ,him through the ,spirit4 ,have you also seen and accepted ,him8 ,sidenote3 ,hold ,fast the ,beginning4 8,are ye so foolish8 having begun in the ,spirit1 are ye now perfected in the flesh80 ,foolish is but a feeble term for it4 ,the man who has not power to begin a work1 has strength to finish it6 ,he who has not strength to put one foot before the other1 or even to stand alone1 has strength enough in himself to win a race6 ,impossible4 ,who has power to beget himself8 ,no one2 we come into this world without having begotten ourselves2 we are born without strength2 and1 therefore1 all the strength that ever manifests itself in us1 comes from another than ourselves4 ,it is all given to us4 ,the new-born babe is the representative of man4 8,a man is born into the world40 ,all the strength that any man has of himself is found in the infant as it utters its first cry with its first breath4 ,and even that feeble strength is not of itself4 ,even so in things spiritual4 8,of ,his own will begat ,he us with the ,word of truth40 ,james #a3ah4 ,we can no more live righteous lives by our own strength than we could beget ourselves4 ,the work that is begun by the ,spirit1 must be carried to completion by the ,spirit4 8,we are made partakers of ,christ1 if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end40 ,heb4 #c3ad4 8,he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of ,jesus ,christ40 ,phil4 #a3f4 ,and ,he alone can do it4 ,sidenote3 ,experience in the ,gospel4 8,have ye suffered so many things in vain8 if it be yet in vain4 ,he therefore that ministereth to you the ,spirit1 and worketh miracles among you1 doeth he it by the works of the law1 or by the hearing of faith80 ,these questions show that the experience of the ,galatian brethren had been as deep and as real as would be expected from those before whose eyes ,christ was openly crucified4 ,the ,spirit had been given to them1 miracles had been wrought among them1 and even by them1 for the gifts of the ,spirit accompany the gift of the ,spirit2 and as the result of this living ,gospel among them1 they had suffered persecution2 for 8all that will live godly in ,christ ,jesus shall suffer persecution40 #b ,tim4 #c3ab4 ,this makes the case the more serious4 ,having shared the sufferings of ,christ1 they were now departing from ,him2 and this departure from ,christ1 through whom alone righteousness can come1 was marked by disobedience to the law of truth4 ,they were insensibly but inevitably transgressing the law to which they were looking for salvation4 ,sidenote3 ,abraham ,believed ,god4 ,the questions asked in verses #c1 #d1 and #e suggest their own answer4 ,the ,spirit was ministered1 and miracles were wrought1 not by works of law1 but by 8the hearing of faith10 that is1 by the obedience of faith1 for faith comes by hearing the ,word of ,god4 ,rom4 #aj3ag4 ,thus ,paul's labor1 and the first experience of the ,galatians1 were exactly in line with the experience of ,abraham1 whose faith was accounted for righteousness4 ,let it be remembered that the 8false brethren0 who preached 8another gospel10 even the false gospel of righteousness by works1 were ,jews1 and claimed ,abraham for their father4 ,it would be their boast that they were children of ,abraham1 and they would appeal to their circumcision as proof of the fact4 ,but the very thing upon which they relied as proving them to be children of ,abraham1 was proof that they were not2 for 8,abraham believed ,god1 and it was accounted to him for righteousness40 ,abraham had the righteousness of faith before he was circumcised4 ,rom4 #d3aa4 8,know ye therefore that they which are of faith1 the same are the children of ,abraham40 ,abraham was not justified by works 7,rom4 #d3b1 #c71 but his faith 8wrought righteousness40 ,the same trouble still exists4 ,people take the sign for the substance1 the end for the means4 ,they see that righteousness reveals itself in good works2 therefore1 they assume that the good works bring the righteousness4 ,righteousness gained by trusting1 good works wrought without working1 seem to them impractical and fanciful4 ,they call themselves 8practical0 men1 and believe that the only way to have a thing done is to do it4 ,but the truth is that all such men are highly impractical4 ,a man absolutely 8without strength0 can not do anything1 not even so much as to raise himself up to take the medicine that is offered him2 and any counsel for him to try to do it would be impractical4 ,only in the ,lord is there righteousness and strength4 ,isa4 #de3bd4 8,commit thy way unto the ,lord2 trust also in ,him2 and ,he shall bring it to pass4 ,and ,he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light40 ,ps4 #cg3e1 #f4 ,abraham is the father of all who believe for righteousness1 and of those only4 ,the only practical thing is to trust1 even as he did4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,gospel to the ,gentiles4 8,the ,scripture1 foreseeing that ,god would justify the ,gentiles by faith1 preached the ,gospel beforehand unto ,abraham40 ,this verse will bear much reading4 ,an understanding of it will guard one against many errors4 ,and it is not difficult to understand2 simply hold to what it says1 and you have it4 7a7 ,for one thing1 the verse shows us that the ,gospel was preached at least as early as the days of ,abraham4 7b7 ,it was ,god ,himself who preached it2 therefore1 it was the true and only ,gospel4 7c7 ,it was the same ,gospel that ,paul preached2 so that we have no other ,gospel than that which ,abraham had4 7d7 ,the ,gospel differs in no particular now from what it was in ,abraham's day2 for his day was the day of ,christ4 ,john #h3ef4 ,god requires just the same things now that ,he required then1 and nothing more4 ,moreover1 the ,gospel was then preached to the ,gentiles1 for ,abraham was a ,gentile1 or1 in other words1 a heathen4 ,he was brought up as a heathen1 for 8,terah1 the father of ,abraham10 8served other gods0 7,joshua #bd3b71 and was a heathen till the ,gospel was preached to him4 ,so the preaching of the ,gospel to the ,gentiles was no new thing in the days of ,peter and ,paul4 ,the ,jewish nation was taken out from among the heathen1 and it is only by the preaching of the ,gospel to the heathen that ,israel is built up and saved4 ,see ,acts #ae3ad-ah2 ,rom4 #aa3be1 #bf4 ,the very existence of the people ,israel always was and still is a standing proof that ,god's purpose is to save a people from among the ,gentiles4 ,it is in fulfilment of this purpose that ,israel exists4 ,thus we see that the apostle takes the ,galatians1 and us1 back to the fountain-head1--to the place where ,god ,himself preaches the ,gospel to us ,gentiles4 ,no ,gentile can hope to be saved in any other way or by any other gospel than that by which ,abraham was saved4 ,sidenote3 ,blessed with ,abraham4 8,so then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful ,abraham40 ,mark the close connection between this and the preceding verse4 ,the ,gospel was preached to ,abraham in the words1 8,in thee shall all nations be blessed40 7,it should be remembered1 in passing1 that the words 8heathen10 or 8,gentiles10 as in the ,revised ,version1 and 8nations10 in verse #h1 come from the very same ,greek word47 ,this blessing is the blessing of righteousness through ,christ1 as we learn from ,acts #c3be1 #bf3 8,ye are the children of the prophets1 and of the covenant which ,god made with our fathers1 saying unto ,abraham1 ,and in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed4 ,unto you first ,god1 having raised up ,his ,son ,jesus1 sent ,him to bless you1 in turning away every one of you from his iniquities40 ,because ,god preached the ,gospel to ,abraham1 saying1 8,in thee shall all the nations of the earth be blessed10 those who believe are blessed with the faithful ,abraham4 ,there is no blessing for any man except the blessing which ,abraham received1 and the ,gospel preached to him is the only ,gospel there is for any people under heaven2 for besides the name of ,jesus1 in whom ,abraham believed1 8there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved40 ,in ,him 8we have redemption through ,his blood1 even the forgiveness of sins40 ,col4 #a3ad4 ,the forgiveness of sins carries with it all blessings4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,contrast3 ,under the ,curse4 ,note the sharp contrast in verses #i and #aj4 8,they which be of faith are blessed10 but 8as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse40 ,faith brings the blessing2 works bring the curse1 or1 rather1 leave one under the curse4 ,the curse is on all1 for 8he that believeth not is condemned already1 because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten ,son of ,god40 ,john #c3ah4 ,faith removes the curse4 ,who are under the curse8--8,as many as are of the works of the law40 ,note that it does not say that those who do the law are under the curse1 for that would be a contradiction of ,rev4 #bb3ad3 8,blessed are they that do ,his commandments1 that they may have right to the tree of life1 and may enter in through the gates into the city40 8,blessed are the undefiled in the way1 who walk in the law of the ,lord40 ,ps4 #aai3a4 ,so1 then1 they that are of faith are keepers of the law2 for they that are of faith are blessed1 and those who do the commandments are blessed4 ,by faith they do the commandments4 ,the ,gospel is contrary to human nature1 and so it is that we become doers of the law1 not by doing1 but by believing4 ,if we worked for righteousness1 we should be exercising only our own sinful human nature1 and so would get no nearer to righteousness1 but farther from it2 but by believing the 8exceeding great and precious promises10 we become partakers of the ,divine nature 7#b ,peter #a3d71 and then all our works are wrought in ,god4 8,the ,gentiles1 which followed not after righteousness1 have attained to righteousness1 even the righteousness which is of faith4 ,but ,israel1 which followed after the law of righteousness1 hath not attained to the law of righteousness4 ,wherefore8--,because they sought it not by faith1 but as it were by the works of the law4 ,for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone2 as it is written1 ,behold1 ,i lay in ,sion a ,stumbling-stone and ,rock of offense2 and whosoever believeth on ,him shall not be ashamed40 ,rom4 #i3cj-cc4 ,sidenote3 ,what the ,curse ,is4 ,no one can read ,gal4 #c3aj carefully and thoughtfully without seeing that the curse is transgression of the law4 ,disobedience to ,god's law is itself the curse2 for 8by one man sin entered into the world1 and death by sin40 ,rom4 #e3ab4 ,sin has death wrapped up in it4 ,without sin death would be impossible1 for 8the sting of death is sin40 #a ,cor4 #ae3ef4 8,as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse40 ,why8 ,is it because the law is a curse8--,not by any means4 8,the law is holy1 and the commandment holy1 and just1 and good40 ,rom4 #g3ab4 ,why1 then1 are as many as are of the works of the law under the curse8--,because it is written1 8,cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them40 ,mark it well3 ,they are not cursed because they do the law1 but because they do not do it4 ,so1 then1 we see that being of the works of the law does not mean that one is doing the law4 ,no2 8the carnal mind is enmity against ,god2 for it is not subject to the law of ,god1 neither indeed can be40 ,rom4 #h3g4 ,all are under the curse1 and he who thinks to get out by his own works1 remains there4 ,the curse consists in not continuing in all things that are written in the law2 therefore1 the blessing means perfect conformity to the law4 ,this is as plain as language can make it4 ,sidenote3 ,blessing and ,cursing4 8,behold1 ,i set before you this day a blessing and a curse2 a blessing1 if ye obey the commandments of the ,lord your ,god1 which ,i command you this day2 and a curse1 if ye will not obey the commandments of the ,lord your ,god40 ,deut4 #aa3bf-bh4 ,this is the living word of ,god1 addressed to each one of us personally4 8,the law worketh wrath0 7,rom4 #d3ae71 but the wrath of ,god comes only on the children of disobedience 7,eph4 #e3f74 ,if we truly believe1 we are not condemned1 but only because faith brings us into harmony with the law--the life of ,god4 8,whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty1 and continueth therein1 he being not a forgetful hearer1 but a doer of the work1 this man shall be blessed in his deed40 ,james #a3be4 ,sidenote3 ,good ,works4 ,the ,bible does not disparage good works4 ,on the contrary1 it exalts them4 8,this is a faithful saying1 and these things ,i will that thou affirm constantly1 that they which have believed in ,god might be careful to maintain good works4 ,these things are good and profitable40 ,titus #c3h4 ,the charge against the unbelieving is that they are 8unto every good work reprobate40 ,titus #a3af4 ,timothy was exhorted to 8charge them that are rich in this world10 8that they do good1 that they be rich in good works40 #a ,tim4 #f3ag1 #ah4 ,and the apostle ,paul prayed for us all1 that we might 8walk worthy of the ,lord unto all pleasing1 being fruitful in every good work40 ,col4 #a3aj4 ,still further1 we are assured that ,god has created us in ,christ ,jesus 8unto good works10 8that we should walk in them40 ,eph4 #b3aj4 ,he has ,himself prepared these works for us1 wrought them out1 and laid them up for all who trust in ,him4 ,ps4 #ca3ai4 8,this is the work of ,god1 that ye believe on ,him whom ,he hath sent40 ,john #f3bi4 ,good works are commended1 but we can not do them4 ,they can be performed only by the ,one who is good1 and that is ,god4 ,if there be ever any good in us1 it is ,god who worketh in us4 ,there is no disparagement of anything that ,he does4 8,now the ,god of peace1 that brought again from the dead our ,lord ,jesus1 that great ,shepherd of the sheep1 through the blood of the everlasting covenant1 make you perfect in every good work to do ,his will1 working in you that which is well pleasing in ,his sight1 through ,jesus ,christ2 to whom be glory forever and ever4 ,amen40 ,heb4 #ac3bj1 #ba4 ,sidenote3 ,who ,are the ,just8 ,when we read the frequent statement1 8,the just shall live by faith10 it is necessary to have a clear idea of what the word 8just0 means4 ,if we read the same text in the ,revised ,version1 we shall learn4 ,it has it1 8,the righteous shall live by faith40 ,to be justified by faith is to be made righteous by faith4 8,all unrighteousness is sin0 7#a ,john #e3ag71 and 8sin is the transgression of the law0 7#a ,john #c3d74 ,therefore1 all unrighteousness is transgression of the law1 and of course all righteousness is obedience to the law4 ,so we see that the just1 or righteous1 man is the man who obeys the law1 and to be justified is to be made a keeper of the law4 ,sidenote3 ,how to ,become ,just4 ,righteousness is the end to be obtained1 and the law of ,god is the standard4 8,the law worketh wrath10 because 8all have sinned10 and 8the wrath of ,god cometh on the children of disobedience40 ,how shall we become doers of the law1 and thus escape wrath1 or the curse8 ,the answer is1 8,the righteous shall live by faith40 ,by faith1 not by works1 we become doers of the law4 8,with the heart man believeth unto righteousness40 ,rom4 #aj3aj4 ,that no man is justified by the law in the sight of ,god1 it is evident4 ,from what does it appear8--,from this1--that 8the just shall live by faith40 ,if righteousness came by works1 then it would not be by faith2 8if by grace1 then is it no more of works2 otherwise grace is no more grace40 ,rom4 #aa3f4 8,to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace1 but of debt4 ,but to him that worketh not1 but believeth on ,him that justifieth the ungodly1 his faith is counted for righteousness40 ,rom4 #d3d1 #e4 ,there is no exception1 no half-way working4 ,it is not said that some of the just shall live by faith1 or that they shall live by faith and works1 but1 simply1 8the just shall live by faith10 and that proves that it is not by their own works4 ,all of the just are made and kept just by faith alone4 ,this is because the law is so holy4 ,it is greater than can be done by man2 only ,divine power can accomplish it2 so by faith we receive the ,lord ,jesus1 and ,he lives the perfect law in us4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,law ,not of ,faith4 8,the law is not of faith40 ,of course it is the written law1 no matter whether in a book or on tables of stone1 that is here referred to4 ,that law simply says1 8,do this10 or1 8,do not do that40 8,the man that doeth them shall live in them40 ,that is the sole condition on which the written law offers life4 ,works1 and works only1 commend themselves to it4 ,how those works are obtained is of no consequence to it1 provided they are present4 ,but none have done the requirements of the law1 and so there can be no doers of the law1 that is1 none who in their own lives can present a record of perfect obedience4 ,sidenote3 ,life ,is ,action4 8,the man that doeth them shall live in them40 ,but one must be alive in order to do4 ,a dead man can do nothing1 and he who is 8dead in trespasses and sins0 can do no righteousness4 ,christ is the only one in whom there is life1 for ,he is the life1 and ,he alone has done and can do the righteousness of the law4 ,when1 instead of being denied and repressed1 ,he is acknowledged and received1 ,he lives in us all the fulness of ,his life1 so that it is no more we but ,christ living in us1 and then ,his obedience in us makes us righteous4 ,our faith is counted for righteousness1 simply because our faith appropriates the living ,christ4 ,in trust we yield our bodies as temples of ,god2 ,christ1 the ,living ,stone1 is enshrined in the heart1 which becomes ,god's throne1 and so the living law is our life2 for out of the heart are the issues of life4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,real ,question at ,issue4 ,let the reader pay particular attention to the fact that there is in this epistle no controversy over the law1 as to whether or not it should be obeyed4 ,no one had claimed that the law was abolished1 or changed1 or had lost its force4 ,the epistle contains no hint of any such thing4 ,the question was not if the law should be kept1 but how it was to be kept4 ,justification--being made righteous--was admitted to be a necessity2 the question was1 ,is it by faith1 or by works8 ,the false brethren were persuading the ,galatians that they must be made righteous by their own efforts2 ,paul was by the ,spirit showing that all such attempts were useless1 and could result only in fastening more firmly the curse upon the sinner4 ,righteousness through faith in ,jesus ,christ is set forth to all men in all time as the only real righteousness4 ,the false teachers made their boast in the law1 but through breaking it caused the name of ,god to be blasphemed4 ,paul made his boast in ,christ1 and by the righteousness of the law1 to which he thus submitted1 caused the name of ,god to be glorified in him4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,sting of ,sin4 ,that death is the curse is evident from the last part of verse #ac1 8,cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree40 ,christ was made a curse for us1 in that ,he hung on a tree1 that is1 was crucified4 ,but sin is the cause of death4 8,by one man sin entered into the world1 and death by sin2 and so death passed upon all men1 for that all have sinned40 ,rom4 #e3ab4 8,the sting of death is sin40 #a ,cor4 #ae3ef4 ,so we have the substance of verse #aj thus1 that those who do not continue in the things written in the law are dead4 ,that is1 disobedience is death4 ,and this is what the ,scripture says3 8,when lust hath conceived1 it bringeth forth sin2 and sin1 when it is finished1 bringeth forth death40 ,sin contains death1 and men out of ,christ are 8dead in trespasses and sins40 ,it matters not that they walk about seemingly full of life1 the words of ,christ are1 8,except ye eat the flesh of the ,son of man1 and drink ,his blood1 ye have no life in you40 ,john #f3ec4 8,she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth40 #a ,tim4 #e3f4 ,it is a living death--a body of death--that is endured4 ,rom4 #g3bd4 ,sin is the transgression of the law2 the wages of sin is death4 ,the curse1 therefore1 is the death that is carried about concealed even in the most attractive sin4 8,cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them40 ,sidenote3 ,redemption from the ,curse4 8,christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law40 ,let us stop right here and contemplate this fact1 leaving the way of redemption for later consideration4 ,we need to consider the statement very carefully1 for some who read it straightway rush off frantically exclaiming1 8,we don't need to keep the law1 because ,christ has redeemed us from the curse of it10 as though the text said that ,christ redeemed us from the curse of obedience4 ,such read the ,scriptures to no profit4 ,the curse1 as we have seen1 is disobedience4 8,cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them40 ,therefore1 ,christ has redeemed us from disobedience to the law4 ,god sent forth ,his ,son in the likeness of sinful flesh1 and for sin1 8that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us40 ,rom4 #h3d4 ,some one may lightly say1 8,then we are all right2 whatever we do is right so far as the law is concerned1 since we are redeemed40 ,it is true that all are redeemed1 but not all have accepted redemption4 ,many say of ,christ1 8,we will not have this ,man to reign over us10 and thrust the blessing of ,god from them4 ,but redemption is for all2 all have been purchased with the precious blood--the life--of ,christ1 and all may be1 if they will1 free from sin and death4 ,by that blood we are redeemed from our 8vain manner of life40 #a ,peter #a3ah1 ,r4 ,v4 ,stop and think what this means2 let the full force of the announcement impress itself upon your consciousness4 8,christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law10--from not continuing in all its righteous requirements4 ,we need not sin any more4 ,he has snapped asunder the cords of sin that bound us1 so that we have but to accept ,his salvation in order to be free from every besetting sin4 ,it is not necessary for us any longer to spend our lives in earnest longings for a better life1 and in vain regrets for desires unrealized4 ,christ raises no false hopes1 but ,he comes to the captives of sin1 and cries to them1 8,liberty6 ,your prison doors are open4 ,go forth40 ,what more can be said8 ,christ has gained the complete victory over 8this present evil world10 over 8the lust of the flesh1 and the lust of the eyes1 and the pride of life10 and our faith in ,him makes ,his victory ours4 ,we have but to accept it4 ,sidenote3 ,christ ,made a ,curse for ,us4 ,that 8,christ died for the ungodly0 is evident to all who read the ,bible4 ,he 8was delivered for our offenses40 ,rom4 #d3be4 ,the ,innocent suffered for the guilty2 the ,just for the unjust4 8,he was wounded for our transgressions1 ,he was bruised for our iniquities2 the chastisement of our peace was upon ,him2 and with ,his stripes we are healed4 ,all we like sheep have gone astray2 we have turned every one to his own way2 and the ,lord hath laid on ,him the iniquity of us all40 ,isa4 #ec3e1 #f4 ,but death came by sin4 ,death is the curse that has passed upon all men1 simply because 8all have sinned40 ,so1 as ,christ was 8made a curse for us10 it follows that ,christ was 8made to be sin on our behalf40 #b ,cor4 #e3ba1 ,r4 ,v4 ,he bore 8our sins in ,his own body0 up to the tree4 #a ,peter #b3bd1 margin4 ,note that our sins were 8in ,his body40 ,it was no superficial work that ,he undertook4 ,the sins were not merely figuratively laid on ,him1 but they were actually in ,him4 ,he was made a curse for us1 made to be sin for us1 and consequently suffered death for us4 ,to some this truth seems repugnant2 to the ,greeks it is foolishness1 and to the ,jews a stumbling-block1 but 8to us who are saved1 it is the power of ,god40 ,for bear in mind that it was our sins that ,he bore in ,his own body--not ,his own sins4 ,the same scripture that tells us that ,he was made to be sin for us1 assures us that ,he 8knew no sin40 ,the same text that tells us that ,he carried our sins 8in ,his own body10 is careful to let us know that ,he 8did no sin40 ,the fact that ,he could carry our sin about with ,him1 and in ,him1 being actually made to be sin for us1 and yet not do any sin1 is to ,his everlasting glory and our eternal salvation from sin4 ,all the sins of all men were on ,him1 yet no person ever discovered the trace of sin upon ,him4 ,no sin was ever manifested in ,his life1 although ,he took all sin upon ,himself4 ,he received it and swallowed it up by the power of the endless life in which ,he swallows up death4 ,he can bear sin1 and yet be untainted by it4 ,it is by this marvelous life that ,he redeems us4 ,he gives us ,his life1 so that we may be freed from every taint of the sin that is in our flesh4 ,christ1 8in the days of ,his flesh1 when ,he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto ,him that was able to save ,him from death10 8was heard in that ,he feared40 ,heb4 #e3g4 ,but ,he died6 ,yes2 but no one took ,his life from ,him2 ,he laid it down1 that ,he might take it again4 ,john #aj3ag1 #ah4 ,the pangs of death were loosed1 8because it was not possible that ,he should be holden of it40 ,acts #b3bd4 ,why was it not possible for death to hold ,him1 even though ,he voluntarily put ,himself in its power8--,because ,he 8knew no sin20 ,he took sin upon ,himself1 but was saved from its power4 ,he was 8in all things0 8made like unto ,his brethren10 8in all points tempted like as we are0 7,heb3 #b3ag2 #d3ae71 and since ,he could of ,himself do nothing 7,john #e3cj71 ,he prayed to the ,father to keep ,him from being overcome and thereby falling under the power of death4 ,and ,he was heard4 ,in ,his case these words were fulfilled3 8,the ,lord ,god will help ,me2 therefore shall ,i not be confounded2 therefore have ,i set ,my face like a flint1 and ,i know that ,i shall not be ashamed4 ,he is near that justifieth ,me2 who will contend with ,me80 ,isa4 #ej3g1 #h4 ,whose sin was it that thus oppressed ,him1 and from which ,he was delivered8--,not ,his own1 for ,he had none4 ,it was your sin and mine4 ,our sins have already been overcome--vanquished4 ,we have to fight only with an already defeated foe4 ,when you come to ,god 8in the name of ,jesus10 having surrendered yourself to ,his death and life1 so that you do not bear ,his name in vain1 because ,christ liveth in you1 you have only to remember that every sin was on ,him1 and is still on ,him1 and that ,he is the conqueror1 and straightway you will say1 8,thanks be to ,god1 which giveth us the victory through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 8,now thanks be unto ,god1 which always causeth us to triumph in ,christ1 and maketh manifest the savor of ,his knowledge by us in every place40 #b ,cor4 #b3ad4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,revelation of the ,cross4 ,in ,gal4 #c3ac we are brought back to the subject presented in ,gal4 #b3bj and #c3a1--the ever-present cross4 ,the subject is inexhaustible1 but the following few facts may serve to open it up to our minds3-- #a4 ,the redemption from sin and death is accomplished through the cross4 ,gal4 #c3ac4 #b4 ,the ,gospel is all contained in the cross2 for the ,gospel is 8the power of ,god unto salvation to every one that believeth0 7,rom4 #a3af71 and 8unto us which are saved0 the cross of ,christ 8is the power of ,god0 7#a ,cor4 #a3ah74 #c4 ,christ is revealed to fallen men only as the ,crucified and risen ,one4 ,there is none other name under heaven given among men1 whereby salvation may be obtained 7,acts #d3ab71 and1 therefore1 it is all that ,god sets forth before men1 since ,he does not wish to confuse them4 8,christ and ,him crucified10 is all that ,paul wished to know2 it is all that any man needs to know4 ,thus the one thing that men need is salvation2 if they get that1 they get all things2 but salvation is found only in the cross of ,christ2 therefore1 ,god puts before the eyes of men nothing else3 ,he gives them just what they need4 ,jesus ,christ is by ,god set forth openly crucified before the eyes of every man1 so that there is no excuse for any to be lost1 or to continue in sin4 #d4 ,christ is set forth before men only as the crucified ,redeemer2 and since that from which men need to be saved is the curse1 ,he is set forth as bearing the curse4 ,wherever there is any curse1 there is ,christ bearing it4 ,we have already seen that ,christ bore1 and still bears1 our curse1 in that ,he bears our sin4 ,he also bears the curse of the earth itself1 for ,he bore the crown of thorns1 and the curse pronounced on the earth was1 8,thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth40 ,gen4 #c3ah4 ,so the whole creation1 which now groans under the curse1 has been redeemed through the cross of ,christ4 ,rom4 #h3ai-bc4 #e4 ,it is only on the cross that ,christ bears the curse1 for ,his being made a curse for us was indicated by ,his hanging on the cross4 ,the cross is the symbol of the curse1 but also of deliverance from the curse1 since it is the cross of ,christ1 the ,conqueror and ,deliverer4 ,the very curse itself1 therefore1 presents the cross1 and proclaims our deliverance4 #f4 ,where is the curse8 ,ah1 where is it not8 ,the blindest can see it1 if he will but acknowledge the evidence of his own senses4 ,imperfection is a curse1 yea1 that is the curse2 and imperfection is on everything connected with this earth4 ,man is imperfect1 and even the finest plant that grows from the earth is not as perfect as it might be4 ,there is nothing that meets the eye that does not show the possibility of improvement1 even if our untrained eyes can not see the absolute necessity of it4 ,when ,god made the earth1 everything was 8very good10 or1 as the ,hebrew idiom has it1 8good exceedingly40 ,god ,himself could see no chance1 no possibility1 for improvement4 ,but now it is different4 ,the gardener spends his thought and labor trying to improve the fruits and flowers under his care4 ,and since the best that the earth produces reveals the curse1 what need be said of the gnarled1 stunted growths1 the withered and blasted buds and leaves and fruits1 and the noxious1 poisonous weeds8 ,everywhere 8hath the curse devoured the earth40 ,isa4 #bd3f4 #g4 ,what1 then1 is the conclusion of the whole matter8 ,is it discouragement8 ,nay2 8for ,god hath not appointed us to wrath1 but to obtain salvation by our ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 #a ,thess4 #e3i4 ,although the curse is visible everywhere1-- 8,change and decay in all around ,i see10-- yet things live1 and men live4 ,but the curse is death1 and no man and no thing in creation can bear death and still live4 ,death kills4 ,but ,christ is ,he that liveth1 and was dead1 and is alive forevermore4 ,rev4 #a3ah4 ,he alone can bear the curse--death--and still live4 ,therefore1 the fact that there is life on the earth and in man1 in spite of the curse1 is proof that the cross of ,christ is everywhere4 ,every blade of grass1 every leaf of the forest1 every shrub and tree1 every flower and fruit1 even the bread that we eat1 is stamped with the cross of ,christ4 ,in our own bodies is ,christ crucified4 ,everywhere is that cross2 and as the preaching of the cross is the power of ,god1 which is the ,gospel1 so it is that the everlasting power of ,god is revealed in all things that ,he has made4 ,that is 8the power that worketh in us40 ,eph4 #c3bj4 ,rom4 #a3af-bj1 compared with #a ,cor4 #a3ag1 #ah1 amounts to a plain declaration that the cross of ,christ is seen in all the things that ,god has made--even in our own bodies4 ,sidenote3 ,courage from ,despair4 8,innumerable evils have compassed me about2 mine iniquities have taken hold upon me1 so that ,i am not able to look up2 they are more than the hairs of mine head2 therefore my heart faileth me40 ,ps4 #dj3ab4 ,but not only may we with confidence cry unto ,god out of the depths1 but ,god in ,his infinite mercy has so ordered it that the very depths themselves are a source of confidence4 ,the fact that we are in the depths of sin1 and yet live1 is proof that ,god ,himself1 in the person of ,christ on the cross1 is present with us to deliver us4 ,so everything1 even the curse1 for everything is under the curse1 preaches the ,gospel4 ,our own weakness and sinfulness1 instead of being a cause of discouragement1 are1 if we believe the ,lord1 a pledge of redemption4 ,out of weakness we are made strong4 8,in all these things we are more than conquerors through ,him that loved us40 ,rom4 #h3cg4 ,truly1 ,god has not left ,himself without witness among men4 8,he that believeth on the ,son of ,god hath the witness in himself40 #a ,john #e3aj4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,blessing from the ,curse4 ,christ bore the curse1 in order that the blessing might come to us4 ,he bears the curse now1 being crucified before us1 and in us1 and we with ,him1 that we may continually experience the blessing4 ,death to ,him is life to us4 ,if we willingly bear about in our bodies the dying of the ,lord ,jesus1 the life also of ,jesus will be manifested in our mortal flesh4 #b ,cor4 #d3aj1 #aa4 ,he was made to be sin for us1 that we might be made the righteousness of ,god in ,him4 #b ,cor4 #e3ba4 ,what is the blessing that we receive through the curse that ,he bears8 ,it is the blessing of salvation from sin2 for as the curse is the transgression of the law 7,gal4 #c3aj71 the blessing consists in turning away every one of us from our iniquities 7,acts #c3bf74 ,christ suffered the curse1 even sin and death1 8that the blessing of ,abraham might come on the ,gentiles through ,jesus ,christ40 ,and what is the blessing of ,abraham8 ,the writer of this ,epistle1 having stated that ,abraham was made righteous by faith1 adds3 8,even as ,david also describeth the blessedness of the man1 unto whom ,god imputeth righteousness without works1 saying1 ,blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven1 and whose sins are covered4 ,blessed is the man to whom the ,lord will not impute sin40 ,rom4 #d3f-h4 ,and then he shows that this blessing comes on the ,gentiles as well as on the ,jews who believe1 because ,abraham received it when he was uncircumcised1 8that he might be the father of all them that believe40 ,the blessing is freedom from sin1 even as the curse is the doing of sin2 and as the curse reveals the cross1 so we find that the very curse is by the ,lord made to proclaim the blessing4 ,the fact that we live1 although we are sinners1 is the assurance that deliverance from the sin is ours4 8,while there's life there's hope10 says the adage4 ,yes1 because the ,life is our hope4 ,thank ,god for the blessed hope6 ,the blessing has come upon all men2 for 8as by the offense of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation2 even so by the righteousness of ,one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life40 ,rom4 #e3ah4 ,god1 who is 8no respecter of persons10 8hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in ,christ40 ,eph4 #a3c4 ,it is ours to keep4 ,if any one has not this blessing1 it is because he has not recognized the gift1 or has deliberately thrown it away4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,finished ,work4 8,christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law10--from sin and death4 ,this ,he has done by 8being made a curse for us10 and so we are freed from all necessity of sinning4 ,sin can have no dominion over us if we accept ,christ in truth1 and without reserve4 ,this was just as much a present truth in the days of ,abraham1 ,moses1 ,david1 and ,isaiah1 as it is to-day4 ,more than seven hundred years before the cross was raised on ,calvary1 ,isaiah1 who testified of the things which he understood1 because his own sin had been purged by a live coal from ,god's altar1 said3 8,surely ,he hath borne our griefs1 and carried our sorrows2 444 ,he was wounded for our transgressions1 ,he was bruised for our iniquities2 the chastisement of our peace was upon ,him2 and with ,his stripes we are healed4444 ,the ,lord hath laid on ,him the iniquity of us all40 ,isa4 #ec3d-f4 8,i have blotted out1 as a thick cloud1 thy transgressions1 and1 as a cloud1 thy sins2 return unto ,me2 for ,i have redeemed thee40 ,isa4 #dd3bb4 ,long before ,isaiah's time1 ,david wrote3 8,he hath not dealt with us after our sins2 nor rewarded us according to our iniquities40 8,as far as the east is from the west1 so far hath ,he removed our transgressions from us40 ,ps4 #ajc3aj1 #ab4 8,we which have believed do enter into rest10 because 8the works were finished from the foundation of the world40 ,heb4 #d3c4 ,the blessing that we received is 8the blessing of ,abraham40 ,we have no other foundation than that of the apostles and prophets4 ,eph4 #b3bj4 ,it is a full and complete salvation that ,god has provided2 it awaits us as we come into the world2 and we do not relieve ,god of any burden by rejecting it1 nor do we add to ,his labor by accepting it4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,promise of the ,spirit40 ,christ hath redeemed us1 8that we might receive the promise of the ,spirit through faith40 ,do not make the mistake of reading this as though it were 8that we might receive the promise of the gift of the ,spirit40 ,it does not say that1 and it does not mean that1 as a little thought will show4 ,christ has redeemed us1 and that fact proves the gift of the ,spirit1 for it was only 8through the eternal ,spirit0 that ,he offered ,himself without spot to ,god4 ,heb4 #i3ad4 ,but for the ,spirit1 we should not know that we were sinners2 much less should we know redemption4 ,the ,spirit convinces of sin and of righteousness4 ,john #af3h4 8,it is the ,spirit that beareth witness1 because the ,spirit is truth40 #a ,john #e3f4 8,he that believeth hath the witness in himself40 ,christ is crucified in every man2 that1 as we have already seen1 is shown in the fact that we are all under the curse1 and ,christ alone1 on the cross1 bears the curse4 ,but it is through the ,spirit that ,christ dwells on earth among men4 ,faith enables us to receive the testimony of this witness1 and rejoice in that which the possession of the ,spirit assures4 ,note further3 ,the blessing of ,abraham comes on us1 in order that we may receive the promise of the ,spirit4 ,but it is only through the ,spirit that the blessing comes2 therefore1 the blessing can not bring to us the promise that we shall receive the ,spirit4 ,we already have the ,spirit with the blessing4 ,but1 having the blessing of the ,spirit1 namely1 righteousness1 we are sure of receiving that which the ,spirit promises to the righteous1 namely1 an everlasting inheritance4 ,in blessing ,abraham ,god promised him an inheritance4 ,the expression1 8the promise of the ,spirit10 is used1 as is plainly to be seen1 in the same sense as 8the promise of ,god10 8the gift of ,god20 that is1 the promise or the gift which ,god bestows4 ,the ,spirit is the pledge of all good4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,spirit the ,pledge of ,inheritance4 ,all ,god's gifts are in themselves promises of more4 ,there is always much more to follow4 ,god's purpose in the ,gospel is to gather together in one all things in ,jesus ,christ1 8in whom also we have obtained an inheritance1 being predestinated according to the purpose of ,him who worketh all things after the counsel of ,his own will2 that we should be to the praise of ,his glory1 who first trusted in ,christ4 ,in whom ye also trusted1 after that ye heard the ,word of truth1 the ,gospel of your salvation2 in whom also after that or when ye believed1 ye were sealed with that ,holy ,spirit of promise1 which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession1 unto the praise of ,his glory40 ,eph4 #a3aj-ad4 ,of this inheritance we must speak further later on4 ,suffice it now to say that it is the inheritance promised to ,abraham1 whose children we become by faith4 ,the inheritance belongs to all who are children of ,god through faith in ,christ ,jesus2 and the ,spirit that marks our sonship is the promise1 the pledge1 the first-fruits of that inheritance4 ,those who accept ,christ's glorious deliverance from the curse of the law1--redemption not from obedience to the law1 for obedience is not a curse1 but from disobedience to the law1--have in the ,spirit a taste of the power and the blessing of the world to come4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,promise ,was ,made to ,abraham4 ,it will be seen that ,abraham is the one about whom this chapter centers4 ,he is the one to whom the ,gospel of world-wide salvation was preached4 ,he believed1 and received the blessing1 even the blessing of righteousness4 ,all who believe are blessed with believing ,abraham4 ,they who are of faith1 the same are the children of ,abraham4 ,christ hath redeemed us from the curse1 in order that the blessing of ,abraham might come on us4 8,to ,abraham and his seed were the promises made40 8,if the inheritance be of the law1 it is no more of promise2 but ,god gave it to ,abraham by promise40 ,thus it is clear that the promise to us is the promise that was made to ,abraham1--the promise of an inheritance1--and in which we share as his children4 ,christ hath redeemed us from the curse1 that we might receive the inheritance of righteousness4 ,christ through the eternal ,spirit offered ,himself without spot to ,god1 to purge our consciences from dead works to serve the living ,god2 because 8,he is the ,mediator of the new covenant1 that by means of death 444 they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance40 ,heb4 #i3ad1 #ae4 ,sidenote3 8,and ,his ,seed40 8,now to ,abraham and his seed were the promises made4 ,he saith not1 ,and to seeds1 as of many2 but as of one2 and to thy ,seed1 which is ,christ40 ,there is here no play upon words2 the issue is a vital one4 ,the controversy is over the way of salvation1 whether it is by ,christ alone1 or by something else1 or by ,christ and something or somebody else4 ,many people imagine that it is by them1--that they must save themselves by making themselves good4 ,many others think that ,christ is a valuable adjunct1 a good assistant to their efforts2 while others still are willing to give ,him the first place1 but not the only place4 ,they regard themselves as good seconds4 ,it is the ,lord and they who do the work4 ,but our text shuts off all this assumption and self-assertion4 ,not seeds1 but the seed4 ,not many1 but one4 8,and to thy ,seed1 which is ,christ40 ,christ is the ,one4 ,sidenote3 ,not ,two ,lines4 ,we hear much about the 8spiritual seed0 and the 8literal seed0 of ,abraham4 ,if that contrast meant anything at all1 it would mean a fanciful seed as opposed to a real seed4 ,the opposite of spiritual is fleshly1 and the fleshly seed1 as we shall see later on1 is not the real seed1 but only a bond-servant1 to be cast out1 having no share whatever in the inheritance4 ,so there is no fleshly seed of ,abraham4 ,the spiritual seed1 however1 is a literal1 or real1 seed1 even as ,christ is 8a quickening ,spirit10 and yet most real4 ,it is possible for men walking about in the body1 in this world1 to be wholly spiritual1 and such they must be1 or else they are not children of ,abraham4 8,they that are in the flesh can not please ,god40 8,flesh and blood doth not inherit the kingdom of ,god40 ,there is only one line of descendants from ,abraham1 only one set of real children1 and they are those who are of faith1--those who1 by receiving ,christ by faith1 receive power to become sons of ,god4 ,sidenote3 ,many ,promises in ,one4 ,but while the ,seed is singular1 the promises are plural4 ,it is not merely one specific promise that was made to ,abraham and his ,seed1 but promises4 ,god has nothing for any man that was not promised to ,abraham2 and all the promises of ,god are conveyed in ,christ1 in whom ,abraham believed4 8,for how many soever be the promises of ,god1 in ,him is the yea2 wherefore also through ,him is the ,amen1 unto the glory of ,god through us40 #b ,cor4 #a3bj4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,promised ,inheritance4 ,that the thing promised1 and the sum of all the promises1 is an inheritance1 is clearly seen from ,gal4 #c3ae-ah4 ,the sixteenth verse has just been noted1 and the seventeenth verse tells us that the law1 coming in four hundred and thirty years after the promise was made and confirmed1 can not make it of none effect2 8for if the inheritance be of the law1 it is no more of promise2 but ,god gave it to ,abraham by promise40 ,verse #ah4 ,what this promised inheritance is may be seen by comparing the verse just quoted with ,rom4 #d3ac3 8,for the promise1 that he should be the heir of the world1 was not to ,abraham1 or to his seed1 through the law1 but through the righteousness of faith40 ,and so1 although the heavens and the earth which are now are 8reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men10 when 8the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved1 and the elements shall melt with fervent heat10 we1 8according to ,his promise1 look for new heavens and a new earth1 wherein dwelleth righteousness40 #b ,peter #c3g1 #ab1 #ac4 ,this is the heavenly country for which ,abraham1 ,isaac1 and ,jacob looked4 ,sidenote3 ,an ,inheritance without ,curse4 8,christ hath redeemed us from the curse2 444 that we might receive the promise of the ,spirit through faith40 ,this 8promise of the ,spirit0 we have seen to be the possession of the whole earth made new--redeemed from the curse2 for 8the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of ,god40 ,the earth1 fresh and new from the hand of ,god1 perfect in every respect1 was given to man for a possession4 ,gen4 #a3bg1 #bh1 #ca4 ,man sinned1 and brought the curse upon himself4 ,christ has taken the whole curse1 both of man and of all creation1 upon ,himself4 ,he redeems the earth from the curse1 that it may be the everlasting possession that ,god originally designed it to be1 and ,he also redeems man from the curse1 that he may be fitted for the possession of such an inheritance4 ,this is the sum of the ,gospel4 8,the gift of ,god is eternal life through ,jesus ,christ our ,lord40 ,rom4 #f3bc4 ,this gift of eternal life is included in the promise of the inheritance1 for ,god promised the land to ,abraham and to his seed for 8an everlasting possession40 ,gen4 #ag3g1 #h4 ,it is an inheritance of righteousness1 because the promise that ,abraham should be heir of the world was through the righteousness of faith4 ,righteousness1 eternal life1 and a place in which to live eternally1--these are all in the promise1 and they are all that could possibly be desired or given4 ,to redeem man1 but to give him no place in which to live1 would be an incomplete work2 the two things are parts of one whole1 for the power by which we are redeemed is the power of creation1--the power by which the heavens and the earth are made new4 ,when all is accomplished1 8there shall be no more curse40 ,rev4 #bb3c4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,covenants of ,promise4 ,that the covenant and promise of ,god are one and the same thing1 is clearly seen from ,gal4 #c3ag1 where it appears that to disannul the covenant would be to make void the promise4 ,in ,genesis #ag we read that ,god made a covenant with ,abraham to give him the land of ,canaan--and with it the whole world--for an everlasting possession2 but ,gal4 #c3ah says that ,god gave it to him by promise4 ,god's covenants with men can be nothing else than promises to them3 8,who hath first given to ,him1 and it shall be recompensed unto him again8 ,for of ,him1 and through ,him1 and to ,him1 are all things40 ,rom4 #aa3ce1 #cf4 ,it is so rare for men to do anything without expecting an equivalent1 that theologians have taken it for granted that it is the same with ,god4 ,so they begin their dissertations on ,god's covenant with the statement that a covenant is 8a mutual agreement between two or more persons1 to do or refrain from doing certain things40 ,but ,god does not make bargains with men1 because ,he knows that they could not fulfil their part4 ,after the flood ,god made a covenant with every beast of the earth1 and with every fowl2 but the beasts and the birds did not promise anything in return4 ,gen4 #i3i-af4 ,they simply received the favor at the hand of ,god4 ,that is all we can do4 ,god promises us everything that we need1 and more than we can ask or think1 as a gift4 ,we give ,him ourselves1 that is1 nothing1 and ,he gives us ,himself1 that is1 everything4 ,that which makes all the trouble is that even when men are willing to recognize the ,lord at all1 they want to make bargains with ,him4 ,they want it to be a 8mutual0 affair--a transaction in which they will be considered as on a par with ,god4 ,but whoever deals with ,god must deal with ,him on ,his own terms1 that is1 on a basis of fact--that we have nothing and are nothing1 and ,he has everything and is everything1 and gives everything4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,covenant ,confirmed4 ,the covenant1 that is1 the promise of ,god to give men the whole earth made new1 after having made them free from the curse1 was 8confirmed before of ,god in ,christ40 ,he is the ,surety of the new covenant1 even the everlasting covenant4 8,for how many soever be the promises of ,god1 in ,him is the yea2 wherefore also through ,him is the ,amen1 unto the glory of ,god through us40 #b ,cor4 #a3bj1 ,r4 ,v4 ,in ,him we have obtained the inheritance 7,eph4 #a3aa71 for the ,holy ,spirit is the first-fruits of the inheritance1 and the possession of the ,holy ,spirit is ,christ ,himself dwelling in the heart by faith4 ,god blessed ,abraham1 saying1 8,in thy ,seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed10 and this is fulfilled in ,christ1 whom ,god has sent to bless us in turning us away from our iniquities4 ,acts #c3be1 #bf4 ,sidenote3 ,confirmed by an ,oath of ,god4 8,when ,god made promise to ,abraham1 because ,he could swear by no greater1 ,he sware by ,himself2 444 for men verily swear by the greater2 and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife4 ,wherein ,god1 willing more abundantly to show unto the heirs of promise the immutability of ,his counsel1 confirmed it by an oath2 that by two immutable things1 in which it was impossible for ,god to lie1 we might have a strong consolation1 who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us2 which hope we have as an anchor of the soul1 both sure and steadfast1 and which entereth into that within the veil2 whither the forerunner is for us entered1 even ,jesus1 made an high priest forever after the order of ,melchizedek40 ,heb4 #f3ac-bj4 ,compare ,gen4 #bb3ae-ah4 ,it was the oath of ,god1 therefore1 that confirmed the covenant made to ,abraham2 that promise and oath to ,abraham are our ground of hope1 our strong consolation2 they are 8sure and steadfast10 because the oath sets forth ,christ as the pledge1 the surety1 and 8,he ever liveth40 ,he upholds all things by the word of ,his power4 ,heb4 #a3c4 8,in ,him all things consist40 ,col4 #a3ag1 ,r4 ,v4 ,therefore1 when ,god 8interposed ,himself by an oath10 which is our consolation and hope in fleeing for refuge from sin1 ,he pledged ,his own existence1 and with it the entire universe1 for our salvation4 ,surely a firm foundation for our hope is laid in ,his excellent ,word4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,law ,can ,not ,make the ,covenant ,void4 ,do not forget as we proceed that the covenant and the promise are the same thing1 and that it conveys land1 even the whole earth made new1 to ,abraham and his seed2 and remember also that1 since only righteousness is to dwell in the new heavens and the new earth promised to ,abraham and his seed1 the promise includes the making righteous of all who believe4 ,this is done in ,christ1 in whom the promise is confirmed4 ,now1 8though it be but a man's covenant1 yet if it be confirmed1 no man disannulleth1 or addeth thereto40 ,gal4 #c3ae4 ,how much more must this be the case with ,god's covenant6 ,therefore1 since perfect and everlasting righteousness was assured by the covenant made with ,abraham1 which was also confirmed in ,christ1 by the oath of ,god1 it is impossible that the law1 which was spoken four hundred and thirty years later1 could introduce any new feature4 ,the inheritance was given to ,abraham by promise1 but if after four hundred and thirty years it should transpire that now the inheritance must be gained in some other way1 then the promise would be of no effect1 and the covenant would be made void4 ,but that would involve the overthrow of ,god's government1 and the ending of ,his existence2 for ,he pledged ,his own existence to give ,abraham and his seed the inheritance and the righteousness necessary for it4 8,for the promise1 that he should be the heir of the world1 was not to ,abraham1 or to his seed1 through the law1 but through the righteousness of faith40 ,rom4 #d3ac4 ,the ,gospel was as full and complete in the days of ,abraham as it has ever been or ever will be4 ,no addition to it1 or change in its provisions or conditions1 could possibly be made after ,god's oath to ,abraham4 ,nothing can be taken away from it as it thus existed1 and not one thing can ever be required from any man more than what was required of ,abraham4 ,sidenote3 ,what ,is the ,use of the ,law8 ,this is the question that the apostle ,paul asks in verse #ai1 both for the purpose of anticipating the objections of the ,antinomians1 and also that he may the more emphatically show the place of the law in the ,gospel4 ,the question is a very natural one4 ,since the inheritance is wholly by promise1 and a covenant confirmed can not be changed1--nothing can be taken from it1 and nothing added to it1--why did the law come in four hundred and thirty years afterward8 8,wherefore then serveth the law80 ,more literally1 ,why then the law8 ,what business has it here8 ,what part does it act8 ,of what use is it8 ,sidenote3 ,the ,question ,answered4 8,it was added because of transgressions40 ,let it be understood that 8the entering of the law0 at ,sinai was not the beginning of its existence4 ,the law of ,god existed in the days of ,abraham1 and was kept by him4 ,gen4 #bf3e4 ,god proved the children of ,israel1 as to whether they would keep ,his law or not1 more than a month before the law was spoken upon ,sinai4 ,ex4 #af3a-d1 #bg1 #bh4 ,sidenote3 8,it ,was ,added40 ,the word here rendered 8added0 is the same as that rendered 8spoken0 in ,heb4 #ab3ai3 8,they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more40 ,it is the same word that occurs in the ,septuagint rendering of ,deut4 #e3bb1 where we read that ,god spoke the ten commandments with a great voice2 8and ,he added no more40 ,so we may read the answer to the question1 8,wherefore then the law80 thus3 8,it was spoken because of transgressions40 ,it is the reprover of sin4 ,sidenote3 ,because of ,transgressions4 8,moreover the law entered1 that the offense might abound40 ,rom4 #e3bj4 ,in other words1 8that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful40 ,rom4 #g3ac4 ,it was given under circumstances of the most awful majesty1 as a warning to the children of ,israel that by their unbelief they were in danger of losing the promised inheritance4 ,they did not1 like ,abraham1 believe the ,lord2 and 8whatsoever is not of faith is sin40 ,but the inheritance was promised 8through the righteousness of faith10 and1 therefore1 the unbelieving ,jews could not receive it4 ,so the law was spoken to them1 to convince them that they had not the righteousness that was necessary for the possession of the inheritance2 for1 although righteousness does not come by the law1 it must be witnessed by the law4 ,rom4 #c3ba4 ,in short1 the law was given to show them that they had not faith1 and so were not true children of ,abraham1 and were therefore in a fair way to lose the inheritance4 ,god would have put ,his law into their hearts1 even as ,he put it into ,abraham's heart1 if they had believed2 but when they disbelieved1 yet still professed to be heirs of the promise1 it was necessary to show them in the most marked manner that their unbelief was sin4 ,the law was spoken because of transgression1 or1 what is the same thing1 because of the unbelief of the people4 ,sidenote3 ,self-,confidence ,is ,sin4 8,behold1 his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him2 but the just shall live by his faith40 ,hab4 #b3d4 ,the people of ,israel were full of self-confidence and of unbelief in ,god1 as is shown by their murmuring against ,god's leading1 and by their assumption of ability to do anything that ,god required1 or to fulfil ,his promises4 ,they had the same spirit as their descendants1 who asked1 8,what shall we do1 that we might work the works of ,god80 ,john #f3bh4 ,they were so ignorant of ,god's righteousness that they thought that they could establish their own righteousness as an equivalent4 ,rom4 #aj3c4 ,unless they saw their sin1 they could not avail themselves of the promise4 ,hence1 the necessity of the speaking of the law4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,ministration of ,angels4 8,are they not all ministering spirits1 sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation80 ,heb4 #a3ad1 ,r4 ,v4 ,just what office the 8thousands of angels0 who were at ,sinai had to perform1 we can not know2 but we do know that they have a close and deep interest in everything that concerns man1 although the preaching of the ,gospel is necessarily not committed to them4 ,when the foundations of the earth were laid1 8all the sons of ,god shouted for joy20 and a multitude of the heavenly host sang praises when the birth of the ,saviour of mankind was announced4 ,they are attendants upon the ,king of kings1 waiting to 8do ,his pleasure1 harkening unto the voice of ,his word40 ,it would not be otherwise than that they should attend as a royal body-guard when the law was proclaimed1 and1 of course1 they were not there merely for pomp and parade4 ,stephen said to the murderous ,sanhedrim3 8,ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears1 ye do always resist the ,holy ,ghost2 as your fathers did1 so do ye4 ,which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted8 and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the ,just ,one2 of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers2 who have received the law by the disposition of angels1 and have not kept it40 ,acts #g3ea-ec4 ,of him who is now the adversary1 the devil1 it was said1 8,thou sealest up the sum10 measure1 or pattern4 ,eze4 #bh3ab4 ,the ,french of ,segond has it1 8,thou puttest the seal to perfection10 and the ,danish1 8,thou stampest the seal upon the fit ordinance10 indicating that before his fall he was what might be termed the keeper of the seal1 and that it was his duty to affix it to every ordinance passed4 ,angels 8excel in strength10 and the fact that they were all present at the giving of the law shows that it was an event of the greatest magnitude and importance4 ,sidenote3 ,in the ,hand of a ,mediator4 ,for the present we may pass by the question of time involved in the phrase1 8till the ,seed should come1 to whom the promise was made10 since our present study is the relation of the law to the promise4 ,the law was given to the people from ,sinai 8in the hand of a ,mediator40 ,who was this ,mediator8--,there can be only one answer3 8,there is one ,god1 and one ,mediator between ,god and men1 the ,man ,christ ,jesus40 #a ,tim4 #b3e4 8,now a mediator is not a mediator of one1 but ,god is one40 ,god is one1 the people are the other1 and ,christ ,jesus is the ,mediator4 ,just as surely as ,god is one party to the transaction1 ,christ must be the ,mediator1 for there is no other mediator between ,god and men4 8,neither is there salvation in any other2 for there is none other name under heaven given among men1 whereby we must be saved40 ,acts #d3ab4 ,sidenote3 ,christ's ,work as ,mediator4 ,man has wandered from ,god1 and rebelled against ,him4 8,all we like sheep have gone astray40 ,our iniquities have separated between us and ,him4 ,isa4 #ei3a1 #b4 8,the carnal mind is enmity against ,god2 for it is not subject to the law of ,god1 neither indeed can be40 ,rom4 #h3g4 ,christ came that ,he might destroy the enmity1 and reconcile us to ,god2 for ,he is our peace4 ,eph4 #b3ad-af4 ,christ 8suffered for sins1 the ,just for the unjust1 that ,he might bring us to ,god40 #a ,peter #c3ah4 ,through ,him we have access to ,god4 ,rom4 #e3a1 #b2 ,eph4 #b3ah4 ,in ,him the carnal mind1 the rebellious mind1 is taken away1 and the mind of the ,spirit given in its stead1 8that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us1 who walk not after the flesh1 but after the ,spirit40 ,rom4 #h3c1 #d4 ,christ's work is to save that which was lost1 to restore that which was broken1 to reunite that which was separated4 ,his name is 8,god with us20 and so with ,him dwelling in us we are made 8partakers of the ,divine nature40 #b ,peter #a3d4 ,it should be understood that ,christ's work as ,mediator is not limited either as to time or extent4 ,to be ,mediator means more than to be intercessor4 ,christ was ,mediator before sin came into the world1 and will be ,mediator when no sin is in the universe1 and no need for expiation4 8,in ,him all things consist40 ,he is the very impress of the ,father's being4 ,he is the life4 ,only in and through ,him does the life of ,god flow to all creation4 ,he is1 then1 the means1 medium1 mediator1 the way1 by which the light of life pervades the universe4 ,he did not first become ,mediator at the fall of man1 but was such from eternity4 ,no one1 not simply no man1 but no created being1 comes to the ,father but by ,christ4 ,no angel can stand in the ,divine presence except in ,christ4 ,no new power was developed1 no new machinery1 so to speak1 was required to be set in motion by the entering of sin into the world4 ,the power that had created all things only continued in ,god's infinite mercy1 to work for the restoration of that which was lost4 ,in ,christ were all things created1 and1 therefore1 in ,him we have redemption through ,his blood4 ,col4 #a3ad-ag4 ,the power that pervades and upholds the universe is the power that saves us4 8,now unto ,him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think1 according to the power that worketh in us1 unto ,him be glory in the church by ,christ ,jesus throughout all ages1 world without end4 ,amen40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,law ,not against the ,promise4 8,is the law then against the promises of ,god80--,not by any means4 ,far from it4 ,if it were1 it would not be in the hands of a ,mediator1 ,christ2 for all the promises of ,god are in ,him4 #b ,cor4 #a3bj4 ,so we find the law and the promise combined in ,christ4 ,we may know that the law was not and is not against the promises of ,god1 from the fact that ,god gave both the promise and the law4 ,we know1 also1 that the giving of the law introduced no new element into the covenant1 since1 having been confirmed1 nothing could be added to or taken from it4 ,but the law is not useless1 else ,god would not have given it4 ,it is not a matter of indifference whether we keep it or not1 for ,god commands it4 ,but1 all the same1 it is not against the promise1 and brings no new element in4 ,why8--,simply because the law is in the promise4 ,the promise of the ,spirit includes this3 8,i will put ,my laws into their mind1 and write them in their hearts40 ,heb4 #h3aj4 ,and this is what ,god indicated had been done for ,abraham when 8,he gave him the covenant of circumcision40 ,read ,rom4 #d3aa2 #b3be-bi2 ,phil4 #c3c4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,law ,magnifies the ,promise4 ,the law1 as already seen1 is not against the promise1 because it is in the promise4 ,the promise that ,abraham and his seed should inherit the world1 was 8through the righteousness of faith40 ,but the law is righteousness1 as ,god says3 8,harken unto ,me1 ye that know righteousness1 the people in whose heart is ,my law40 ,isa4 #ea3g4 ,so1 then1 the righteousness which the law demands is the only righteousness that can inherit the promised land1 but it is obtained1 not by the works of the law1 but by faith4 ,the righteousness of the law is not attained by human efforts to do the law1 but by faith4 ,see ,rom4 #i3cj-cb4 ,therefore1 the greater the righteousness which the law demands1 the greater is seen to be the promise of ,god2 for ,he has promised to give it to all who believe4 ,yea1 ,he has sworn it4 ,when1 therefore1 the law was spoken from ,sinai1 8out of the midst of the fire1 of the cloud1 and of the thick darkness1 with a great voice10 accompanied by the sounding of the trump of ,god1 and with the whole earth quaking at the presence of the ,lord and all ,his holy angels1 thus indicating the inconceivable greatness and majesty of the law of ,god1 it was1 to every one who remembered the oath of ,god1 but a revelation of the wondrous greatness of ,god's promise2 for all the righteousness which the law demands1 ,he has sworn to give to every one who trusts ,him4 ,the 8loud voice0 with which the law was spoken1 was the loud voice that from the mountain-tops proclaims the glad tidings of the saving mercy of ,god4 ,see ,isa4 #dj3i4 ,god's precepts are promises2 they must necessarily be such1 because ,he knows that men have no power4 ,all that ,god requires is what ,he gives4 ,when ,he says1 8,thou shalt not10 we may take it as ,his assurance that if we but trust ,him ,he will preserve us from the sin against which ,he warns us4 ,he will keep us from falling4 ,sidenote3 ,conviction of ,sin and of ,righteousness4 ,jesus said of the ,comforter1 8,when ,he is come1 ,he will reprove the world of sin1 and of righteousness1 and of judgment40 ,john #af3h4 ,of ,himself ,he said1 8,i came not to call the righteous1 but sinners to repentance40 ,mark #b3ag4 8,they that are whole have no need of the physician1 but they that are sick40 ,a man must feel his need before he will accept help2 he must know his disease before he can apply the remedy4 ,even so the promise of righteousness will be utterly unheeded by one who does not realize that he is a sinner4 ,the first part of the comforting work of the ,holy ,spirit1 therefore1 is to convince men of sin4 ,so 8the ,scripture hath concluded all under sin1 that the promise by faith of ,jesus ,christ might be given to them that believe40 8,by the law is the knowledge of sin40 ,rom4 #c3bj4 ,he who knows that he is a sinner is in the way to acknowledge it2 and 8if we confess our sins1 ,he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins1 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness40 #a ,john #a3i4 ,thus the law is in the hands of the ,spirit an active agent in inducing men to accept the fulness of the promise4 ,no one hates the man who has saved his life by pointing out to him an unknown peril2 on the contrary1 such an one is regarded as a friend1 and is always remembered with gratitude4 ,even so will the law be regarded by the one who has been prompted by its warning voice to flee from the wrath to come4 ,he will ever say1 with the psalmist1 8,i hate vain thoughts1 but ,thy law do ,i love40 ,sidenote3 ,righteousness and ,life4 8,if there had been a law given which could make alive1 verily righteousness would have been of the law40 ,this shows us that righteousness is life4 ,it is no mere formula1 no dead theory or dogma1 but is living action4 ,christ is the life1 and ,he is1 therefore1 our righteousness4 8,the ,spirit is life because of righteousness40 ,the law written on two tables of stone1 could not give life1 any more than could the stones on which it was written4 ,all its precepts are perfect1 but the flinty characters can not transform themselves into action4 ,he who receives only the law in letter1 has a 8ministration of condemnation10 and death4 ,but 8the ,word was made flesh40 ,in ,christ1 the ,living ,stone1 the law is life and peace4 ,receiving ,him through the 8ministration of the ,spirit10 we have the life of righteousness1 which the law approves4 ,this twenty-first verse shows that the giving of the law was to emphasize the importance of the promise4 ,all the circumstances attending the giving of the law1--the trumpet tone1 the awful voice1 the quaking earth1 the 8fire1 and blackness1 and tempest10 the thunders and lightnings1 the bounds about the mount1 beyond which it was death to pass1--all these told that 8the law worketh wrath0 to 8the children of disobedience40 ,but the very fact that the wrath which the law works comes only on the children of disobedience1 proves that the law is good1 and that 8the man that doeth them shall live in them40 ,did ,god wish to discourage the people8--,not by any means4 ,the law must be kept1 and the terrors of ,sinai were designed to drive them back to the oath of ,god1 which four hundred and thirty years before had been given to stand to all people in all ages as the assurance of righteousness through the crucified and ever-living ,saviour4 ,sidenote3 ,all ,shut ,up in ,prison4 ,note the similarity between verses #h and #bb4 8,the ,scripture hath concluded that is1 shut up all under sin1 that the promise by faith of ,jesus ,christ might be given to them that believe40 8,the ,scripture1 foreseeing that ,god would justify the heathen through faith1 preached before the ,gospel unto ,abraham1 saying1 ,in thee shall all nations be blessed40 ,we see that the ,gospel is preached by the same thing--the ,scripture--that shuts men up under sin4 ,the word 8conclude0 means literally 8shut up10 just as is given in verse #bc4 ,of course1 a person who is shut up by the law is in prison4 ,in human governments a criminal is shut up as soon as the law can get hold of him2 ,god's law is everywhere present1 and always active1 and1 therefore1 the instant a man sins he is shut up4 ,this is the condition of all the world1 8for all have sinned10 and 8there is none righteous1 no1 not one40 ,those disobedient ones to whom ,christ preached in the days of ,noah were 8in prison40 #a ,peter #c3ai1 #bj4 ,but they1 like all other sinners1 were 8prisoners of hope40 ,zech4 #i3ab4 ,god 8hath looked down from the height of ,his sanctuary2 from heaven did the ,lord behold the earth2 to hear the groaning of the prisoner2 to loose those that are appointed to death40 ,ps4 #ajb3ai1 #bj4 ,christ is given 8for a covenant of the people1 for a light of the ,gentiles2 to open the blind eyes1 to bring out the prisoners from the prison1 and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house40 ,isa4 #db3f1 #g4 ,let me speak from personal experience to the sinner who does not yet know the joy and freedom of the ,lord4 ,some day1 if not already1 you will be sharply convicted of sin by the ,spirit of ,god4 ,you may have been full of doubts and quibbles1 of ready answers and self-defense1 but then you will have nothing to say4 ,you will then have no doubt about the reality of ,god and the ,holy ,spirit1 and will need no argument to assure you of it2 for you will know the voice of ,god speaking to your soul1 and will feel1 as did ancient ,israel1 8,let not ,god speak with us1 lest we die40 ,then you will know what it is to be shut up in prison1--in a prison whose walls seem to close on you1 not only barring all escape1 but seeming to suffocate you4 ,the tales of people condemned to be buried alive with a heavy stone upon them1 will seem very vivid and real to you1 as you feel the tables of the law crushing out your life1 and a hand of marble seems to be breaking your very heart4 ,then it will give you joy to remember that you are shut up for the sole purpose that 8the promise by faith of ,jesus ,christ0 might be accepted by you4 ,as soon as you lay hold of that promise1--the key that will unlock any door in ,doubting ,castle1--the prison doors will fly open1 and you can say1 8,our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers2 the snare is broken1 and we are escaped40 ,ps4 #abd3g4 ,sidenote3 ,under the ,law1 ,under ,sin4 ,we have just read that the ,scripture hath shut up all under sin1 that the promise by faith of ,jesus ,christ might be given to them that believe4 ,before faith came1 we were kept in ward under the law1 shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed4 ,we know that whatsoever is not of faith is sin 7,rom4 #ad3bc72 therefore1 to be under the law is identical with being under sin4 ,we are under the law solely because we are under sin4 ,the grace of ,god brings salvation from sin1 so that when we accept ,god's grace we are no longer under the law1 because we are freed from sin4 ,those who are under the law1 therefore1 are the transgressors of the law4 ,the righteous are not under it1 but are walking in it4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,law a ,jailer1 a ,taskmaster4 8,so that the law hath been our tutor unto ,christ1 that we might be justified by faith40 ,the words 8to bring us0 are marked both in the old version and the new as having been added to the text1 so we have dropped them out4 ,it really makes no material difference with the sense whether they are retained or omitted4 ,it will be noticed also that the new version has 8tutor0 in the place of 8schoolmaster40 ,this is better1 but the sense is still better conveyed by the word that is used in the ,german and ,scandinavian translations1 which signifies 8master of a house of correction40 ,the single word in our language corresponding to it would be jailer4 ,the ,greek word is the word which we have in ,english as 8pedagogue40 ,the paidagogos was the slave who accompanied the boys to school to see that they did not play truant4 ,if they attempted to run away1 he would bring them back1 and had authority even to beat them to keep them in the way4 ,the word has come to be used as meaning 8schoolmaster10 although the ,greek word has not at all the idea of a schoolmaster4 8,taskmaster0 would be better4 ,the idea here is rather that of a guard who accompanies a prisoner who is allowed to walk about outside the prison walls4 ,the prisoner1 although nominally at large1 is really deprived of his liberty just the same as though he were actually in a cell4 ,the fact is that all who do not believe are 8under sin10 8shut up0 8under the law10 and that1 therefore1 the law acts as their jailer4 ,it is that that shuts them in1 and will not let them off2 the guilty can not escape in their guilt4 ,god is merciful and gracious1 but ,he will not clear the guilty4 ,ex4 #cd3f1 #g4 ,that is1 ,he will not lie1 by calling evil good2 but ,he provides a way by which the guilty may lose their guilt4 ,then the law will no longer be against them1 will no longer shut them up1 and they can walk at liberty4 ,sidenote3 ,only ,one ,door4 ,christ says1 8,i am the door40 ,john #aj3g1 #i4 ,he is also the sheepfold and the ,shepherd4 ,men fancy that when they are outside the fold they are free1 and that to come into the fold would mean a curtailing of their liberty2 but it is exactly the reverse4 ,the fold of ,christ is 8a large place10 while unbelief is a narrow prison4 ,the sinner can have but a narrow range of thought2 the true 8free thinker0 is the one who comprehends with all saints what is the length1 and breadth1 and depth1 and height of the love of ,christ1 which passeth knowledge4 ,outside of ,christ is bondage2 in ,him alone is there freedom4 ,outside of ,christ1 the man is in prison1 8holden with the cords of his sins40 ,prov4 #e3bb4 8,the strength of sin is the law40 ,it is the law that declares him to be a sinner1 and makes him conscious of his condition4 8,by the law is the knowledge of sin20 and 8sin is not imputed when there is no law40 ,rom4 #c3bj2 #e3ac4 ,the law really forms the sinner's prison walls4 ,they close in on him1 making him feel uncomfortable1 oppressing him with a sense of sin1 as though they would press his life out4 ,in vain he makes frantic efforts to escape4 ,those commandments stand as firm as the everlasting hills4 ,whichever way he turns he finds a commandment which says to him1 8,you can find no freedom by me1 for you have sinned40 ,if he seeks to make friends with the law1 and promises to keep it1 he is no better off1 for his sin still remains4 ,it goads him and drives him to the only way of escape--8the promise by faith of ,jesus ,christ40 ,in ,christ he is made 8free indeed10 for in ,christ he is made the righteousness of ,god4 ,in ,christ is 8the perfect law of liberty40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,law ,preaches the ,gospel4 8,but10 says one1 8the law says nothing of ,christ40 ,no2 but all creation does speak of ,christ1 proclaiming the power of ,his salvation4 ,we have seen that the cross of ,christ1 8,christ and ,him crucified10 is to be seen in every leaf of the forest1 and1 indeed1 in everything that exists4 ,not only so1 but every fiber of man's being cries out for ,christ4 ,men do not realize it1 but ,christ is 8the ,desire of all nations40 ,it is ,he alone that 8satisfies the desire of every living thing40 ,only in ,him can relief be found for the world's unrest and longing4 ,now since ,christ1 in whom is peace1 8for ,he is our peace10 is seeking the weary and heavy-laden1 and calling them to ,himself1 and every man has longings that nothing else in the world can satisfy1 it is evident that if the man is awakened by the law to keener consciousness of his condition1 and the law continues goading him1 giving him no rest1 and shutting up every other way of escape1 the man must at last find the ,door of ,safety1 for it always stands open4 ,he is the ,city of ,refuge1 to which every one pursued by the avenger of blood may flee1 sure of finding a welcome4 ,in ,christ alone will the sinner find release from the lash of the law1 for in ,christ the righteousness of the law is fulfilled1 and by ,him it is fulfilled in us4 ,rom4 #h3d4 ,the law is so far from requiring men to keep it in order to be saved1 as some suppose1 that it will not allow anybody to be saved unless he has 8the righteousness which is of ,god by faith10--the faith of ,jesus ,christ4 ,sidenote3 ,when ,faith ,is ,come4 ,strangely enough1 many have supposed that there was a definite time fixed for faith to come4 ,this passage has been 8interpreted0 to mean that men were under the law until a certain time in the history of the world1 and that at that time faith came1 and then they were henceforth free from the law4 ,the coming of faith they make synonymous with the manifestation of ,christ on earth4 ,we can not say that anybody ever thought so1 for such an 8interpretation0 indicates utter absence of thought about the matter4 ,it would make men to be saved in bulk1 regardless of any concurrence on their part4 ,it would have it that up to a certain time all were in bondage under the law1 and that from that time henceforth all were free from sin4 ,a man's salvation would1 therefore1 depend simply on the accident of birth1 ,if he lived before a certain time1 he would be lost2 if after1 he would be saved4 ,such an absurdity need not take more of our time than the statement of it4 ,no one can seriously think of the idea that the apostle is here speaking of a fixed1 definite point of time in the history of the world1 dividing between two so-called 8dispensations10 without at once abandoning it4 ,when1 then1 does faith come8 8,faith cometh by hearing1 and hearing by the ,word of ,god40 ,rom4 #aj3ag4 ,whenever a man receives the ,word of ,god1 the word of promise1 which brings with it the fulness of the law1 and no longer fights against it1 but yields to it1 then faith comes to him4 ,read the eleventh chapter of ,hebrews1 and you will see that faith came from the beginning4 ,since the days of ,abel1 men have found freedom by faith4 ,the only time fixed is 8now10 8to-day40 8,now is the accepted time2 behold1 now is the day of salvation40 8,to-day if ye will hear ,his voice1 harden not your hearts40 ,sidenote3 ,putting on ,christ by ,baptism4 8,as many of you as have been baptized into ,christ have put on ,christ40 8,know ye not1 that so many of us as were baptized into ,jesus ,christ were baptized into ,his death80 ,rom4 #f3c4 ,it is by ,his death that ,christ redeems us from the curse of the law2 but we must die with ,him4 ,baptism is 8the likeness of ,his death40 ,we rise to walk 8in newness of life10 even ,christ's life4 ,see ,gal4 #b3bj4 ,having put on ,christ1 we are one in ,him4 ,we are completely identified with ,him4 ,our identity is lost in ,his4 ,it is often said of one who has been converted1 8,he is so changed you would not know him2 he is not the same man40 ,no1 he is not4 ,god has turned him into 8another man40 ,therefore1 being one with ,christ1 he has a right to whatever ,christ has1 and a right to 8the heavenly places0 where ,christ sits4 ,from the prison house of sin1 he is exalted to the dwelling-place of ,god4 ,this1 of course1 presupposes that baptism is with him a reality1 not a mere outward form4 ,it is not simply into the visible water that he is baptized1 but 8into ,christ10 into ,his life4 ,sidenote3 ,baptism ,doth ,save ,us4 ,the word 8baptism10 which is the ,greek word transferred1 not translated1 has but one meaning1 namely1 to plunge into1 to dip1 to immerse4 ,the ,greek blacksmith baptized his iron in the water1 to cool it4 ,the housewife baptized her dishes in water1 in order to clean them2 and for the same purpose all would baptize their hands in water4 ,yea1 every man would baptize himself frequently1 going to the baptisterion1 that is1 the immersing pool1 for that purpose4 ,we have the same word transferred as 8baptistery40 ,it was and is a place where people could plunge in1 and be wholly immersed in water4 ,that is not being 8baptized into ,christ10 but it indicates what must be our relation to ,him when we are baptized into ,him4 ,we must be swallowed up and lost to sight in ,his life4 ,only ,christ will henceforth be seen1 so that 8it is no more ,i1 but ,christ10 for 8we are buried with ,him by baptism into death40 ,rom4 #f3d4 ,baptism doth save us 8by the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ0 from the dead 7#a ,peter #c3ba71 because we are 8baptized into ,his death10 that 8like as ,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father1 even so we also should walk in newness of life40 ,being reconciled to ,god by the death of ,christ1 we are 8saved by ,his life40 ,rom4 #e3aj4 ,so baptism into ,christ1 not the mere form1 but the fact1 does save us4 ,this baptism is 8the answer of a good conscience toward ,god40 ,if there be not a good conscience toward ,god1 there is no ,christian baptism4 ,therefore1 the person to be baptized must be old enough to have a conscience in the matter4 ,he must have a consciousness of sin1 and also of forgiveness by ,christ4 ,he must know the life that is manifested1 and must willingly give up his old life of sin for the new life of righteousness4 ,baptism is 8not the putting away of the filth of the flesh0 7#a ,peter #c3ba71 not the outward cleansing of the body1 but the purging of the soul and conscience4 ,there is a fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness 7,zech4 #ac3a71 and this fountain is the blood1 the life of ,christ4 ,that life flows in a stream from the throne of ,god1 in the midst of which is the slain ,lamb 7,rev4 #e3f71 even as it flowed from the side of ,christ on the cross4 ,when1 8through the eternal ,spirit10 ,he had offered ,himself to ,god1 there flowed from ,his side blood and water 7,john #ai3cd71 8for there are three who bear witness1 the ,spirit1 and the water1 and the blood2 and the three agree in one0 7#a ,john #e3h1 ,r4 ,v474 ,all these are also one with the ,word1 which is ,spirit and life4 ,john #f3fc4 ,christ 8loved the church1 and gave ,himself for it2 that ,he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the ,word40 ,eph4 #e3be1 #bf4 ,literally1 8a water bath in the ,word40 ,in being buried in the water1 in the name of the ,father1 ,son1 and ,holy ,spirit1 the conscientious believer signifies his acceptance of the water of life1 the blood of ,christ1 which cleanses from all sin1 and that he gives himself to live henceforth by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of ,god4 ,from that time he disappears from sight1 and only the life of ,christ is manifested in his mortal flesh4 ,sidenote3 ,one in ,christ1 the ,seed4 8,there is neither ,jew nor ,greek1 there is neither bond nor free1 there is neither male nor female2 for ye are all one in ,christ ,jesus40 8,there is no difference40 ,this is the key-note of the ,gospel4 ,all are alike sinners1 and all are saved in the same way4 ,they who would make a distinction on the ground of nationality1 claiming that there is something different for the ,jew than for the ,gentile1 might just as well make a difference on the ground of sex1 claiming that women can not be saved in the same way and at the same time as men1 or that a servant can not be saved in the same way as his master4 ,no2 there is but one way1 and all human beings1 of whatever race or condition1 are equal before ,god4 8,ye are all one in ,christ ,jesus10 and ,christ is the ,one4 ,so it is that 8,he saith not1 ,and to seeds1 as of many2 but as of one1 ,and to thy ,seed1 which is ,christ40 8,for ye are all one in ,christ ,jesus4 ,and if ye be ,christ's1 then are ye ,abraham's seed1 and heirs according to the promise40 ,there is but one seed1 but it embraces all who are ,christ's4 ,sidenote3 ,only ,one ,man4 ,in putting on ,christ1 we 8put on the new man1 which after ,god is created in righteousness and true holiness40 ,eph4 #d3bd4 ,he has abolished in ,his flesh the enmity1--the carnal mind1--8for to make in ,himself of twain one new man40 ,eph4 #b3ae4 ,he alone is the real man1--8the ,man ,christ ,jesus40 ,outside of ,him there is no real manhood4 ,we come unto 8a perfect man0 only when we arrive at 8the measure of the stature of the fulness of ,christ40 ,eph4 #d3ac4 ,in the fulness of time ,god will gather together in one all things in ,christ4 ,there will be but one ,man1 and only one ,man's righteousness1 even as the seed is but one4 ,but 8if ye be ,christ's1 then are ye ,abraham's seed1 and heirs according to the promise40 ,sidenote3 8,until the ,seed ,should ,come40 ,it needs not many words now to determine what is meant by the phrase1 8till the seed should come to whom the promise was made40 ,we know what the seed is1--all who are ,christ's1--and we know that it has not yet come in its fulness4 ,to be sure1 ,christ was once manifested on earth in the flesh1 but ,he did not receive the promised inheritance1 any more than ,abraham did4 ,abraham had not so much as to put his foot on 7,acts #g3e71 and ,christ had not where to lay ,his head4 ,moreover1 ,christ can not come into the inheritance until ,abraham does also1 for the promise was 8to ,abraham and to his seed40 ,the ,lord by the prophet ,ezekiel spoke of the inheritance at the time when ,david ceased to have a representative on his throne on earth1 and ,he foretold the overthrow of ,babylon1 ,persia1 ,greece1 and ,rome1 in these words3 8,remove the diadem1 and take off the crown2 this shall not be the same2 exalt him that is low1 and abase him that is high4 ,i will overturn1 overturn1 overturn it2 and it shall be no more1 until ,he come whose right it is2 and ,i will give it ,him40 ,eze4 #ba3bf1 #bg4 ,so ,christ sits on ,his ,father's throne1 8from henceforth expecting till ,his enemies be made ,his foot-stool40 ,soon will ,he come1 but not until the last soul has accepted ,him that can by any possibility be induced to accept salvation4 ,those who are led by the ,spirit of ,god1 are the sons of ,god1 and joint-heirs with ,christ1 so that ,christ can not come into the inheritance before they do4 ,the seed is one1 not divided4 ,when ,he comes to execute judgment1 and to slay those who said1 8,we will not have this ,man to reign over us10 ,he comes 8with ten thousands of ,his holy ones40 ,jude #ad4 ,then will the seed be complete1 and the promise will be fulfilled4 ,and until that time the law will faithfully perform its task of stirring up and pricking the consciences of sinners1 giving them no rest until they become identified with ,christ1 or cast ,him off altogether4 ,do you accept the terms8 ,will you cease your complaints against the law which would save you from sinking into a fatal sleep8 ,and will you in ,christ accept its righteousness8 ,then1 as ,abraham's seed1 and an heir according to the promise1 you can rejoice in your freedom from the bondage of sin1 singing3-- 8,i'm the child of a ,king1 ,the child of a ,king1 ,with ,jesus my ,saviour1 ,i'm the child of a ,king40 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,the ,adoption of ,sons4 ,a ,,little ,,retrospect4 ,it is absolutely impossible to exhaust any portion of ,scripture4 ,the more one studies it1 the more one sees in it1 and not only that1 but the more one becomes conscious of the fact that there is much more in it than appears to view4 ,the ,word of ,god1 like ,himself1 is absolutely unfathomable4 ,one's understanding of any given portion of the ,scripture depends on the thoroughness of his knowledge of that which precedes it4 ,let us1 therefore1 give a little further attention to that portion of the third chapter of this ,epistle which treats of ,the ,seed4 ,first of all1 it must be borne in mind that ,christ is the ,seed4 ,that is plainly stated4 ,but ,christ did not live for ,himself1 and ,he is not heir simply for ,himself4 ,he has won an inheritance1 not for ,himself1 but for ,his brethren4 ,god's purpose is to 8gather together in one all things in ,christ40 ,he will finally put an end to divisions of every kind1 and ,he does it now in those who accept ,him4 ,in ,christ there are no distinctions of nationality1 and no classes and ranks4 ,no ,christian thinks of any other man as ,english1 ,german1 ,french1 ,russian1 ,turk1 ,chinese1 or ,african1 but simply as a man1 and1 therefore1 a possible heir of ,god through ,christ4 ,if that other man1 no matter what his race or nation1 be also a ,christian1 then the bond becomes mutual1 and1 therefore1 still stronger4 8,there is neither ,jew nor ,greek1 there is neither bond nor free1 there is neither male nor female2 for ye are all one in ,christ ,jesus40 ,it is for this reason that it is impossible for a ,christian to engage in war4 ,he knows no distinction of nationality1 but regards all men as his brothers4 ,but the chief reason why he can not engage in warfare is that the life of ,christ is his life1 for he is one with ,christ2 and it would be as impossible for him to fight as it would be for ,christ to seize a sword and wield it in self-defense2 and two ,christians can no more fight against each other than ,christ can fight against ,himself4 ,however1 we are not now engaged in discussing war1 but are merely showing the absolute unity of believers in ,christ4 ,they are one4 ,there is1 therefore1 but one ,seed1 and that is ,christ2 for1 however many millions of true believers there may be1 they are only one in ,christ4 ,each man has his own individuality1 but it is in every case only the manifestation of some phase of the individuality of ,christ4 ,in a human body there are many members1 and all members have1 not the same office1 but differ in their individuality2 yet there is absolute unity and harmony in every healthy body4 ,with those who have put on the new man1 which is renewed in knowledge after the image of ,him that created him1 8there is neither ,greek nor ,jew1 circumcision nor uncircumcision1 ,barbarian1 ,scythian1 bond nor free2 but ,christ is all1 and in all40 ,col4 #c3aa4 ,the ,harvest4 ,in ,christ's explanation of the parable of the tares and the wheat1 we are told that 8the good seed are the children of the kingdom40 ,matt4 #ac3ch4 ,the man would not allow the tares to be pulled out of the wheat1 because in the early stage it would be difficult to distinguish in every case between the wheat and the tares1 and some of the wheat would be destroyed4 ,so he said1 8,let both grow together until the harvest2 and in the time of harvest ,i will say to the reapers1 ,gather ye together first the tares1 and bind them in bundles to burn them2 but gather the wheat into my barn40 ,it is in the harvest that the seed is gathered4 ,everybody knows that4 ,but what the parable especially shows is that it is in the harvest that the seed is fully manifested2 in short1 that the seed comes at harvest time4 ,the harvest only waits for the seed to be fully manifested and matured4 ,but 8the harvest is the end of the world40 ,so the time when 8the seed should come to whom the promise was made10 is the end of the world1 when the time comes for the promise of the new earth to be fulfilled4 ,indeed1 the seed can not possibly be said to come before that time1 since the end of the world will come just as soon as the last person who can be induced to accept ,christ has done so2 and the seed is not complete as long as there is one grain lacking4 ,read now1 in the nineteenth verse of the third chapter1 that the law was spoken because of transgression1 8till the seed should come to whom the promise was made40 ,what do we learn from that8--,simply this1 that the law as spoken from ,sinai1 without the change of a single letter1 is an integral part of the ,gospel1 and must be presented in the ,gospel until the second coming of ,christ1 at the end of the world4 8,till heaven and earth pass1 one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the law40 ,and what of the time when heaven and earth pass1 and the new heaven and the new earth come8--,then the law will not be needed written in a book1 for men to preach to sinners1 showing them their sins1 for it will be in the heart of every man4 ,heb4 #h3aj1 #aa4 ,done away8--,not by any means2 but indelibly engraved in the heart of every individual1 written not with ink1 but with the ,spirit of the living ,god4 ,with the truth concerning the seed before us1 and the parable of the wheat and the tares fresh in our minds1 let us proceed in our study4 8,but ,i say that so long as the heir is a child1 he differeth nothing from a bond-servant1 though he is lord of all2 but is under guardians and stewards until the term appointed of the father4 ,so we also1 when we were children1 were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world2 but when the fulness of the time came1 ,god sent forth ,his ,son1 born of a woman1 born under the law1 that ,he might redeem them which were under the law1 that we might receive the adoption of sons4 ,and because ye are sons1 ,god sent forth the ,spirit of ,his ,son into our hearts1 crying1 ,abba1 ,father4 ,so that thou art no longer a bond-servant1 but a son2 and if a son1 then an heir through ,god4 8,howbeit at that time1 not knowing ,god1 ye were in bondage to them which by nature are no gods2 but now that ye have come to know ,god1 or rather to be known of ,god1 how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments1 whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again8 ,ye observe days1 and months1 and seasons1 and years4 ,i am afraid of you1 lest by any means ,i have bestowed labor upon you in vain4 8,i beseech you1 brethren1 be as ,i am1 for ,i am as ye are4 ,ye did me no wrong2 but ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh ,i preached the ,gospel unto you the first time2 and that which was a temptation to you in my flesh ye despised not1 nor rejected2 but ye received me as an angel of ,god1 even as ,christ ,jesus4 ,where then is that gratulation of yourselves8 for ,i bear you witness1 that1 if possible1 ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me4 ,so then am ,i become your enemy1 because ,i tell you the truth8 ,they zealously seek you in no good way2 nay1 they desire to shut you out1 that ye may seek them4 ,but it is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times1 and not only when ,i am present with you4 ,my little children1 of whom ,i am again in travail until ,christ be formed in you1 yea1 ,i could wish to be present with you now1 and to change my voice2 for ,i am perplexed about you4 8,tell me1 ye that desire to be under the law1 do ye not hear the law8 ,for it is written1 that ,abraham had two sons1 one by the handmaid1 and one by the freewoman4 ,howbeit the son by the handmaid is born after the flesh2 but the son by the freewoman is born through promise4 ,which things contain an allegory2 for these women are two covenants2 one from ,mount ,sinai1 bearing children unto bondage1 which is ,hagar4 ,now this ,hagar is ,mount ,sinai in ,arabia1 and answereth to the ,jerusalem that now is2 for she is in bondage with her children4 ,but the ,jerusalem that is above is free1 which is our mother4 ,for it is written3-- 8,rejoice1 thou barren that bearest not2 ,break forth and cry1 thou that travailest not2 ,for more are the children of the desolate than of her which hath the husband4 8,now we1 brethren1 as ,isaac was1 are children of promise4 ,but as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the ,spirit1 even so it is now4 ,howbeit what saith the ,scripture8 ,cast out the handmaid and her son2 for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman4 ,wherefore1 brethren1 we are not children of a handmaid1 but of a freewoman40 ,galatians #d1 ,r4 ,v4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,statement of ,fact4 ,it must be apparent to all that the chapter division makes no difference in the subject4 ,the third chapter closes with a statement as to who are heirs1 and the fourth chapter proceeds with a study of the question of heirship4 ,the first two verses explain themselves4 ,they are a simple statement of fact4 ,although a child may be heir to a vast estate1 he has no more to do with it until he is of age1 than a servant has4 ,if he should never come of age1 then he would never actually enter upon his inheritance4 ,he would have lived all his life as a servant1 so far as any share in the inheritance is concerned4 ,now for ,the ,application4 8,so we also1 when we were children1 were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world40 ,if we look ahead to the fifth verse1 we shall see that the state here known as 8children0 is that before we receive 8the adoption of sons40 ,it represents the condition before we were redeemed from the curse of the law1 that is1 before we were converted4 ,it does not1 therefore1 mean children of ,god1 as distinguished from worldlings1 but the 8children0 of whom the apostle speaks in ,eph4 #d3ad1 8tossed to and fro1 and carried about with every wind of doctrine1 by the sleight of men1 and cunning craftiness1 whereby they lie in wait to deceive40 ,in short1 it refers to us in our unconverted state1 when we 8were by nature the children of wrath1 even as others40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,rudiments of the ,world4 8,when we were children10 we were in bondage under the rudiments of the world4 ,no one who has the slightest acquaintance with the ,lord needs to be told that the rudiments of the world have nothing in common with ,him1 and do not proceed from ,him4 8,for all that is in the world1 the lust of the flesh1 and the lust of the eyes1 and the pride of life1 is not of the ,father1 but is of the world4 ,and the world passeth away1 and the lust thereof40 #a ,john #b3af1 #ag4 ,the friendship of the world is enmity with ,god4 8,whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of ,god40 ,james #d3d4 ,it is from 8this present evil world0 that ,christ came to deliver us4 ,we are warned to 8take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit1 after the tradition of men1 after the rudiments of the world1 and not after ,christ40 ,col4 #b3h4 ,the bondage to the rudiments of the world is the condition of walking 8according to the course of this world10 8in the lusts of our flesh1 fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind20 being 8by nature the children of wrath40 ,eph4 #b3a-c4 ,it is the same bondage that is described in ,gal4 #c3bb-bd1 before faith came1 when we were under the law1 8under sin40 ,it is the condition of men who are 8without ,christ1 being aliens from the commonwealth of ,israel1 and strangers from the covenants of promise1 having no hope1 and without ,god in the world40 ,eph4 #b3ab4 ,sidenote3 ,all ,men ,possible ,heirs4 ,it may be asked1 ,if such is the condition of those here referred to as 8children10 how can they be spoken of as heirs8 ,the answer is plain4 ,it is on the principle that it is not manifest who constitute the seed1 until the harvest4 ,god has not cast off the human race2 therefore1 since the first man created was called 8the son of ,god10 it follows that all men are heirs in the sense that they are in their minority4 ,as already learned1 8before faith came10 although all were wanderers from ,god1 we were kept under the law1 guarded by a severe master1 8shut up10 in order that we might be led to accept the promise4 ,what a blessed thing it is that ,god counts even the ungodly1 those who are in the bondage of sin1 as ,his children1--wandering1 prodigal sons1 but still children4 ,god has made all men 8accepted in the ,beloved40 ,this probationary life is given us for the purpose of giving us a chance to acknowledge ,him as ,father1 and to become sons indeed4 ,but1 unless we come back to ,him1 we shall die as slaves of sin4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,fulness of the ,time40 ,christ came in the fulness of time4 ,a parallel statement to this is found in ,rom4 #e3f3 8,when we were yet without strength1 in due time ,christ died for the ungodly40 ,but the death of ,christ serves for those who live now and for those who lived before ,he was manifested in the flesh in ,judea1 just as well as for the men who lived at that time4 ,his death made no more change eighteen hundred years ago than it did four thousand years ago4 ,it had no more effect on the men of that generation than on the men of any other generation4 ,it is once for all1 and1 therefore1 has an equal effect on every age4 8,the fulness of time0 was the time foretold in prophecy1 when the ,messiah should be revealed2 but the redemption was for all men in all ages4 ,he was foreordained before the foundation of the world1 but was 8manifest in these last times40 #a ,peter #a3bj4 ,if it had been ,god's plan that ,he should have been revealed in this century1 or even not until the last year before the close of time1 it would have made no difference with the ,gospel4 8,he ever liveth10 and ,he ever has lived1 8the same yesterday1 and to-day1 and forever40 ,it is 8through the eternal ,spirit0 that ,he offers ,himself for us 7,heb4 #i3ad71 so that the sacrifice is equally present and efficacious in every age4 ,sidenote3 8,born of a ,woman40 ,god sent forth ,his ,son1 born of a woman1 and1 therefore1 a veritable man4 ,he lived an average lifetime on this earth in the flesh1 and suffered all the ills and troubles that fall to the lot of 8man that is born of woman40 8,the ,word was made flesh40 ,christ always designated ,himself as 8the ,son of man10 thus forever identifying ,himself with the whole human race4 ,the bond of union can never be broken4 ,sidenote3 8,born under the ,law40 ,being born of a woman1 ,christ was necessarily born under the law1 for such is the condition of all mankind1 and 8in all things it behooved ,him to be made like unto ,his brethren1 that ,he might be a merciful and faithful ,high ,priest in things pertaining to ,god1 to make reconciliation for the sins of the people40 ,heb4 #b3ag4 ,he takes everything on ,himself4 8,he hath borne our griefs1 and carried our sorrows40 8,himself took our infirmities1 and bare our disease40 ,matt4 #h3ag1 ,r4 ,v4 8,all we like sheep have gone astray2 we have turned every one to his own way2 and the ,lord hath laid on ,him the iniquity of us all40 ,he redeems us by coming into our place literally1 and taking our load off our shoulders4 8,him who knew no sin ,he made to be sin on our behalf2 that we might become the righteousness of ,god in ,him40 #b ,cor4 #e3ba1 ,r4 ,v4 ,in the fullest sense of the word1 and to a degree that is seldom thought of when the expression is used1 ,he became man's substitute4 ,that is1 ,he permeates our being1 identifying ,himself so fully with us that everything that touches or affects us touches and affects ,him4 ,he is not our substitute in the sense that one man is a substitute for another1 in the army1 for instance1 the substitute being in one place1 while the one for whom he is substitute is somewhere else1 engaged in some other service4 ,no2 ,christ's substitution is far different4 ,he is our substitute in that ,he substitutes ,himself for us1 and we appear no more4 ,we drop out entirely1 so that it is 8not ,i1 but ,christ40 ,thus we cast our cares on ,him1 not by picking them up and with an effort throwing them on ,him1 but by humbling ourselves into the nothingness that we are1 so that we leave the burden resting on ,him alone4 ,thus we see already how it is that ,he came 8,to ,redeem ,them ,that ,were under the ,law40 ,he does it in the most practical and real way4 ,whom does ,he redeem8--8,them that were under the law40 ,we can not refrain from referring for a moment to the idea that some have that this expression1 8to redeem them that were under the law10 has a mere local application4 ,they would have it that it means that ,christ freed the ,jews from the necessity of offering sacrifices1 or from any further obligation to keep the commandments4 ,well1 suppose we take it as referring only to the ,jews1 and especially to those who lived at the time of ,his first advent2 what then8--,simply this1 that we shut ourselves off from any place in the plan of redemption4 ,if it was only the ,jews that were under the law1 then it was only the ,jews that ,christ came to redeem4 ,ah1 we do not like to be left out1 when it comes to the matter of redemption6 ,then we must acknowledge that we are1 or were before we believed1 8under the law20 for ,christ came to redeem none but those who were under the law4 8,under the law10 as we have already seen1 means condemned by the law as transgressors4 ,christ did 8not come to call the righteous1 but sinners to repentance40 ,but the law condemns none but those who are amenable to it1 and who ought to keep it4 ,therefore1 since ,christ redeems us from the law1 from its condemnation1 it follows that ,he redeems us to a life of obedience to it4 ,sidenote3 8,that ,we ,might ,receive the ,adoption of ,sons40 8,beloved1 now are we the sons of ,god40 #a ,john #c3b4 8,as many as received ,him1 to them gave ,he power to become the sons of ,god1 even to them that believe on ,his name40 ,john #a3ab4 ,this is an altogether different state from that described in the third verse as 8children40 ,in that state we were 8a rebellious people1 lying children1 children that will not hear the law of the ,lord40 ,isa4 #cj3i4 ,believing on ,jesus1 and receiving the adoption of sons1 we are described 8as obedient children1 not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance40 #a ,peter #a3ad4 ,christ said1 8,i delight to do ,thy will1 ,o ,my ,god2 yea1 ,thy law is within ,my heart40 ,ps4 #dj3h4 ,therefore1 since ,he becomes our substitute1 as described in the last paragraph but one1 literally taking our place1 not instead of us1 but coming into us1 and living our life in us and for us1 it necessarily follows that the same law must be within our hearts when we receive the adoption of sons4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,witness of the ,spirit4 8,it is the ,spirit that beareth witness1 because the ,spirit is truth40 #a ,john #e3f4 8,because ye are sons1 ,god hath sent forth the ,spirit of ,his ,son into your hearts1 crying1 ,abba1 ,father10 or1 ,father1 ,father4 ,oh1 what joy and peace come with the entering of the ,spirit into the heart as a permanent resident2 not as a guest merely1 but as sole proprietor6 ,being justified by faith we have peace with ,god through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 so that we 8joy in ,god10 rejoicing even in tribulations1 having hope that never disappoints1 because 8the love of ,god is shed abroad in our hearts by the ,holy ,ghost which is given unto us40 ,rom4 #e3a-e4 ,then we can love even as ,god does2 we have the same love1 because we have the ,divine nature4 8,the ,spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit1 that we are the children of ,god40 8,he that believeth hath the witness in himself40 ,sidenote3 8,no ,more a ,servant1 but a ,son40 8,thou art no more a servant1 but a son40 ,it will be seen that as there are two kinds of children1 so there are two classes of servants4 ,in the first part of this chapter we have the word 8children0 used to designate those who are not 8of full age10 and have not their senses exercised to discern both good and evil4 ,heb4 #e3ad4 ,the promise is to them1 even as it is 8to all that are afar off10 but it remains to be seen if they will1 by accepting it1 become partakers of the divine nature1 and so sons of ,god indeed4 ,while thus the children of wrath1 men are servants of sin1 not servants of ,god4 ,the ,son of ,god is a servant1 but a servant in a far different sense from the servant here referred to4 ,the character of the servant depends on the master whom he serves4 ,in this chapter the word 8servant0 invariably applies1 not to servants of ,god1 who are really sons1 but to the bond-servants of sin4 ,between such a servant and a son there is a vast difference4 ,the slave can not possess anything2 he has no control over himself1 and this is his distinguishing characteristic4 ,the free-born son1 on the contrary1 has dominion over every created thing1 as in the beginning1 because he has the victory over himself2 for 8he that is slow to anger is better than the mighty2 and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city40 ,sidenote3 8,if a ,son1 ,then an ,heir40 ,when the prodigal son was wandering from the father's house1 he differed nothing from a servant1 because he was a servant1 doing the most menial drudgery4 ,in that condition he came back to the old homestead1 feeling that he deserved no better place than that of a servant4 ,but the father saw him while he was yet a long way off1 and ran and met him1 and received him as a son1 and1 therefore1 as an heir1 although he had forfeited all right to heirship4 ,so we have forfeited our right to be called sons1 and have squandered away the inheritance2 yet ,god receives us in ,christ as sons indeed1 and gives us the same rights and privileges that ,christ has4 ,although ,christ is now in heaven at the right hand of ,god1 8far above all principality1 and power1 and might1 and dominion1 and every name that is named1 not only in this world1 but also in that which is to come0 7,eph4 #a3bj1 #ba71 ,he has nothing that ,he does not share with us2 for 8,god1 who is rich in mercy1 for ,his great love wherewith ,he loved us1 even when we were dead in sins1 hath quickened made alive us together with ,christ1 and hath raised us up together1 and made us sit together in heavenly places in ,christ0 7,eph4 #b3d-f74 ,christ is one with us in our present suffering1 that we may be one with ,him in ,his present glory4 ,he 8hath exalted them of low degree40 ,even now 8,he raiseth up the poor out of the dust1 and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill1 to set them among princes1 and to make them inherit the throne of glory40 #a ,sam4 #b3h4 ,no king on earth has so great possessions1 nor so much actual power1 as the poorest peasant who knows the ,lord as his ,father4 ,sidenote3 ,heathen ,bondage4 ,the apostle ,paul1 writing to the ,corinthians1 said1 8,ye know that ye were ,gentiles1 carried away unto these dumb idols1 even as ye were led40 #a ,cor4 #ab3b4 ,even so it was with the ,galatians4 ,to them he wrote1 8,not knowing ,god1 ye were in bondage to them which by nature are no gods40 ,if this fact is borne in mind1 it will save the reader from falling into some very common errors in opinion concerning this ,epistle4 ,the ,galatians had been heathen1 worshiping idols1 and in bondage to the most degrading superstitions4 ,bear in mind that this bondage is the same as that which is spoken of in the preceding chapter1--they were 8shut up0 under the law4 ,it was the very same bondage in which all unconverted persons are1 for in the second and third chapters of ,romans we are told that 8there is no difference2 for all have sinned40 ,the ,jews themselves1 who did not know the ,lord by personal experience1 were in the same bondage1--the bondage of sin4 8,every one that committeth sin is the bond-servant of sin40 ,john #h3cd1 ,r4 ,v4 ,and 8he that committeth sin is of the devil40 #a ,john #c3h4 8,the things which the ,gentiles sacrifice1 they sacrifice to devils1 and not to ,god40 #a ,cor4 #aj3bj4 ,if a man is not a ,christian1 he is a heathen2 there is no middle ground4 ,if the ,christian apostatizes1 he immediately becomes a heathen4 ,we ourselves once walked 8according to the course of this world1 according to the prince of the power of the air1 the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience0 7,eph4 #b3b71 and we 8were aforetime foolish1 disobedient1 deceived1 serving divers lusts and pleasures1 living in malice and envy1 hateful1 hating one another0 7,titus #c3c1 ,r4 ,v474 ,so we also were 8in bondage to them which by nature are no gods40 ,the meaner the master1 the worse the bondage4 ,what language can depict the horror of being in bondage to corruption itself8 ,sidenote3 ,in ,love with ,bondage4 8,now that ye have come to know ,god1 or rather to be known of ,god1 how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments1 whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again80 ,is it not strange that men should be in love with chains8 ,christ has proclaimed 8liberty to the captives1 and the opening of the prison to them that are bound0 7,isa4 #fa3a71 saying to the prisoners1 8,go forth10 and to them that are in darkness1 8,show yourselves0 7,isa4 #di3i72 yet men who have heard these words1 and have come forth1 and have seen the light of 8the ,sun of ,righteousness10 and have tasted the sweets of liberty1 actually turn round and go back into their prison1 submit to be bound with their old chains1 even fondling them1 and labor away at the hard treadmill of sin4 ,who has not had something of that experience8 ,it is no fancy picture4 ,it is a fact that men can come to love the most revolting things1 even death itself2 for ,wisdom says1 8,all they that hate ,me love death40 ,prov4 #h3cf4 ,in the ,epistle to the ,galatians we have a vivid picture of human experience4 ,sidenote3 ,observing ,heathen ,customs4 8,ye observe days1 and months1 and times1 and years40 ,this was an evidence of their bondage4 8,ah10 says some one1 8they had gone back to the old ,jewish ,sabbath2 that was the bondage against which ,paul would warn us60 ,how strange it is that men have such an insane hatred of the ,sabbath1 which the ,lord ,himself gave to the ,jews1 in common with all other people on the earth1 that they will seize upon every word that they think they can turn against it1 although in order to do so they must shut their eyes to all the words that are around it6 ,anybody who reads the ,epistle to the ,galatians1 and thinks as he reads1 must know that the ,galatians were not ,jews4 ,they had been converted from heathenism4 ,therefore1 previous to their conversion they had never had anything to do with any religious custom that was practised by the ,jews4 ,they had nothing whatever in common with the ,jews4 ,consequently1 when they turned again to the 8weak and beggarly elements0 to which they were willing again to be in bondage1 it is evident that they were not going back to any ,jewish practise4 ,they were going back to their old heathen customs4 8,but were not the men who were perverting them ,jews80--,yes1 they were4 ,but remember this one thing1 when you seek to turn a man away from ,christ to some substitute for ,christ1 you can not tell where he will end4 ,you can not make him stop just where you want him to4 ,if a converted drunkard loses faith in ,christ1 he will take up his drinking habits as surely as he lives1 even though the ,lord may have taken the appetite away from him4 ,so when these 8false brethren0--,jewish opposers of 8the truth of the ,gospel0 as it is in ,christ--succeeded in seducing the ,galatians from ,christ1 they could not get them to stop with ,jewish ceremonies4 ,no2 they inevitably drifted back to their old heathen superstitions4 ,sidenote3 ,forbidden ,practises4 ,read the tenth verse again1 and then read ,deut4 #ah3aj3 8,there shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire1 or that useth divination1 or an observer of times1 or an enchanter1 or a witch40 ,now read what the ,lord says to the heathen who would shield themselves from just judgment that is about to come upon them3 8,thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels4 ,let now the astrologers1 the star-gazers1 the monthly prognosticators1 stand up1 and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee40 ,isa4 #dg3ac4 ,here we see that the very things to which the ,galatians were returning1 were forbidden by the ,lord when ,he brought ,israel out of ,egypt4 ,now we might as well say that when ,god forbade these things ,he was warning the ,israelites against keeping the ,sabbath1 as to say that ,paul was upbraiding the ,galatians for keeping it1 or that he had any reference to it whatever4 ,god forbade these things at the very time when ,he gave the commandment concerning ,sabbath-keeping4 ,so far back into their old ways had the ,galatians gone that ,paul was afraid lest all his labor on them had been in vain4 ,they were forsaking ,god and returning to 8the weak and beggarly elements of the world10 which no reverent person can think of as ever having had any connection with ,god4 ,they were changing their glory for 8that which doth not profit0 7,jer4 #b3aa72 for 8the customs of the heathen are vain40 ,there is just as much danger for us in this respect as there ever was for any people4 ,whoever trusts in himself1 having any confidence whatever in the flesh1 is worshiping the works of his own hands instead of ,god1 just as truly as does any one who makes and bows down to a graven image4 ,it is so easy for a man to trust to his own supposed shrewdness1 to his ability to 8take care of himself10 and to forget that the thoughts even of the wise are vain1 and that there is no power but of ,god4 8,let not the wise man glory in his wisdom1 neither let the mighty man glory in his might1 let not the rich man glory in his riches2 but let him that glorieth glory in this1 that he understandeth and knoweth ,me1 that ,i am the ,lord which exercise loving-kindness1 judgment1 and righteousness1 in the earth2 for in these things ,i delight1 saith the ,lord40 ,jer4 #i3bc1 #bd4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,messenger ,not ,personally ,affronted4 8,he whom ,god hath sent speaketh the words of ,god40 ,john #c3cd4 ,the apostle ,paul was sent by ,god and the ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and did not speak his own words4 ,he was a messenger1 bearing a message from ,god1 and not from any man4 ,the work was not his1 nor any other man's1 but ,god's1 and he was but the humble instrument1 the earthen vessel1 which ,god had chosen as the means of carrying ,his glorious ,gospel of grace4 ,therefore1 ,paul did not feel affronted when his message was unheeded or even rejected4 8,ye have not injured me at all10 he says4 ,he did not regret the labor that he had bestowed upon the ,galatians1 on his own account1 as though it were so much of his time wasted2 but he was fearful for them1 lest his labor had been in vain as far as they were concerned4 ,the man who from the heart can say1 8,not unto us1 ,o ,lord1 not unto us1 but unto ,thy name give glory1 for ,thy mercy1 and for ,thy truth's sake0 7,ps4 #aae3a71 can not feel personally injured if his message is not received4 ,whoever becomes irritated or angry when his teaching is slighted or ignored or scornfully rejected1 shows either that he has forgotten that it was ,god's words that he was speaking1 or else that he had mingled with them or substituted for them words of his own4 ,this is what has led to all the persecution that has disgraced the professed ,christian church4 ,men have arisen speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves1 and when their sayings and customs were not heeded1 they have been offended1 and have visited their vengeance on the so-called heretics4 ,no one in all the ages has ever suffered persecution for failure to obey the commandments of ,god1 but only for neglect of human customs and traditions4 ,it is a grand thing always to be zealous in a good thing1 but let the zeal be according to sanctified knowledge4 ,the zealous person should frequently ask himself1 ,whose servant am ,i8 ,if he is ,god's servant1 then he will be content with delivering the message that ,god has given him1 leaving vengeance to ,god1 to whom it belongs4 ,sidenote3 ,power in ,weakness4 8,ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh ,i preached the ,gospel unto you the first time40 ,from the incidental statements in this ,epistle we can easily gather the history of the experience of the ,galatian brethren1 and of ,paul's relation to it4 ,having been detained in ,galatia by physical weakness1 he preached the ,gospel 8in demonstration of the ,spirit and of power10 so that the people saw ,christ crucified among them1 and1 accepting ,him1 were filled with the power and joy of the ,holy ,ghost4 ,their joy and blessedness in the ,lord was testified to publicly1 and they suffered much persecution in consequence2 but this they counted as nothing4 ,paul1 in spite of his unsightly appearance 7compare #a ,cor4 #b3a-e2 #b ,cor4 #aj3aj71 was received as ,god's own messenger1 because of the joyful news that he brought4 ,so highly did they appreciate the riches of grace which he had opened up to them1 that they would gladly have given their own eyes to supply his deficiency4 ,all this is referred to in order that the ,galatians may see from what they have fallen1 as they consider their present barrenness1 and that they may know that the apostle was disinterested in his solicitude for them4 ,he told them the truth once1 and they rejoiced in it2 it is not possible that he is become their enemy because he continues to tell them the same truth4 ,but there is still more in these personal references4 ,we must not imagine that ,paul was pleading for personal sympathy when he referred to his afflictions1 and to the great inconvenience under which he had labored4 ,far from it4 ,not for a moment did he lose sight of the purpose for which he was writing1 namely1 to show that 8the flesh profiteth nothing10 but that everything of good is from the ,holy ,spirit of ,god4 ,the ,galatians had 8begun in the ,spirit40 ,paul was naturally small of stature1 and weak in body1 and was suffering special affliction when he first met them2 yet1 in spite of his almost absolute helplessness1 he preached the ,gospel with such mighty power that none could fail to see that there was a real1 although unseen1 presence with him4 ,the ,gospel is not of man1 but of ,god4 ,it was not made known to them by the flesh1 and they were not indebted to the flesh for any of the blessings that they had received4 ,what blindness1 what infatuation1 then1 for them to think to perfect by their own efforts that which nothing but the power of ,god could begin6 ,have we learned this lesson8 ,sidenote3 ,where ,is the ,blessedness8 ,everybody who has ever had any acquaintance with the ,lord1 knows that in accepting ,him there is joy4 ,it is always expected that a new convert will have a beaming countenance1 and a joyful testimony4 ,so it had been with the ,galatians4 ,but now their expressions of thanksgiving had given place to bickering and strife4 ,see ,gal4 #e3ae4 ,is it not strange that people do not expect that old ,christians will have as much enthusiasm as young converts8 that it is taken for granted that the first joy1 and the warmth of the first love1 will gradually die away8 ,so it is1 but so it should not be4 ,that which ,god has against ,his people is this1 that they have left their first love4 ,rev4 #b3d4 8,the path of the just is as the shining light1 that shineth more and more unto the perfect day40 ,prov4 #d3ah4 ,note that this is the path of the just1 and the just are they who live by faith4 ,when men turn from the faith1 or attempt to substitute works for it1 the light goes out4 ,jesus said1 8,these things have ,i spoken unto you1 that ,my joy might remain in you1 and that your joy might be full40 ,john #ae3aa4 ,he gives the oil of joy--the ,holy ,spirit--for mourning1 and that is abiding4 ,the life is manifested that we might have fulness of joy4 #a ,john #a3a-d4 ,the fountain of life is never exhausted2 the supply is never diminished4 ,if1 therefore1 our light grows dim1 and our joy gives place to a dull1 monotonous grind1 we may know that we have turned aside out of the way of life4 ,sidenote3 ,desiring to ,be under the ,law4 8,tell me1 ye that desire to be under the law1 do ye not hear the law80 ,after what we have already had1 there will be no one to come with the objection that to be under the law can not be a very deplorable condition1 else the ,galatians would not have desired to be under it4 8,there is a way that seemeth right unto a man2 but the end thereof are the ways of death40 ,prov4 #af3be4 ,how many there are who love ways that everybody except themselves can see are leading them direct to death2 yes1 there are many who1 with their eyes wide open to the consequences of their course1 will persist in it1 deliberately choosing 8the pleasures of sin for a season10 rather than righteousness and length of days4 ,to be 8under the law0 of ,god is to be condemned by it as a sinner chained and doomed to death1 yet many millions besides the ,galatians have loved the condition1 and still love it4 ,ah1 if they would only hear what it says6 ,there is no reason why they should not hear it1 for it speaks in thunder tones4 8,he that hath ears to hear1 let him hear40 ,sidenote3 8,what ,saith the ,law80 ,it saith1 8,cast out the bondwoman and her son2 for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman40 ,it speaks death to all who take pleasure in the beggarly elements of the world4 8,cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in1 the book of the law to do them40 ,to what place shall the wicked bond-servant be cast out8--8,into outer darkness2 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth40 8,for1 behold1 the day cometh1 that shall burn as an oven2 and all the proud1 yea1 and all that do wickedly1 shall be stubble2 and the day that cometh shall burn them up1 saith the ,lord of hosts1 that it shall leave them neither root nor branch40 ,therefore1 8,remember ye the law of ,moses ,my servant1 which ,i commanded unto him in ,horeb for all ,israel1 with the statutes and judgments40 ,mal4 #d3a1 #d4 ,all who are under the law1 whether they be called ,jews or ,gentiles1 ,christians or ,mohammedans1 are in bondage to ,satan1--in the bondage of transgression and sin1--and are to be cast out4 8,every one that committeth sin is the bond-servant of sin4 ,and the bond-servant abideth not in the house forever2 the son abideth forever40 ,thank ,god1 then1 for 8the adoption of sons40 ,sidenote3 8,two ,sons40 ,those false teachers would persuade the brethren that in turning from whole-hearted faith in ,christ and trusting to works which they themselves could do1 they would become children of ,abraham1 and so heirs of the promises4 ,they forgot that ,abraham had two sons4 ,i myself have talked with a ,jew according to the flesh1 who did not know that ,abraham had more than one son2 and there are many ,christians who seem to think that to be descended from ,abraham1 after the flesh1 is all-sufficient to insure one a share in the promised inheritance4 8,they which are the children of the flesh1 these are not the children of ,god2 but the children of the promise are counted for the seed40 ,rom4 #i3h4 ,now of the two sons of ,abraham1 one was born after the flesh1 and the other was by promise1 born of the ,spirit4 8,by faith even ,sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age1 since she counted ,him faithful who had promised40 ,heb4 #aa3aa1 ,r4 ,v4 ,hagar was an ,egyptian slave4 ,the children of a slave woman are always slaves1 even though their father be a freeman2 and so ,hagar could bring forth children only to bondage4 ,but long before ,ishmael was born1 the ,lord had plainly signified to ,abraham1 who wished that his servant ,eliezer might be his heir1 that it was not a bond-servant1 even though born in his house1 that ,he had promised him1 but a free-born son1--a son born of a freewoman4 ,god has no slaves in ,his kingdom4 ,sidenote3 8,these ,are the ,two ,covenants40 ,what are the two covenants8--,the two women1 ,hagar and ,sarah2 for we read that ,hagar is ,mount ,sinai1 8which gendereth to bondage40 ,that is1 just as ,hagar could not bring forth any other kind of children than slaves1 so the law1 even the law that ,god spoke from ,sinai1 can not beget freemen4 ,it can do nothing but hold them in bondage4 8,the law worketh wrath20 8for by the law is the knowledge of sin40 ,the same is true of the covenant from ,sinai1 for it consisted merely of the promise of the people to keep that law1 and had1 therefore1 no more power to make them free than the law itself had1--no more power than they already had in their bondage4 ,nay1 rather1 it 8gendered to bondage10 since their making it was simply a promise to make themselves righteous by their own works1 and man in himself is 8without strength40 ,consider the situation3 ,the people were in the bondage of sin2 they had no power to break their chains2 but the speaking of the law made no change in their condition2 it introduced no new feature4 ,if a man is in prison for crime1 you can not release him by reading the statutes to him4 ,it was the law that put him there1 and the reading of it to him only makes his captivity more painful4 8,then did not ,god ,himself lead them into bondage80--,not by any means2 since ,he did not induce them to make that covenant at ,sinai4 ,four hundred and thirty years before that time ,he had made a covenant with ,abraham1 which was sufficient for all purposes4 ,that covenant was confirmed in ,christ1 and1 therefore1 was a covenant from above4 ,see ,john #h3bc4 ,it promised righteousness as a free gift of ,god through faith1 and it included all nations4 ,all the miracles that ,god had wrought in delivering the children of ,israel from ,egyptian bondage were but demonstrations of ,his power to deliver them and us from the bondage of sin4 ,yes1 the deliverance from ,egypt was itself a demonstration not only of ,god's power1 but also of ,his desire to lead them from the bondage of sin1 that bondage in which the covenant from ,sinai holds men1 because ,hagar1 who is the covenant from ,sinai1 was an ,egyptian4 ,so when the people came to ,sinai1 ,god simply referred them to what ,he had already done1 and then said1 8,now therefore1 if ye will obey ,my voice indeed1 and keep ,my covenant1 then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto ,me above all people2 for all the earth is ,mine40 ,ex4 #ai3e4 ,to what covenant did ,he refer8--,evidently to the one already in existence1 ,his covenant with ,abraham4 ,if they would simply keep ,god's covenant1 that is1 ,god's promise1--keep the faith1--they would be a peculiar treasure unto ,god1 for ,god1 as the possessor of all the earth1 was able to do with them all that ,he had promised4 ,the fact that they in their self-sufficiency rashly took the whole responsibility upon themselves1 does not prove that ,god led them into making that covenant1 but the contrary4 ,he was leading them out of bondage1 not into it1 and the apostle plainly tells us that covenant from ,sinai was nothing but bondage4 ,further1 if the children of ,israel who came out of ,egypt had but walked 8in the steps of that faith of our father ,abraham1 which he had being yet uncircumcised0 7,rom4 #d3ab71 the law would never have been spoken from ,sinai2 8for the promise1 that he should be the heir of the world1 was not to ,abraham1 or to his seed1 through the law1 but through the righteousness of faith0 7,rom4 #d3ac74 ,faith justifies1 makes righteous2 if the people had had ,abraham's faith1 they would have had the righteousness that he had2 and then there would have been no occasion for the entering of the law1 which was 8spoken because of transgression40 ,the law would have been in their hearts1 and they would not have needed to be awakened by its thunders to a sense of their condition4 ,god never expected1 and does not now expect1 that any person can get righteousness by the law proclaimed from ,sinai2 and everything connected with ,sinai shows it4 ,yet the law is truth1 and must be kept4 ,god delivered the people from ,egypt1 8that they might observe ,his statutes1 and keep ,his laws40 ,ps4 #aje3de4 ,we do not get life by keeping the commandments1 but ,god gives us life in order that we may keep them4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,two ,covenants ,parallel4 ,note the statement which the apostle makes when speaking of the two women1 ,hagar and ,sarah3 8,these are the two covenants40 ,so then the two covenants existed in every essential particular in the days of ,abraham4 ,even so they do to-day2 for the ,scripture says now as well as then1 8,cast out the bondwoman and her son40 ,we see then that the two covenants are not matters of time1 but of condition4 ,let no one flatter himself that he can not be under the old covenant1 because the time for that is passed4 ,the time for that is passed only in the sense that 8the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the ,gentiles1 when we walked in lasciviousness1 lusts1 excess of wine1 revelings1 banquetings1 and abominable idolatries40 #a ,peter #d3c4 ,sidenote3 ,difference ,between the ,two4 ,the difference is just the difference between a freewoman and a slave4 ,hagar's children1 no matter how many she might have had1 would have been slaves1 while those of ,sarah would necessarily be free4 ,so the covenant from ,sinai holds all who adhere to it in bondage 8under the law20 while the covenant from above gives freedom1 not freedom from obedience to the law1 but freedom from disobedience to it4 ,the freedom is not found away from the law1 ,but in the law4 ,christ redeems from the curse1 which is the transgression of the law4 ,he redeems us from the curse1 that the blessing may come on us2 and the blessing is obedience to the law4 8,blessed are the undefiled in the way1 who walk in the law of the ,lord40 ,ps4 #aai3a4 ,this blessedness is freedom4 8,i will walk at liberty2 for ,i seek ,thy precepts40 ,ps4 #aai3de4 ,the difference between the two covenants may be put briefly thus3 ,in the covenant from ,sinai we ourselves have to do with the law alone1 while in the covenant from above1 we have the law in ,christ4 ,in the first instance it is death to us1 since the law is sharper than any two-edged sword1 and we are not able to handle it without fatal results2 but in the second instance we have the law 8in the hand of a ,mediator40 ,in the one case it is what we can do2 in the other case it is what the ,spirit of ,god can do4 ,bear in mind that there is not the slightest question in the whole ,epistle to the ,galatians as to whether or not the law should be kept4 ,the only question is1 ,how shall it be done8 ,is it to be our own doing1 so that the reward shall not be of grace but of debt8 or is it to be ,god working in us both to will and to do of ,his good pleasure8 ,sidenote3 ,mount ,sinai and ,mount ,zion4 8,this ,agar is ,mount ,sinai in ,arabia1 and answereth to ,jerusalem which now is1 and is in bondage with her children4 ,but ,jerusalem which is above is free1 which is the mother of us all40 ,as there are the two covenants1 so there are two cities to which they pertain4 ,jerusalem which now is pertains to the old covenant--to ,mount ,sinai4 ,it will never be free1 but will be replaced by the city of ,god1 the heavenly ,jerusalem1 8which cometh down out of heaven40 ,rev4 #c3ab2 #ba3a-e4 ,it is the city for which ,abraham looked1 the 8city which hath foundations1 whose builder and maker is ,god40 ,heb4 #aa3aj2 ,rev4 #ba3ad4 ,there are many who build great hopes--all their hope--on ,jerusalem which now is4 ,for such the veil remaineth 8untaken away in the reading of the old testament40 #b ,cor4 #c3ad4 ,they are in reality looking to ,mount ,sinai and the old covenant for salvation1 and it is not to be found there4 8,for ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched1 and that burned with fire1 nor unto blackness1 and darkness1 and tempest1 and the sound of a trumpet1 and the voice of words2 which voice they that heard entreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more 7for they could not endure that which was commanded1 ,and if so much as a beast touch the mountain1 it shall be stoned1 or thrust through with a dart2 and so terrible was the sight1 that ,moses said1 ,i exceedingly fear and quake72 but ye are come unto ,mount ,sion1 and unto the city of the living ,god1 the heavenly ,jerusalem1 and to an innumerable company of angels1 to the general assembly and church of the first-born1 which are written in heaven1 and to ,god the ,judge of all1 and to the spirits of just men made perfect1 and to ,jesus the ,mediator of the new covenant1 and to the blood of sprinkling1 that speaketh better things than that of ,abel40 ,heb4 #ab3ah-bd4 ,whoever looks to the present ,jerusalem for blessings1 is looking to the old covenant1 to ,mount ,sinai1 to bondage2 whoever worships with his face toward the ,new ,jerusalem1 and who expects blessings only from it1 is looking to the new covenant1 to ,mount ,zion1 to freedom2 for 8,jerusalem which is above is free40 ,from what is it free8--,free from sin2 and since it is our mother1 it begets us anew1 so that we also become free from sin4 ,free from the law8--,yes1 certainly1 for the law has no condemnation for them who are in ,christ ,jesus4 ,but do not let anybody deceive you with vain words1 telling you that you may now trample ,god's law underfoot1--that law which ,he ,himself proclaimed in such awful majesty from ,sinai4 ,coming to ,mount ,sion1--to ,jesus1 the ,mediator of the new covenant1 and to the blood of sprinkling1--we become free from sin1--from transgression of the law4 ,the basis of ,god's throne in ,zion is ,his law4 ,from the throne proceed the same 8lightnings and thunderings and voices0 7,rev4 #d3e2 #aa3ai7 as from ,sinai1 because the selfsame law is there4 ,but it is 8the throne of grace10 and1 therefore1 in spite of the thunders1 we come to it boldly1 assured that from ,god1 the ,judge of all1 who sits upon the mercy-seat1 we shall obtain mercy4 ,nay1 more1 we shall also find grace to help in time of need1--grace to help us in the hour of temptation to sin1--for out of the midst of the throne1 from the slain ,lamb 7,rev4 #e3f71 flows the river of water of life1 bringing to us from the heart of ,christ 8the law of the ,spirit of life40 ,we drink of it1 we bathe in it1 and we find cleansing from all sin4 8,why didn't the ,lord bring the people directly to ,mount ,zion then1 where they could find the law as life1 and not to ,mount ,sinai1 where it was only death80 ,that is a very natural question1 and one that is easily answered4 ,it was because of their unbelief4 ,when ,god brought ,israel out of ,egypt1 it was ,his purpose to bring them to ,mount ,zion as directly as they could go4 ,when they had crossed the ,red ,sea1 they sang an inspired song1 of which this was a part3 8,thou in ,thy mercy hast led forth the people which ,thou hast redeemed2 ,thou hast guided them in ,thy strength unto ,thy holy habitation40 8,thou shalt bring them in1 and plant them in the mountain of ,thine inheritance1 in the place1 ,o ,lord1 which ,thou hast made for ,thee to dwell in1 in the sanctuary1 ,o ,lord1 which ,thy hands have established40 ,ex4 #ae3ac1 #ag4 ,if they had continued singing1 they would very soon have come to ,zion2 for the redeemed of the ,lord 8come with singing unto ,zion10 and everlasting joy is upon their heads4 ,isa4 #ce3aj2 #ea3aa4 ,the dividing of the ,red ,sea was the proof of this4 ,see verse #aj4 ,but they soon forgot the ,lord1 and murmured in unbelief4 ,therefore 8the law was added because of transgressions40 ,it was their own fault--the result of their sinful unbelief--that they came to ,mount ,sinai instead of to ,mount ,zion4 ,nevertheless1 ,god did not leave ,himself without witness of ,his faithfulness4 ,at ,mount ,sinai the law was in the hand of the same ,mediator1 ,jesus1 to whom we come when we come to ,zion2 and from the ,rock in ,horeb1 which is ,sinai1 flowed the living stream1 the water of life from the heart of ,christ4 ,ex4 #ag3f2 #a ,cor4 #aj3d4 ,there they had not merely the picture1 but the reality1 of ,mount ,zion4 ,every soul whose heart there turned to the ,lord1 would have beheld ,his unveiled glory1 even as ,moses did1 and1 being transformed by it1 would have found the ministration of righteousness1 instead of the ministration of condemnation4 8,his mercy endureth forever20 and even upon the clouds of wrath from which proceed the thunders and lightnings of the law1 shines the glorious face of the ,sun of ,righteousness1 and forms the bow of promise4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,son ,abideth ,ever40 8,cast out the bondwoman and her son2 for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman40 8,the bond-servant abideth not in the house forever2 the son abideth forever40 ,john #h3ce1 ,r4 ,v4 ,here is comfort for every soul4 ,you are a sinner1 or1 at best1 8trying to be a ,christian10 and you tremble with terror at these words1 as you realize that you are in bondage1--that sin has a hold upon you1 and you are bound by the cords of evil habits4 ,ah1 you must learn not to be afraid when the ,lord speaks1 for ,he speaks peace1 even though it be with a voice of thunder6 ,the more majestic the voice1 the greater the peace that ,he gives4 ,take courage6 ,the son of the bondwoman is the flesh and its works4 8,flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of ,god2 neither doth corruption inherit incorruption40 ,but ,god says1 8,cast out the bondwoman and her son10 and if you are willing that ,his will shall be done in you as it is done in heaven1 ,he will see that the flesh and its works are cast out from you1 and you will be 8delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of ,god40 ,that command which so frightened you is simply the voice commanding the evil spirit to depart1 and to come no more into you4 ,it speaks to you victory over every sin4 ,receive ,christ by faith1 and you have the power to become the son of ,god1 heir of a kingdom which can not be moved1 but which1 with all its people1 abideth forever4 ,sidenote3 8,stand ,fast1 ,therefore40 ,where shall we stand8--8,in the liberty wherewith ,christ hath made us free40 ,and what freedom is that8--,it is the freedom of ,christ ,himself1 whose delight was in the law of the ,lord1 because it was in ,his heart4 ,ps4 #dj3h4 8,the law of the ,spirit of life in ,christ ,jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death40 ,rom4 #h3b4 ,we stand only by faith4 ,in this freedom there is no trace of bondage4 ,it is perfect liberty4 ,it is liberty of soul1 liberty of thought1 as well as liberty of action4 ,it is not that we are simply given the ability to keep the law1 but we are given the mind that finds delight in doing it4 ,it is not that we comply with the law because we see no other way of escape from punishment2 that would be galling bondage4 ,it is from such bondage that ,god's covenant releases us4 ,no2 the promise of ,god1 when accepted1 puts the mind of the ,spirit into us1 so that we find the highest pleasure in obedience to all the precepts of ,god's ,word4 ,the soul is as free as a bird soaring above the mountain-tops4 ,it is the glorious liberty of the children of ,god1 who have the full range of 8the breadth1 and length1 and depth1 and height0 of ,god's universe4 ,it is the liberty of those who do not have to be watched1 but who can be trusted anywhere1 since their every step is but the movement of ,god's own holy law4 ,why be content with bondage1 when such limitless freedom is yours8 ,the prison doors are open2 walk out into ,god's freedom4 8,out of my shameful failure and loss1 ,jesus1 ,i come4 ,jesus1 ,i come4 ,into the glorious gain of ,thy cross1 ,jesus1 ,i come to ,thee4 ,out of earth's sorrows1 into ,thy balm1 ,out of life's storm1 and into ,thy calm1 ,out of distress to jubilant psalm1 ,jesus1 ,i come to ,thee4 8,out of unrest and arrogant pride1 ,jesus1 ,i come4 ,jesus1 ,i come4 ,into ,thy blessed will to abide1 ,jesus1 ,i come to ,thee4 ,out of myself to dwell in ,thy love1 ,out of despair into raptures above1 ,upward for aye on wings like a dove1 ,jesus1 ,i come to ,thee40 ,,chapter ,v4 ,the ,spirit's ,power over the ,flesh4 ,with freedom did ,christ set us free2 stand fast therefore1 and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage4 8,behold1 ,i ,paul say unto you1 that1 if ye receive circumcision1 ,christ will profit you nothing4 ,yea1 ,i testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision1 that he is a debtor to do the whole law4 ,ye are severed from ,christ1 ye who would be justified by the law2 ye are fallen away from grace4 ,for we through the ,spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness4 ,for in ,christ ,jesus neither circumcision availeth anything1 nor uncircumcision2 but faith working through love4 ,ye were running well2 who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth8 ,this persuasion came not of him that calleth you4 ,a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump4 ,i have confidence to you-ward in the ,lord1 that ye will be none otherwise minded2 but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment1 whosoever he be4 ,but ,i1 brethren1 if ,i still preach circumcision1 why am ,i still persecuted8 then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away4 ,i would that they which unsettle you would even cut themselves off4 8,for ye1 brethren1 were called for freedom2 only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh1 but through love be servants one to another4 ,for the whole law is fulfilled in one word1 even in this3 ,thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself4 ,but if ye bite and devour one another1 take heed that ye be not consumed one of another4 8,but ,i say1 ,walk by the ,spirit1 and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh4 ,for the flesh lusteth against the ,spirit1 and the ,spirit against the flesh2 for these are contrary the one to the other2 that ye may not do the things that ye would4 ,but if ye are led by the ,spirit1 ye are not under the law4 ,now the works of the flesh are manifest1 which are these1 fornication1 uncleanness1 lasciviousness1 idolatry1 sorcery1 enmities1 strife1 jealousies1 wraths1 factions1 divisions1 heresies1 envyings1 drunkenness1 revelings1 and such like2 of the which ,i forewarn you1 even as ,i did forewarn you2 that they which practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of ,god4 ,but the fruit of the ,spirit is love1 joy1 peace1 long-suffering1 kindness1 goodness1 faithfulness1 meekness1 temperance2 against such there is no law4 ,and they that are of ,christ ,jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof4 8,if we live by the ,spirit1 by the ,spirit let us also walk4 ,let us not be vainglorious1 provoking one another1 envying one another40 ,galatians #e1 ,r4 ,v4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the connection between the fourth and fifth chapters of ,galatians is closer than between any other two1 so much so that it is difficult to see how anybody could ever have hit upon the idea of making a chapter division4 ,one can not possibly close his reading of the fourth chapter with the thirty-first verse1 but must take in the first verse of the fifth chapter1 as we have done4 ,but we have not by any means learned all from that verse that we may1 and we therefore dwell upon it longer4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,freedom ,that ,christ ,gives4 ,when ,christ was manifest in the flesh1 ,his work was to proclaim 8deliverance to the captives10 and 8to set at liberty them that are bruised40 ,the miracles that ,he performed were practical illustrations of this work1 and one of the most striking may well be considered at this stage of our study4 8,and ,he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the ,sabbath4 ,and1 behold1 there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years1 and was bowed together1 and could in nowise lift up herself4 ,and when ,jesus saw her1 ,he called her to ,him1 and said unto her1 ,woman1 thou art loosed from thine infirmity4 ,and ,he laid ,his hands on her2 and immediately she was made straight1 and glorified ,god40 ,luke #ac3aj-ac4 ,then when the hypocritical ruler of the synagogue complained because ,jesus did this miracle on the ,sabbath1 ,he referred to how each one would loose his ox or ass from the stall1 and lead him to water1 and then said3-- 8,and ought not this woman1 being a daughter of ,abraham1 whom ,satan hath bound1 lo1 these eighteen years1 be loosed from this bond on the ,sabbath day80 ,two features in this case are worthy of special note3 ,the woman was bound by ,satan1 and she had a spirit of infirmity1 or absence of strength4 ,now note how accurately this describes our condition before we meet ,christ4 #a4 ,we are bound by ,satan1 8taken captive by him at his will40 8,every one that committeth sin is the bond-servant of sin0 7,john #h3cd71 and 8he that committeth sin is of the devil0 7#a ,john #c3h74 8,his own iniquities shall take the wicked himself1 and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins40 ,prov4 #e3bb4 ,sin is the cord with which ,satan binds us4 #b4 ,we have a spirit of infirmity1 and can in nowise lift ourselves up1 or free ourselves from the chains that bind us4 ,it was when we were 8without strength0 that ,christ died for us4 ,rom4 #e3f4 ,now these two words1 8without strength10 are translated from the very same word that is rendered 8infirmity0 in the account of the woman whom ,jesus healed4 ,she was 8without strength40 ,to be without strength means to have no strength at all4 ,that is our condition4 ,sidenote3 ,what ,jesus ,does for ,us4 ,what now does ,jesus do for us8--,he takes the weakness1 and gives us in return ,his strength4 8,we have not an ,high ,priest which can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities40 ,heb4 #d3ae4 8,himself took our infirmities1 and bare our sicknesses40 ,matt4 #h3ag4 ,he becomes all that we are1 in order that we may become all that ,he is4 ,he was 8born under the law1 to redeem them that were under the law40 ,he hath delivered us from the curse1 being made a curse for us1 that the blessing might come to us4 ,although ,he knew no sin1 ,he was made to be sin for us1 8that we might be made the righteousness of ,god in ,him40 #b ,cor #e3ba4 ,sidenote3 ,why ,he ,does ,it4 ,why did ,jesus make that woman free from her infirmity8--,in order that she might walk at liberty4 ,certainly it was not in order that she might continue of her own free will to do that which before she was obliged to do4 ,and why does ,he make us free from sin8--,in order that we may live free from sin4 ,on account of the weakness of our flesh1 we are unable to do the righteousness of the law2 therefore ,christ1 who is come in the flesh1 and who has power over all flesh1 strengthens us with might by ,his ,spirit in the inner man1 that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in us1 who walk not after the flesh1 but after the ,spirit4 ,we can not tell how ,he does it2 ,he alone knows how it is done1 because ,he alone has the power2 but we may know the reality of it4 ,sidenote3 ,present ,freedom4 ,pay special attention to the words of ,jesus to the woman1 uttered while she was yet bound down1 and unable to lift herself up3 8,thou art loosed from thine infirmity40 8,thou art loosed10 present tense4 ,that is just what ,he says to us4 ,to every captive ,he has proclaimed deliverance4 ,the woman 8could in nowise lift up herself20 yet at the word of ,christ she at once stood erect4 ,she could not do it1 yet she did4 ,the things that are impossible for men are possible for ,god4 8,the ,lord upholdeth all that fall1 and raiseth up all those that be bowed down40 ,ps4 #ade3ad4 ,faith does not make facts2 it only lays hold of them4 ,there is not a single soul that is bowed down with the weight of sin which ,satan hath bound on him1 whom ,christ does not lift up4 ,freedom is his2 he has only to make use of it4 ,let the message be sounded far and wide4 ,let every soul hear it1 that ,christ has given deliverance to every captive4 ,thousands will rejoice at the news4 ,christ came to restore that which was lost2 ,he redeems us from the curse2 ,he hath redeemed us2 therefore the liberty wherewith ,he makes us free is the liberty that existed before the curse came4 ,man was made a king4 ,it was not merely the one individual first created who was made king1 but all mankind4 8,in the day that ,god created man1 in the likeness of ,god made ,he him2 male and female created ,he them2 and blessed them1 and called their name ,adam10 that is1 man4 ,gen4 #e3a1 #b4 8,and ,god said1 ,let us make man in our image1 after our likeness2 and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea1 and over the fowl of the air1 and over the cattle1 and over all the earth1 and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth4 ,so ,god created man in ,his own image1 in the image of ,god created ,he him2 male and female created ,he them4 ,and ,god blessed them1 and ,god said unto them1 ,be fruitful1 and multiply1 and replenish the earth1 and subdue it2 and have dominion10 etc4 ,the dominion1 we see1 was given to every human being1 male and female4 ,this dominion was universal4 ,when ,god made man1 ,he 8put all things in subjection under his feet4 ,for in that ,he put all in subjection under him1 ,he left nothing that is not put under him40 ,heb4 #b3h4 ,the dominion was not confined to this planet2 for when ,god crowned man with glory and honor1 ,he set him over the works of ,his hands 7,heb4 #b3g71 and we read1 8,thou1 ,lord1 in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth2 and the heavens are the works of ,thine hands0 7,heb4 #a3aj74 ,this shows how free man was before the curse came2 for it is self-evident that a ruler must have absolute freedom1 at least as far as his dominion extends1 else he is not ruler4 ,it is true that now we do not see all things put under man2 8but we behold ,him who hath been made a little lower than the angels1 even ,jesus1 because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor1 that by the grace of ,god ,he should taste death for every man0 7,heb4 #b3i1 ,r4 ,v471 and thus redeem every man from the curse of the lost dominion4 8,crowned with glory and honor40 ,a crown implies kingship1 and ,christ's crown is that which man had when he was set over the works of ,god's hands4 ,accordingly1 ,christ 7as man1 mind you1 in the flesh71 just as ,he was about to ascend to heaven after the resurrection1 said3 8,all power is given unto ,me in heaven and in earth4 ,go ye therefore40 ,matt4 #bh3ah1 #ai4 ,this indicates that the same power is given to us in ,him2 and this is made certain by the inspired prayer that we might know the exceeding greatness of ,god's power in us who believe1 8according to the working of ,his mighty power1 which ,he wrought in ,christ1 when ,he raised ,him from the dead1 and set ,him at ,his own right hand in the heavenly places1 far above all principality1 and power1 and might1 and dominion1 and every name that is named1 not only in this world1 but also in that which is to come2 and hath put all things under ,his feet20 and this prayer is followed by the statement that ,god has made us alive in ,christ1 and 8raised us up together1 and made us sit together in heavenly places in ,christ ,jesus40 ,eph4 #a3ah-bb2 #b3a-f4 ,christ has tasted death for us as man1 and through the cross has redeemed us from the curse4 ,if we are crucified with ,him1 we are also risen with ,him1 and made to sit together with ,him in the heavenly places1 with all things under our feet4 ,if we do not know this1 it is only because we have not allowed the ,spirit to reveal it to us4 ,the eyes of our heart need to be enlightened by the ,spirit1 that we may know what is 8the hope of ,his calling1 and what the riches of the glory of ,his inheritance in the saints40 ,the exhortation to those who are dead and risen with ,christ is1 8,let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body1 that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof40 ,rom4 #f3ab4 ,that shows that we are masters4 ,we have authority over sin1 that it shall have no dominion over us4 ,we have redemption through the blood of ,christ1 even the forgiveness of sin 7,eph4 #a3g72 and when ,he 8washed us from our sins in ,his own blood10 ,he 8made us kings and priests unto ,god and ,his ,father40 ,rev4 #a3e1 #f4 ,glorious dominion6 ,glorious freedom6 ,freedom from the power of the curse1 even while surrounded by it2 freedom from 8this present evil world10--the lust of the flesh1 the lust of the eyes1 and the pride of life6 ,the freedom of the universe 7power in heaven and on earth71 so that neither 8the prince of the power of the air0 nor the 8rulers of the darkness of this world0 can have any dominion over us6 ,it is the freedom and authority that ,christ had when ,he said1 8,get thee hence1 ,satan40 ,and the devil immediately left ,him4 ,it is authority 8over all the power of the enemy40 ,luke #aj3ai4 ,it is such freedom that nothing in heaven or earth can coerce us1 to make us do anything against our will4 ,god will not attempt it1 for we hold our freedom from ,him2 and no one else can do it4 ,it is power over the elements1 so that they will serve us1 instead of controlling us4 ,we shall learn to recognize ,christ and ,his cross in everything1 so that the curse will be powerless over us1 and our minds and bodies will not be subject to every change in the weather4 ,our health will spring forth speedily2 for the life of ,jesus will be manifest in our mortal flesh4 ,such glorious liberty no tongue or pen can describe4 ,believe in it as the ,holy ,spirit makes it known1 accept it1 and stand fast in it2 yea1 stand fast6 ,sidenote3 8,stand ,fast40 8,by the word of the ,lord were the heavens made2 and all the host of them by the breath of ,his mouth40 8,he spake1 and it was done2 ,he commanded1 and it stood fast40 ,ps4 #cc3f1 #i4 ,the same word that created the starry host1 speaks to us1 8,stand fast60 ,it is not a command that leaves us as helpless as before1 but one which carries the performance of the act with it4 ,recall the cases of the lame men who were healed4 ,john #e3e-i2 ,acts #c3b-h2 #ad3h-aj4 ,the command does the thing commanded4 ,the heavens did not create themselves1 but were brought into existence by the word of the ,lord4 ,then let them be your teachers4 8,lift up your eyes on high1 and see who hath created these1 that bringeth out their host by number2 ,he calleth them all by name2 by the greatness of ,his might1 and for that ,he is strong in power1 not one is lacking40 ,isa4 #dj3bf1 ,r4 ,v4 8,he giveth power to the faint2 and to them that have no might ,he increaseth strength40 ,isa4 #dj3bi4 ,listen to the words1 8,stand fast60 ,sidenote3 ,a ,question of ,profit4 8,if ye receive circumcision1 ,christ will profit you nothing40 ,it should be understood that much more is involved than the mere rite of circumcision4 ,the proof of this is found in the fact that this ,epistle1 which has so much to say about circumcision1 has been preserved by the ,lord for us1 and contains the ,gospel message for all time2 yet circumcision as a rite is not a burning1 living question now4 ,nobody is seeking to have ,christians submit to the rite of circumcision in the flesh4 ,the question under consideration is how to obtain righteousness--salvation from sin--and the inheritance of righteousness4 ,the fact is that it can be obtained only by faith--by receiving ,christ into the heart1 and allowing ,him to live ,his life in us4 ,abraham had this righteousness of ,god by faith of ,jesus ,christ1 and ,god gave ,him circumcision as a sign of that fact4 ,it had a peculiar significance to ,abraham1 serving continually to remind him of his failure1 when he tried1 by means of the flesh1 to fulfil ,god's promise4 ,the record of it serves the same purpose for us4 ,it signifies that 8the flesh profiteth nothing10 and is not1 therefore1 to be depended on4 ,the mere fact of being circumcised did not make ,christ of no avail1 for ,paul was himself circumcised1 and as a matter of expediency he had ,timothy circumcised4 ,acts #af3a-c4 ,but ,paul did not count his circumcision nor any other external thing of any value 7,phil4 #c3d-g71 and when it was proposed to circumcise ,titus1 as a thing necessary to salvation1 he would not allow it 7,gal #b3c-e74 ,that which was to be only the sign of an already-existing fact1 was taken by subsequent generations as the means of establishing the fact4 ,circumcision1 therefore1 stands in this ,epistle as the representative of all kinds of work done by men with a view of obtaining righteousness4 ,outward circumcision1 in the flesh1 which was what ,judaizing teachers were seeking to impose on believers from among the ,gentiles as the great means of salvation 7see ,acts #ae3a71 stands for the works of the flesh1 as opposed to the ,spirit4 ,now the truth is stated that if a person does anything with the expectation of being saved by it1 that is1 of getting salvation by his own work1 ,christ profits him nothing4 ,if ,christ be not accepted as a complete ,redeemer1 ,he is not accepted at all4 ,that is to say1 if ,christ be not accepted for what ,he is1 ,he is rejected4 ,he can not be other than what ,he is4 ,christ is not divided2 and ,he does not share with any other person or thing the honor of being ,saviour4 ,therefore it is easy to see that if any one were circumcised with a view to receiving salvation thereby1 that would show absence of faith in ,christ as the all-sufficient and only ,saviour of mankind4 ,god gave circumcision as a sign of faith in ,christ2 the ,jews perverted it into a substitute for faith4 ,so when a ,jew boasted in his circumcision1 he was boasting of his own righteousness4 ,this is shown by verse #d3 8,christ is become of no effect unto you1 whosoever of you are justified by the law2 ye are fallen from grace40 ,this is no disparagement of the law1 but of man's ability to keep the law4 ,it is the glory of the law that it is so holy1 and its requirements are so great1 that no man is able to attain to the perfection of it4 ,only in ,christ is the righteousness of the law ours2 and true circumcision is to worship ,god in ,spirit1 to rejoice in ,christ ,jesus1 and to put no confidence in the flesh4 ,phil4 #c3c4 ,sidenote3 ,in ,debt to the ,law4 8,i testify again to every man that is circumcised1 that he is a debtor to do the whole law40 8,there60 exclaims some one1 8that shows that the law is a thing to be avoided2 for ,paul says that those who are circumcised have got to do the whole law2 and he warns them not to be circumcised40 ,not quite so hasty1 my friend4 ,stick a little more closely to the text4 ,read it again1 and you will see that the bad thing is not the law1 nor the doing of the law1 but that the thing to be avoided is being a debtor to the law4 ,is there not a vast difference8 ,it is a good thing to have food to eat and clothes to wear1 but it is a sorrowful thing to be in debt for these necessary things4 ,sadder yet is it to be in debt for them1 and yet to lack them4 ,a debtor is one who owes something4 ,he who is in debt to the law1 owes what the law demands1 namely1 righteousness4 ,therefore1 whoever is in debt to the law is under the curse2 for it is written1 8,cursed is every one that continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them40 ,so to attempt to get righteousness by any other means than by faith in ,christ is to incur the curse of eternal debt4 ,he is eternally in debt1 for he has nothing wherewith to pay2 yet the fact that he is in debt to the law1--debtor to do the whole law1--shows that he ought to do it all4 ,how shall he do it8--8,this is the work of ,god1 that ye believe on ,him whom ,he hath sent40 ,john #f3bi4 ,let him cease trusting in himself1 and receive and confess ,christ in his flesh1 and then the righteousness of the law will be fulfilled in him1 because he will not walk after the flesh1 but after the ,spirit4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,hope of ,righteousness by ,faith40 8,for we through the ,spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith40 ,don't pass this verse by without reading it more than once1 or you will think that it says something that it does not say4 ,and as you read it1 think of what you have already learned about the promise of the ,spirit4 ,don't imagine that this verse teaches that1 having the ,spirit1 we must wait for righteousness4 ,not by any means2 the ,spirit brings righteousness4 8,the ,spirit is life because of righteousness40 ,rom4 #h3aj4 ,when ,he is come1 ,he will convince the world of sin and of righteousness4 ,john #af3h4 ,whoever1 therefore1 receives the ,spirit1 has the conviction of sin1 and has also the righteousness which the ,spirit shows him that he lacks1 and which the ,spirit alone can bring4 ,what is the righteousness which the ,spirit brings8--,it is the righteousness of the law2 this we know1 8for we know that the law is spiritual40 ,rom4 #g3ad4 ,what1 then1 about the 8hope of righteousness10 for which we wait through the ,spirit8 ,notice that it does not say that we through the ,spirit hope for righteousness1 but that we wait for the hope of righteousness by faith1 that is1 the hope which the possession of righteousness brings4 ,let us briefly go over this matter in detail4 ,it will not take long1 for we have already studied it1 and all that we have to do is to refresh our minds4 #a4 ,the ,spirit of ,god is 8the ,holy ,spirit of promise40 ,not the ,spirit promised1 but the ,spirit the possession of whom insures to us the promise of ,god4 #b4 ,that which ,god has promised to us1 as children of ,abraham1 is an inheritance4 ,the ,holy ,spirit is the earnest or pledge of this inheritance1 until the purchased possession is redeemed and bestowed upon us4 ,eph4 #a3ac1 #ad4 #c4 ,this inheritance that is promised is the new heavens and the new earth1 8wherein dwelleth righteousness40 #b ,peter #c3ac4 #d4 ,the ,spirit brings righteousness2 for the ,spirit is ,christ's representative1 the means by which ,christ ,himself1 who is our righteousness1 comes to dwell in our hearts4 ,john #ad3af-ah4 #e4 ,therefore the hope which the ,spirit brings is the hope which the possession of righteousness brings1 namely1 the hope of an inheritance in the kingdom of ,god1 the earth made new4 #f4 ,the righteousness which the ,spirit brings to us is the righteousness of the law of ,god1 which by the ,spirit is written in our hearts1 instead of on tables of stone4 ,rom4 #b3bi2 #b ,cor4 #c3c4 #g4 ,the sum of the whole matter1 therefore1 is this1 that if we will wholly distrust ourselves1 and will acknowledge that in us there dwelleth no good thing1 and that consequently no good thing can come from us2 and so1 instead of thinking ourselves so powerful that we can do the law1 will allow the ,holy ,spirit to fill us1 that thus we may be filled with the righteousness of the law1 we shall have living hope dwelling in us4 ,the hope of the ,spirit--the hope of righteousness by faith--has no element of uncertainty in it2 it is positive assurance4 ,but in nothing else is there any hope4 ,he who has not 8the righteousness which is of ,god by faith10 has no hope whatever4 ,only ,christ in us is 8the hope of glory40 ,sidenote3 ,no ,power ,except in ,faith4 8,for in ,jesus ,christ neither circumcision availeth anything1 nor uncircumcision2 but faith which worketh by love40 ,the word here rendered 8availeth0 is the same word that is rendered 8able0 in ,luke #ac3bd2 ,acts #ae3aj2 #f3aj4 ,in ,phil4 #d3ac it is rendered 8can do40 ,the statement1 therefore1 amounts to this3 ,circumcision is not able to do anything1 neither is uncircumcision2 but faith alone1 which works by love1 can do anything4 ,this faith which works by love is found only in ,christ ,jesus4 ,but what is it that there is talk about doing8--,nothing else than the law of ,god4 ,no man can do it1 whatever his state or condition4 ,the uncircumcised man has no power to keep the law1 and circumcision has no power to enable him to do it4 ,one may boast of his circumcision1 and another may boast of his uncircumcision1 but both are alike vain4 ,by the law of faith boasting is excluded 7,rom4 #c3bg72 for since the faith of ,christ alone can keep the righteousness of the law1 there is no chance for us to tell what we have done4 8,all to ,christ ,i owe40 ,sidenote3 ,hindered4 ,the ,galatian brethren had started well1 for they had 8begun in the ,spirit20 but somebody had hindered them in the way4 ,the question is1 8,who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth80 ,god's law is the truth 7,ps4 #aai3adb71 and the ,galatian brethren had started out to obey it2 they had succeeded in the beginning1 but later on had been hindered in their progress4 ,why8--8,because they sought it not by faith1 but as it were by the works of the law4 ,for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone40 ,christ is the way1 and the truth1 and the life1 and there is no stumbling in ,him4 ,he is made unto us righteousness2 the perfection of the law is in ,him1 for ,his life is the law4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,offense of the ,cross40 ,the cross is and always has been a symbol of disgrace4 ,to be crucified was to be subjected to the most ignominious death known4 ,the apostle said that if he preached circumcision1 that is1 righteousness by works1 the offense of the cross would cease4 ,the offense of the cross is that it is a confession of human frailty and sin1 and of inability to do any good thing4 ,to take the cross of ,christ means to depend solely on ,him for everything1 and this is the abasement of all human pride4 ,men love to fancy themselves independent4 ,they have no objection to any goodness that they themselves can do4 ,one might preach 8morality0 to a band of robbers1 or to any heathen1 and it would be well received1 so long as they were exhorted to get it by their own efforts4 ,indeed1 they would feel flattered1 rather than otherwise1 for such1 preaching would imply that they were already righteous in themselves4 ,but let the cross be preached2 let it be made known that in man dwelleth no good thing1 and that all must be received as a gift1 and straightway somebody is offended4 ,sidenote3 ,liberty to ,serve1 ,not to ,sin4 8,for1 brethren1 ye have been called unto liberty2 only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh2 but by love serve one another40 ,the two preceding chapters tell about bondage1 imprisonment4 ,before faith comes1 we are shut up under sin1 debtors to the law4 ,the faith of ,christ sets us free1 but as we are set at liberty1 the admonition is given us1 8,go1 and sin no more40 ,we have been set at liberty from sin1 not at liberty to sin4 ,how many make a mistake here6 ,many sincere people imagine that in ,christ we are at liberty to ignore the law1 and to set it at defiance1 forgetting that the transgression of the law is sin4 #a ,john #c3d4 ,to serve the flesh is to commit sin1 8because the carnal mind is enmity against ,god2 for it is not subject to the law of ,god1 neither indeed can be40 ,rom4 #h3g4 ,so when the apostle exhorts us not to use our liberty for an occasion of the flesh1 he simply warns us not to misuse the liberty which ,christ gives us1 and to bring ourselves into bondage again by transgressing the law4 ,instead of this1 we should by love serve one another2 for love is the fulfilling of the law4 ,recall what has been said in this chapter concerning the liberty wherewith ,christ makes us free4 ,he gives us the liberty of the first dominion4 ,but remember that ,god gave the dominion to mankind1 and that in ,christ all are made kings4 ,this shows that the only human being over whom any ,christian has the right to rule is himself4 ,the great man in ,christ's kingdom is he who rules his own spirit4 ,as kings1 our subjects are found in the lower orders of created beings1 in the elements1 and in our own flesh1 but not in our fellow-men4 ,we are to serve them4 ,we are to have in us the mind that was in ,christ while ,he was still in the royal court in heaven1 8in the form of ,god10 which led ,him to take 8the form of a servant40 ,phil4 #b3e-g4 ,he did not change ,his nature in coming to this earth1 but only ,his form2 therefore1 as ,anointed ,king in ,zion1 ,he was a servant4 ,this is further seen by the fact that ,he washed the feet of the disciples1 with full consciousness of the fact that ,he was their ,master and ,lord1 and that ,he came from ,god and went to ,god4 ,john #ac3c-ac4 ,moreover1 when all the redeemed saints appear in glory1 ,christ ,himself 8shall gird ,himself1 and make them to sit down to meat1 and will come forth and serve them40 ,luke #ab3cg4 ,the greatest freedom is found in service--in service rendered to our fellows in the name of ,jesus4 ,he who does the greatest service--not greatest as men reckon1 but what they would call lowest--is the greatest4 ,this we learn from ,christ1 who is ,king of kings and ,lord of lords1 because ,he is servant of all1 performing service that nobody else would or could do4 ,god's servants are all kings4 ,sidenote3 ,love ,fulfils the ,law4 ,love is not a substitute for the keeping of the law1 but is the perfection of it4 ,just here it would be well to read #a ,cor4 #ac4 8,love worketh no ill to his neighbor2 therefore love is the fulfilling of the law40 ,rom4 #ac3aj4 8,if any man say1 ,i love ,god1 and hateth his brother1 he is a liar2 for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen1 how can he love ,god whom he hath not seen80 #a ,john #d3bj4 ,if1 therefore1 a man loves his neighbor it must be that he loves ,god4 8,love is of ,god10 for 8,god is love40 ,therefore love is the life of ,god4 ,if that life be in us1 and be given free course1 the law will necessarily be in us1 for ,god's life is the law for all creation4 ,that life of love was manifested in the gift of ,himself for the world4 8,hereby perceive we the love of ,god1 because ,he laid down ,his life for us2 and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren40 ,sidenote3 ,love ,is ,unselfishness4 ,this follows from the foregoing2 for since love means service1 and service means the doing of something for others1 it is evident that love takes no thought of itself1 and that he who loves has no thought but of how he may bless others4 ,so we read1 8,love suffereth long1 and is kind2 love envieth not2 love vaunteth not itself1 is not puffed up1 doth not behave itself unseemly1 seeketh not its own1 is not provoked1 taketh not account of evil40 #a ,cor4 #ac3d1 #e1 ,r4 ,v4 ,it is just on this vital point that everybody in the world is making or has made a mistake4 ,happy are they who have found out their mistake1 and have come to the understanding and practise of true love4 8,love seeketh not her own40 ,therefore self-love is not love at all1 in the right sense of the word4 ,it is only a base counterfeit4 ,yet the most of that which in the world is called love1 is not really love for another1 but is love of self4 ,even that which should be the highest form of love known on earth1 the love which is used by the ,lord as a representation of ,his love for ,his people1--the love of husband and wife1--is more often selfishness than real love4 ,leaving out of the question1 as unworthy of notice1 marriages that are formed for the purpose of gaining wealth or position in society1 it is a fact1 which all will recognize when their attention is called to it1 that in nearly every case the parties to a marriage are thinking more of their own individual happiness than of the happiness of the other4 ,of course this condition of things exists in varying degrees1 and in proportion as real1 unselfish love exists1 is there real happiness2 for it is a lesson that the world is slow to learn1 that true happiness is found only when one ceases to seek for it1 and sets about making it for others4 ,sidenote3 8,love ,never ,faileth40 ,here again is a test which shows that much that is called love is not love4 ,love never ceases4 ,the statement is absolute1 never4 ,there is no exception1 and no allowance made for circumstances4 ,love is not affected by circumstances4 ,we often hear about one's love growing cold1 but that is something that can never happen4 ,love is always warm1 always flowing2 nothing can freeze the fountain of love4 ,love is absolutely endless and unchangeable1 simply because it is the life of ,god4 ,there is no other love than the love of ,god1 therefore the only possibility for true love to be manifested among mankind is for the love of ,god to be shed abroad in the heart by the ,holy ,spirit4 ,sidenote3 ,why ,love8 ,sometimes when a declaration of love is made1 the loved one asks1 8,why do you love me80 ,just as if anybody could give a reason for love6 ,love is its own reason4 ,if the lover can tell just why he loves another1 then that very answer shows that he does not really love4 ,whatever object he names as a reason for love1 may sometime cease to exist1 and then his supposed love ceases to exist2 but 8love never faileth40 ,therefore love can not depend upon circumstances4 ,so the only answer that can be given to the question as to why one loves1 is 8because10 because of love4 ,love loves1 simply because it is love4 ,love is the quality of the individual who loves1 and he loves because he has love1 irrespective of the character of the object4 ,the truth of this is seen when we go back to ,god1 the ,fountain of love4 ,he is love2 love is ,his life2 but no explanation of ,his existence can be given4 ,the highest human conception of love is to love because we are loved1 or because the object of our love is lovable4 ,but ,god loves the unlovely1 and those who hate ,him4 8,we also were aforetime foolish1 disobedient1 deceived1 serving divers lusts and pleasures1 living in malice and envy1 hateful1 hating one another4 ,but when the kindness of ,god our ,saviour1 and ,his love toward man1 appeared1 not by works done in righteousness1 which we did ourselves1 but according to ,his mercy ,he saved us40 ,titus #c3c1 #d1 ,r4 ,v4 8,if ye love them which love you1 what reward have ye8 do not even the publicans the same80 8,be ye therefore perfect1 even as your ,father which is in heaven is perfect40 ,matt4 #e3df1 #dh4 ,sidenote3 ,working no ,ill4 8,love worketh no ill to his neighbor40 ,the word 8neighbor0 means whoever dwells near4 ,love1 therefore1 extends to everything with which it comes in contact4 ,he who loves must necessarily love everybody4 ,it may be objected that love does make distinctions1 and the case of husband and wife1 or of any of the members of a family1 may be cited4 ,but the objection does not hold1 for the family relation1 rightly understood1 was instituted in order that by a union love might the more effectually be manifested to others4 ,on the principle that strength is not merely doubled1 but increased tenfold1 by union1 as shown by the statement that 8one shall chase a thousand1 and two put ten thousand to flight10 union multiplies the working value of love4 ,if two persons1 each of whom has this unselfish love to all mankind1 unite in love1 then their union makes them ten times better able to serve others4 ,if any one thinks this is too high a standard1 let him remember that we are considering a very high thing--the highest thing in the universe4 ,we are talking of love1 absolute and unqualified1 as it comes from heaven1 and not that which has been dragged through the mire of earth4 ,poor1 frail human beings certainly need the very best4 ,since love worketh no ill to his neighbor1 it obviously follows that ,christian love1--and there is really no other love1 as we have seen1--does not admit of wars and fightings4 ,no philosophy can ever make it appear that it does a man any good to kill him4 ,when the soldiers asked ,john the ,baptist what they should do1 as followers of the ,lamb of ,god1 to whom he pointed1 he replied1 8,do violence to no man40 ,luke #c3ad4 ,those who asked were 8soldiers on service10 as we see from the margin of the ,revised ,version4 ,and the margin also gives as the alternative rendering of ,john's answer1 8,put no man in fear40 ,it would be a very mild war in which this command was followed4 ,if an army were composed of ,christians1--true followers of ,christ1--when they came in contact with the enemy1 instead of shooting them1 they would find out what they needed1 and supply their wants4 8,if thine enemy hunger1 feed him2 if he thirst1 give him drink2 for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head4 ,be not overcome of evil1 but overcome evil with good40 ,rom4 #ab3 #bj1 #ba4 ,sidenote3 8,take ,heed40 8,but if ye bite and devour one another1 take heed that ye be not consumed one of another40 ,see into what danger the ,galatians had run by following evil counsel4 ,by departing from the simplicity of the faith1 they were bringing themselves under the curse1 and in danger of hell fire4 ,for 8the tongue is a fire1 a world of iniquity2 so is the tongue among our members1 that it defileth the whole body1 and setteth on fire the course of nature2 and it is set on fire of hell40 ,james #c3f4 ,the tongue has devoured more than the sword1 for the sword would never be drawn if it were not for the unruly tongue4 ,no man can tame it1 but ,god can4 ,he had done it in the case of the ,galatians1 when their mouths were filled with blessing and praise2 but what a change had again taken place6 ,as the result of their later instruction1 they had descended from blessing to bickering1 and instead of talking to edification1 were about to devour one another4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,leaven of ,malice and ,wickedness40 ,verses #h and #i1 following the question1 8,who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth80 manifestly apply here as well as there1 since biting and devouring are very strong evidences of not obeying the truth4 8,this persuasion cometh not of ,him that calleth you40 ,god is the ,god of peace4 ,of ,christ1 the ,prince of peace1 it was said1 8,he shall not strive0 7,matt4 #ab3ai72 therefore 8the servant of the ,lord must not strive0 7#b ,tim4 #b3bd74 ,the ,gospel of ,jesus ,christ is 8the ,gospel of peace40 ,eph4 #f3ae4 ,when there is bickering and strife in the church1 be sure that the ,gospel has been sadly perverted4 ,let no one flatter himself on his orthodoxy1 or his soundness in the faith1 while he has a quarrelsome disposition1 or can be provoked to quarrel4 ,dissension and strife are the marks of departure from the faith1 if one was ever in it2 for1 8being justified by faith1 we have peace with ,god through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 ,rom4 #e3a4 ,we are not merely at peace with ,god1 but we have peace with ,him--,his peace4 ,so this new persuasion1 which led to strife and the devouring of one another with the tongue of unholy fire1 did not come from ,god1 who had called them into the ,gospel4 ,only a step aside often leads to a wide divergence4 ,two lines of railway may seem to lie parallel1 yet insensibly they diverge until they lead in opposite directions4 8,a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump40 ,a seemingly 8little error10 no matter what it be1 has in it the germ of all wickedness4 8,whosoever shall keep the whole law1 and yet offend in one point1 he is guilty of all40 ,james #b3aj4 ,a single false principle adhered to1 will wreck the whole life and character4 ,the little foxes spoil the vines4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,works of the ,flesh4 ,what are the works of the flesh8--,here is a sample list of them3 8,adultery1 fornication1 uncleanness1 lasciviousness1 idolatry1 witchcraft1 hatred1 variance1 emulations1 wrath1 strife1 seditions1 heresies1 envyings1 murders1 drunkenness1 revelings40 ,not a pleasant-sounding list1 is it8 ,but it is not all of them1 for the apostle adds1 8and such like40 ,there is a good deal to think about in this list1 taken in connection with the statement that 8they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of ,god40 ,compare this list with that given by the ,lord in ,mark #g3ba-bc1 as the things that come from within1 from the heart of man4 ,they are the very life of the natural man4 ,they belong to man by nature4 ,compare both these lists with the list given in ,rom4 #a3bh-cb1 as the things done by the heathen1 who did not like to retain ,god in their knowledge4 ,they are the things that are done by all who do not know the ,lord4 ,then compare these lists of sins with the list given by the apostle ,paul in #b ,tim4 #c3a-e1 of things that will be done in the last days by those who even have a form of godliness4 ,it will be noticed that all these lists are essentially the same4 ,when men turn from 8the truth of the ,gospel10 which is the power of ,god unto salvation to every one that believeth1 they inevitably fall under the power of these sins4 ,sidenote3 8,there ,is ,no ,difference40 ,there is only one flesh of man 7#a ,cor4 #ae3ci71 since all the inhabitants of the earth are descendants of the one pair--,adam and ,eve4 8,by one man sin entered into the world0 7,rom4 #e3ab71 so that whatever sin there is in the world is common to all flesh4 ,therefore it is that in the plan of salvation 8there is no difference between the ,jew and the ,greek2 for the same ,lord over all is rich unto all that call upon ,him40 ,rom4 #aj3ab4 ,see also ,rom4 #c3ba-bd4 ,no person on earth can boast over another1 or has any right to despise another because of his sinful1 degraded condition4 ,the sight or knowledge of low vices in any people1 instead of making us feel complacent over our superior morality1 ought1 on the contrary1 to fill us with sorrow and shame2 for it is but a reminder to us of what our human nature is4 ,the works that manifest themselves in that murderer1 that drunkard1 or that libertine1 are simply the works of our flesh4 ,the flesh of mankind has nothing else in its power but just such works as are described in this chapter4 ,sidenote3 8,and ,such ,like40 ,read again that list of the works of the flesh4 ,some of them are generally recognized as very bad1 or1 at any rate1 as not respectable2 but others are commonly regarded as venial sins1 if not absolute virtues4 ,notice1 however1 the words 8and such like10 which indicate that all the things here named are identical in character4 ,the ,scripture tells us that hatred is murder4 8,whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer40 #a ,john #c3ae4 ,moreover1 anger is also murder1 as shown by the ,saviour in ,matt4 #e3ba1 #bb4 ,envy1 which is so common1 also contains murder in it4 ,but who regards emulation as sinful8 ,isn't emulation encouraged everywhere8 ,are not children from their infancy taught to strive to surpass somebody else8 ,is not emulation fostered1 not only in schools of all kinds1 but also in the home and in the church8 ,in the ,sabbath-school1 emulation is fostered by the records that are often read out4 ,so far from being regarded as sinful in the extreme1 it is cultivated4 ,and yet the ,word of ,god assures us that it is of the same kind as adultery1 fornication1 murder1 and drunkenness1 and that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of ,god4 ,is it not a fearful thing8 99 99 99 99 99 ,the love of self1 the desire for the supremacy1 is the source of all the other sins that are mentioned4 ,out of that have grown innumerable murders2 and yet many mothers are unconsciously training their children in that very evil1 even while striving to bring them up properly1 by saying3 8,now see if you can behave better than so and so40 8,see if you can not learn to read or play better than such an one40 8,see if you can not keep your clothes looking as nice as that one40 ,all such expressions1 which are everyday words in thousands of households1 are teaching emulation1 setting a false standard4 ,the child is not taught to distinguish between the right and the wrong1 and to love the right1 but is simply trained to appear better than somebody else4 ,that leads to self-deception and ,pharisaism1 for all that is thought necessary is to present a better appearance than others1 while the heart is corrupt4 ,those others may not be of very high character1 and so the emulator is satisfied1 even in this faulty exertion1 with simply appearing better than some one who is himself very bad4 ,go through the entire list1 and study each word carefully4 ,ah1 the abominable works of the flesh are lurking where many least suspect them6 ,they are wherever human flesh is1 and are manifest in some form or other wherever the flesh is not crucified4 ,sin coucheth at the door4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,flesh and the ,spirit in ,conflict4 ,the flesh and the ,spirit of ,god have nothing in common4 ,they are 8contrary the one to the other10 that is1 they lie over against each other1 like two active foes1 each eagerly watching the opportunity to crush the other4 ,the flesh is corruption2 it can not inherit the kingdom of ,god1 because corruption doth not inherit incorruption4 #a ,cor4 #ae3ej4 ,the flesh can not be converted2 it must be destroyed4 ,the carnal 7fleshly7 mind 8is enmity against ,god2 for it is not subject to the law of ,god1 neither indeed can be4 ,so then they that are in the flesh can not please ,god40 ,rom4 #h3g1 #h4 ,here is the secret of the backsliding of the ,galatians1 and of the trouble which so many find in living the ,christian life4 ,the ,galatians began in the ,spirit1 but thought to attain to perfection by the flesh 7chapter #c3c71 a thing as impossible as to reach the stars by delving in the earth4 ,so many people desire to do right1 but1 not having definitely and fully yielded to the ,spirit1 they can not do the things that they would4 ,the ,spirit strives with them1 and has partial control1 or is at times quite fully yielded to1 and they have a rich experience2 then the ,spirit is grieved1 the flesh asserts itself1 and they seem like other persons4 ,they are swayed at times by the mind of the ,spirit1 and at times by the mind of the flesh 7,rom4 #h3f71 and so1 being double-minded1 they are unstable in all their ways 7,james #a3h74 ,it is a most unsatisfactory position in which to be4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,spirit and the ,law4 8,if ye be led of the ,spirit1 ye are not under the law40 8,for we know that the law is spiritual2 but ,i am carnal1 sold under sin40 ,rom4 #g3ad4 ,the flesh and the ,spirit are in opposition2 but against the fruits of the ,spirit there is no law4 ,gal4 #e3bb1 #bc4 ,therefore the law is against the works of the flesh4 ,the carnal mind is 8not subject to the law of ,god40 ,so those who are in the flesh can not please ,god1 but are 8under the law40 ,this is another clear proof of the fact that to be 8under the law0 is to be a transgressor of it4 8,the law is spiritual20 therefore all who are led by the ,spirit are in full harmony with the law1 and so they are not under it4 ,here again we see that the controversy was not whether or not the law should be kept2 that never at that time came into the mind of anybody professing godliness4 ,but the question was concerning how it could be fulfilled4 ,the ,galatians were being led astray by the flattering teaching that they themselves had power to do it1 while the heaven-sent apostle strenuously maintained that only through the ,spirit could it be kept4 ,this he showed from the ,scriptures1 from the history of ,abraham1 and from the experience of the ,galatians themselves4 ,they began in the ,spirit1 and as long as they continued in the ,spirit1 they ran well2 but when they substituted themselves for the ,spirit1 immediately the works began to manifest themselves1 which were wholly contrary to the law4 ,the ,holy ,spirit is the life of ,god2 ,god is love2 love is the fulfilling of the law2 the law is spiritual4 ,therefore whoever would be spiritual must submit to the righteousness of ,god1 which is witnessed to by the law1 but is gained only through the faith of ,jesus ,christ4 ,whoever is led by the ,spirit must keep the law1 not as a condition of receiving the ,spirit1 but as the necessary result4 ,we often find people who profess to be so spiritual1 so wholly led by the ,spirit1 that they do not need to keep the law4 ,they admit that they do not keep the law1 but say that it is the ,spirit that leads them to do as they do1 and that1 therefore1 it can not be sin1 even though opposed to the law4 ,such persons make the terrible mistake of substituting their own carnal mind for the mind of the ,spirit4 ,they have confounded the flesh with the ,spirit1 and have thus put themselves in the place of ,god4 ,that is the very worst kind of popery4 ,to speak against the law of ,god1 is to speak against the ,spirit4 ,they are terribly blinded1 and should pray1 8,open ,thou mine eyes1 that ,i may behold wondrous things out of ,thy law40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,fruit of the ,spirit4 ,the first-fruit of the ,spirit is love1 and 8love is the fulfilling of the law40 ,joy and peace come next1 for1 8being justified by faith1 we have peace with ,god through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 8,and not only so1 but we also joy in ,god through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 ,rom4 #e3a1 #aa4 ,christ was anointed with the ,holy ,ghost 7,acts #aj3ch71 or1 as stated in another place1 8with the oil of gladness0 7,heb4 #a3i74 ,the service of ,god is a joyful service4 ,the kingdom of ,god is 8righteousness1 and peace1 and joy in the ,holy ,ghost40 ,rom4 #ad3ag4 ,he who is not glad1 not occasionally merely1 but all the time1--glad in adversity as well as in prosperity1--does not yet know the ,lord as he should4 ,the words of ,christ lead to fulness of joy4 ,john #ae3aa4 ,love1 joy1 peace1 long-suffering1 gentleness1 goodness1 faith1 meekness1 temperance1 must come forth spontaneously from the heart of the true follower of ,christ4 ,they can not be forced4 ,but they do not dwell naturally in us4 ,it is natural for us to be angry and exasperated1 instead of gentle and long-suffering1 when opposed4 ,note the contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruits of the ,spirit4 ,the first come naturally2 therefore1 in order for the good fruit to be borne1 we must be made completely over into new creatures4 8,a good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good40 ,luke #f3de4 ,goodness comes not from any man1 but from the ,spirit of ,christ continually dwelling in him4 ,sidenote3 ,christ's by ,crucifixion4 8,they that are ,christ's have crucified the flesh with the passions and lusts40 ,it is by death that we become joined to ,christ4 ,as many as are baptized into ,christ1 have put on ,christ 7,gal4 #e3bg71 and as many as have been baptized into ,christ1 have been baptized into ,his death 7,rom4 #f3c74 8,our old man is crucified with ,him1 that the body of sin might be destroyed1 that henceforth we should not serve sin4 ,for he that is dead is freed from sin40 ,rom4 #f3f1 #g4 8,i am crucified with ,christ2 nevertheless ,i live2 yet not ,i1 but ,christ liveth in me2 and the life which ,i now live in the flesh ,i live by the faith of the ,son of ,god1 who loved me1 and gave ,himself for me40 ,gal4 #b3bj4 ,this is the experience of every true child of ,god4 8,if any man be in ,christ1 he is a new creature40 #b ,cor4 #e3ag4 ,he still lives in the flesh1 to all outward appearance the same as other men1 yet he is in the ,spirit1 and not in the flesh4 ,rom4 #h3i4 ,he lives in the flesh a life that is not of the flesh1 and the flesh has no power over him1 but1 so far as its works are concerned1 is dead4 8,the body is dead because of sin2 but the ,spirit is life because of righteousness40 ,sidenote3 ,walking in the ,spirit4 8,if we live in the ,spirit1 let us also walk in the ,spirit40 ,is there any doubt as to whether or not we live in the ,spirit8--,not the slightest1 nor is there any implied4 ,because we live in the ,spirit1 we are in duty bound to submit to the ,spirit4 ,only by the ,spirit's power--the same ,spirit that in the beginning hovered over the face of the deep and brought order out of chaos--can any person live4 8,the ,spirit of ,god hath made me1 and the breath of the ,almighty hath given me life40 ,job #cc3d4 ,by the same breath were the heavens made4 ,ps4 #cc3f4 ,the ,spirit of ,god is the life of the universe4 ,the ,spirit of ,god in our nostrils 7,job #bg3c7 keeps us in life4 ,the ,spirit is the universal presence of ,god1 in whom 8we live1 and move1 and have our being40 ,we are dependent on the ,spirit for life1 and therefore should walk according to1 or be guided by1 the ,spirit4 ,this is our 8reasonable service40 ,what a wondrous possibility is here set forth6 ,to live in the flesh as though the flesh were spirit4 8,there is a natural body1 and there is a spiritual body40 8,howbeit that was not first which is spiritual1 but that which is natural2 and afterwards that which is spiritual40 #a ,cor4 #ae3dd1 #df4 ,the natural body we now have2 the spiritual body all the true followers of ,christ will receive at the resurrection4 ,see #a ,cor4 #ae3db-dd1 #ej-ec4 ,yet in this life1 in the natural body1 men are to be spiritual1--to live just as they will in the future spiritual body4 8,ye are not in the flesh1 but in the ,spirit1 if so be that the ,spirit of ,god dwell in you40 ,rom4 #h3i4 8,the natural man receiveth not the things of the ,spirit of ,god2 for they are foolishness unto him2 neither can he know them2 because they are spiritually discerned4 ,but he that is spiritual judgeth all things40 #a ,cor4 #b3ad1 #ae4 8,except a man be born again from above1 he can not see the kingdom of ,god40 8,that which is born of the flesh is flesh2 and that which is born of the ,spirit is spirit40 ,john #c3c1 #f4 ,by our natural birth we inherit all the evils enumerated in this fifth chapter of ,galatians1 8and such like40 ,we are fleshly2 corruption rules in us4 ,by the new birth we inherit the fulness of ,god1 being made 8partakers of the ,divine nature1 having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust40 #b ,peter #a3d4 8,the old man1 which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts0 7,eph4 #d3bb71 is crucified1 and 8put off10 8that the body of sin might be destroyed1 that henceforth we should not serve sin0 7,rom4 #f3f74 ,abiding in the ,spirit1 walking in the ,spirit1 the flesh with its lusts has no more power over us than if we were actually dead and in our graves4 ,it is then the ,spirit of ,god alone that animates the body4 ,the ,spirit uses the flesh as an instrument of righteousness4 ,the flesh is still corruptible1 still full of lusts1 still ready to rebel against the ,spirit1 but as long as we yield our wills to ,god1 the ,spirit holds the flesh in check4 ,if we waver1 if we in our hearts turn back to ,egypt1 or if we become self-confident1 and so relax our dependence on the ,spirit1 then we build again the things that we destroyed1 and again make ourselves transgressors4 ,but this need not be4 ,christ has 8power over all flesh10 and ,he has demonstrated ,his ability to live a spiritual life in human flesh4 ,this is the ,word made flesh1 ,god manifest in the flesh4 ,it is the revelation of 8the love of ,christ1 which passeth knowledge1 that we might be filled with all the fulness of ,god40 ,with this ,spirit of love and meekness ruling us1 we shall not be desirous of vainglory1 provoking one another1 envying one another4 ,all things will be of ,god1 and this will be acknowledged1 so that none will have any disposition to boast over another4 ,this ,spirit of life in ,christ--the life of ,christ--is given freely to all4 8,whosoever will1 let him take the water of life freely40 8,for the ,life was manifested1 and we have seen it1 and bear witness1 and show unto you that eternal life1 which was with the ,father1 and was manifested unto us40 8,thanks be unto ,god for ,his unspeakable gift40 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,the ,glory of the ,cross4 ,in the last part of the fifth chapter1 and in the sixth1 we learn the practical character of the entire ,epistle4 ,hasty readers are likely to think that there is a division in it1 and that the latter part treats of practical1 spiritual life1 while the first part is devoted to theoretical doctrines4 ,this is a great error4 ,no part of the ,bible is theory2 it is all fact4 ,there is no part of the ,bible that is not spiritual and practical4 ,moreover1 it is all doctrine4 ,doctrine means teaching4 ,christ's talk to the multitudes on the mount is called doctrine1 because 8,he opened ,his mouth and taught them40 ,some people express a sort of contempt for doctrine2 they speak slightingly of it1 as though it belonged to the realm of abstruse theology1 and not to practical1 every-day life4 ,such ones unconsciously do dishonor to the preaching of ,christ1 which was nothing else but doctrine4 ,that is to say1 ,he always taught the people4 ,all true doctrine is intensely practical2 it is given to men for no other purpose than to be practised4 ,sidenote3 ,sermonizing ,not ,doctrine4 ,people are led into this error by a wrong use of words4 ,that which they call doctrine1 and which they speak of as impractical1 is not doctrine1 but sermonizing4 ,that is impractical1 and has no place in the ,gospel4 ,no preacher of the ,gospel ever 8delivers a sermon40 ,if he does1 it is because he chooses for a time to do something else besides preach the ,gospel4 ,christ never delivered a sermon4 ,instead of that1 ,he gave the people doctrine2 that is to say1 ,he taught them4 ,he was 8a ,teacher sent from ,god40 ,so the ,gospel is all doctrine2 it is instruction in the life of ,christ4 ,the object of this ,epistle is clearly seen in this closing portion4 ,it is not to furnish ground for controversy1 but to silence it by leading the readers to submit themselves to the ,spirit1 whose fruits are love1 joy1 peace1 long-suffering1 gentleness1 goodness4 ,its purpose is to reclaim those who are sinning against ,god by 8trying to serve0 ,him in their 8own weak way10 and to lead them to serve indeed 8in newness of ,spirit40 ,all the so-called argument of the preceding portion of the ,epistle is simply the demonstration of the fact that 8the works of the flesh10 which are sin1 can be escaped only by the circumcision of the cross of ,christ1--by serving ,god in ,spirit1 and having no confidence in the flesh4 99 99 99 99 99 8,brethren1 even if a man be overtaken in any trespass1 ye which are spiritual1 restore such a one in a spirit of meekness2 looking to thyself1 lest thou also be tempted4 ,bear ye one another's burdens1 and so fulfil the law of ,christ4 ,for if a man thinketh himself to be something1 when he is nothing1 he deceiveth himself4 ,but let each man prove his own work1 and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone1 and not of his neighbor4 ,for each man shall bear his own burden4 8,but let him that is taught in the ,word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things4 ,be not deceived2 ,god is not mocked2 for whatsoever a man soweth1 that shall he also reap4 ,for he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption2 but he that soweth unto the ,spirit shall of the ,spirit reap eternal life4 ,and let us not be weary in well-doing2 for in due season we shall reap1 if we faint not4 ,so then1 as we have opportunity1 let us work that which is good toward all men1 and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith4 8,see with how large letters ,i have written unto you with mine own hand4 ,as many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh1 they compel you to be circumcised2 only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of ,christ4 ,for not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law2 but they desire to have you circumcised1 that they may glory in your flesh4 ,but far be it from me to glory1 save in the cross of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 through which the world hath been crucified unto me1 and ,i unto the world4 ,for neither is circumcision anything1 nor uncircumcision1 but a new creature4 ,and as many as shall walk by this rule1 peace be unto them1 and mercy1 and upon the ,israel of ,god4 8,from henceforth let no man trouble me2 for ,i bear branded on my body the marks of ,jesus4 8,the grace of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ be with your spirit1 brethren4 ,amen40 ,galatians #f1 ,r4 ,v4 ,sidenote3 ,a ,radical ,change4 ,when men set out to make themselves righteous1 pride1 emulation1 vainglory1 boasting1 criticism1 fault-finding1 and backbiting1 leading to open quarrels1 are the result4 ,so it was with the ,galatians1 and so it will ever be4 ,it can not be otherwise4 ,each individual has his own conception of the law1--for1 having determined to be justified by the law1 he reduces it to the level of his own mind1 so that he may be judge1--and can not resist examining his brethren1 as well as himself1 to see if they are up to his measure4 ,if his critical eye detects one who is not walking according to his rule1 he at once proceeds to 8deal with the offender10 who1 if humble submission--not to ,god1 but to his judges--be not tendered1 must be turned out of the church1 lest the robes of 8our righteousness0 be defiled by contact with him4 ,the self-righteous ones constitute themselves their brother's keeper1 to the extent of keeping him out of their company1 lest they should be disgraced4 ,in marked contrast with this spirit1 which is all too common in the church1 is the exhortation with which this chapter opens4 ,instead of hunting for faults1 that we may condemn them1 we are to hunt for sinners1 that we may save them4 ,sidenote3 8,sin ,coucheth at the ,door40 ,to ,cain ,god said1 8,if thou doest not well1 sin coucheth at the door2 and unto thee is its desire1 but thou shouldest rule over it40 ,gen4 #d3g1 ,r4 ,v41 margin4 ,sin is a venomous beast1 lurking in secret1 watching every opportunity to spring upon and overcome the unwary4 ,its desire is to ensnare us1 but power has been given us to rule over it4 8,let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body40 ,nevertheless it is possible 7not necessary7 for the most zealous ones to be overtaken4 8,these things write ,i unto you1 that ye may sin not4 ,and if any man sin1 we have a ,comforter with the ,father1 ,jesus ,christ the ,righteous2 and ,he is the propitiation for our sins2 and not for ours only1 but also for the whole world40 #a ,john #b3a1 #b1 ,r4 ,v41 margin4 ,so1 even though a man be overtaken in any trespass1 he is to be restored1 and not thrust further away4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,gospel ,means ,restoration4 8,for the ,son of man is come to save that which was lost4 ,how think ye8 if a man have an hundred sheep1 and one of them be gone astray1 doth he not leave the ninety and nine1 and goeth into the mountains1 and seeketh that which is gone astray8 ,and if so be that he find it1 verily ,i say unto you1 he rejoiceth more of that sheep1 than of the ninety and nine which went not astray4 ,even so it is not the will of your ,father which is in heaven1 that one of these little ones should perish40 ,matt4 #ah3aa-ad4 ,christ is now in the heavens 8until the times of restoration of all things40 ,sidenote3 ,save the ,one4 ,the ,lord represents ,his work by the case of the shepherd who seeks after the one sheep that has gone astray4 ,the work of the ,gospel is an individual work4 ,even though under the preaching of the ,gospel thousands accept it in one day1 as the result of one discourse1 it is because of its effect on each individual heart4 ,when the preacher1 in speaking to thousands1 addresses each one individually1 then he is doing the work of ,christ4 ,so if a man be overtaken in a fault1 restore such an one1 in the spirit of meekness4 ,no man's time is so precious that it is wasted when devoted to the salvation of one single person4 ,some of the most important and glorious truths that we have on record as uttered by ,christ1 were addressed to only one listener4 ,he who looks after and cares for the single lambs of the flock1 is a good shepherd4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,ministry of ,reconciliation4 8,god was in ,christ1 reconciling the world unto ,himself1 not imputing their trespasses unto them2 and hath committed unto put into us the word of reconciliation40 #b ,cor4 #e3ai4 ,he 8,his own self bare our sins in ,his own body40 #a ,peter #b3bd4 ,he did not impute our trespasses to us1 but took them all on ,himself4 8,a soft answer turneth away wrath40 ,christ comes to us with gentle words1 not harshly chiding us1 in order that ,he may win us4 ,he calls us to come to ,him and find rest2 to exchange our galling yoke of bondage1 and heavy burden1 for ,his easy yoke and light burden4 ,sidenote3 ,in ,christ's ,stead4 ,all ,christians are one in ,christ4 ,there is but one seed--all are embraced in ,christ1 the ,representative ,man4 ,therefore 8as ,he is1 so are we in this world40 #a ,john #d3ag4 ,christ was in this world as an example of what men ought to be1 and of what ,his true followers will be when wholly consecrated to ,him4 ,to ,his disciples ,he says1 8,as ,my ,father hath sent ,me1 even so send ,i you10 and to this end ,he clothes them with ,his own power through the ,spirit4 8,god sent not ,his ,son into the world to condemn the world2 but that the world through ,him might be saved40 ,john #c3ag4 ,therefore we are not sent to condemn1 but to save4 ,hence the injunction1 8,if a man be overtaken in a fault1 444 restore such an one40 ,this is not to be limited to those who are associated with us in church capacity4 ,we are sent as ambassadors for ,christ1 to beseech men1 in ,christ's stead1 to be reconciled to ,god4 #b ,cor4 #e3bj4 ,the whole universe provides no greater work2 no higher office can be found in heaven or earth than that of ambassador for ,christ1 which is the office of even the lowliest and most despised soul that is reconciled to ,god4 ,sidenote3 8,ye ,which ,are ,spiritual40 ,only such ones are called upon to restore the erring2 none others can do it4 ,the ,holy ,spirit alone must speak through those who would reprove and rebuke4 ,it is ,christ's own work that is to be done1 and only by the power of the ,spirit can anybody be a witness to ,him4 ,but would it1 then1 not be great presumption for anybody to go to restore a brother8 ,would it not be as much as claiming that he himself is spiritual8 ,it is indeed no light matter to stand in ,christ's place to any fallen man2 and the design of ,god is that each one should take heed to himself1 8considering thyself lest thou also be tempted40 ,it is plain that the rule here laid down is calculated to work a revival in the church4 ,as soon as a man is overtaken in a fault1 the duty of each one is--not straightway to talk to somebody about him1 nor even to go directly to the erring one himself1 but--to ask himself1 ,how do ,i stand8 ,am ,i not guilty1 if not of the same thing1 of something equally bad8 ,may it not even be that some fault in me has led to his fall8 ,am ,i walking in the ,spirit1 so that ,i could restore him1 and not drive him further away8 ,this would result in a complete reformation in the church1 and it might well be that by the time the others had got into condition to go to the faulty one1 he might also have recovered himself from the snare of the devil4 ,sidenote3 ,bound in ,heaven4 ,in giving directions how to deal with one who has committed a trespass 7,matt4 #ah3aj-ah71 the ,saviour said1 8,verily ,i say unto you1 ,whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven2 and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven40 ,does this mean that ,god pledges ,himself to be bound by any decision that any company of men calling themselves ,his church may make8--,certainly not4 ,nothing that is done on earth can change ,god's will4 ,the history of the church1 as we have it for nearly eighteen hundred years1 is a record of mistakes and errors1 of self-aggrandizement1 and of putting self in the place of ,god4 ,who can read the history of the councils of the church1 and say that ,god was in any of them1 or that ,he either prompted or sanctioned any of their decrees8 ,what1 then1 did ,christ mean8--,just what ,he said4 ,his instruction shows that ,he meant that the church should be spiritual1--filled with the spirit of meekness1--and that every one who spoke should 8speak as the oracles of ,god40 ,only the ,word of ,christ should be in the heart and mouth of all who deal with a trespasser4 ,when this is the case1 it follows1 since ,god's ,word is settled forever in heaven1 that whatever is bound on earth must necessarily be bound in heaven4 ,but this will not be the case unless the ,scriptures are strictly followed in letter and in spirit4 ,sidenote3 8,the ,law of ,christ40 ,this is fulfilled by bearing one another's burdens1 because the law of ,christ's life is to bear burdens4 8,all we like sheep have gone astray2 we have turned every one to his own way2 and the ,lord hath laid on ,him the iniquity of us all40 ,isa4 #ec3f4 8,surely ,he hath borne our griefs1 and carried our sorrows40 ,whoever would fulfil ,his law must have ,his life in him1 still doing the same work for the strayed and fallen4 8,in all things it behooved ,him to be made like unto ,his brethren1 that ,he might be a merciful and faithful ,high ,priest in things pertaining to ,god1 to make reconciliation for the sins of the people4 ,for in that ,he ,himself hath suffered being tempted1 ,he is able to succor them that are tempted40 ,heb4 #b3ag1 #ah4 ,he knows what it is to be sorely tempted1 and ,he knows how to overcome4 ,yea1 although ,he 8knew no sin10 ,he was made even to be sin for us1 that we might be made the righteousness of ,god in ,him4 #b ,cor4 #e3ba4 ,he took every one of our sins1 and confessed them before ,god as ,his own4 ,even so ,he comes to us4 ,instead of upbraiding us for our sin1 ,he opens ,his heart to us1 and tells us how ,he has suffered with the same infirmity1 and that ,he knows all the hardship1 the pain1 the sorrow1 and the shame4 ,thus ,he draws us to ,himself1 and wins our confidence4 ,knowing that ,he has passed through the same experience1 that ,he has been down into the very depths1 we are ready to listen to ,him when ,he talks about the way of escape4 ,we know that ,he is talking from experience4 ,the greatest part1 therefore1 of the work of saving sinners is to show ourselves one with them4 ,that is to say1 it is in the confession of our own faults that we save others4 ,the man who feels himself without sin1 is not the man to restore the sinful4 ,he who goes to one who is overtaken in any trespass1 and says1 8,how in the world could you ever do such a thing8 ,i never did a thing like that in my life1 and ,i can't see how anybody with any sense of self-respect could do so10 might far better stay at home4 ,god chose one ,pharisee1 and only one1 to be an apostle1 but he was not sent forth until he could acknowledge himself to be the chief of sinners4 #a ,tim4 #a3ae4 ,it is humiliating to confess sin4 ,that is true1 but the way of salvation is the way of the cross4 ,it was only by the cross that ,christ could be the ,saviour of sinners4 ,therefore if we would share ,his joy1 we must with ,him endure the cross1 despising the shame4 ,remember this fact3 ,it is only by confessing our own sins that we can save others from their sins4 ,only thus can we show them the way of salvation2 for it is he who confesses his sins that obtains cleansing from them1 and so can lead others to the fountain4 ,sidenote3 ,man ,is ,nothing4 8,if a man thinketh himself to be something1 when he is nothing1 he deceiveth himself40 ,mark those words1 8when he is nothing40 ,it does not say that we should not think ourselves to be something until we are something4 ,no2 it is a statement of the fact that we are nothing4 ,not merely a single individual1 but all nations1 are nothing before the ,lord4 ,if we ever at any time think ourselves to be something1 we deceive ourselves4 ,and we often do deceive ourselves1 and thus mar the work of the ,lord4 ,remember the law of ,christ4 ,although ,he was everything1 ,he emptied ,himself4 ,he obliterated ,himself1 that the work of ,god might be done4 8,the servant is not greater than his lord40 ,god alone is great2 8every man at his best state is altogether vanity40 ,god alone is true1 but every man a liar4 ,when we acknowledge this1 and live in consciousness of it1 then we are where the ,spirit of ,god can fill us1 and then ,god can work through us4 ,the 8man of sin0 is he that exalteth himself4 #b ,thess4 #b3c1 #d4 ,the child of ,god is the one who humbles himself4 ,sidenote3 ,bear ,your ,own ,burdens4 8,for every man shall bear his own burden40 ,is this a contradiction of verse #b8--;,by no means4 ,when the ,scripture tells us to bear one another's burdens1 it does not tell us to throw our burdens on one another4 ,each one is to cast his burden on the ,lord4 ,ps4 #ee3bb4 ,he bears the burden of the whole world1 of all mankind1 not in mass1 but for each individual4 ,we cast our burdens on ,him1 not by gathering them up in our hands1 or with our mind1 and hurling them from ourselves to one who is at a distance4 ,that can never be done4 ,many have tried to get rid of their burden of sin and pain and care and sorrow1 but have failed1 and have felt it roll back upon their own heads heavier than ever1 until they have well-nigh sunk in despair4 ,what was the trouble8--,simply this3 they regarded ,christ as at a distance from them1 and they felt that they themselves must bridge the gulf4 ,it is impossible4 ,the man who is 8without strength0 can not cast his burden the length of his arm1 and as long as we keep the ,lord at arm's length1 we shall not know rest from the weary load4 ,it is when we recognize and confess ,him in us1 as our sole support1 our life1 the ,one whose power it is that makes every motion1 and so confess that we are nothing1 and sink out of sight1 no longer deceiving ourselves1 that we leave the burden resting on ,christ4 ,he knows what to do with it1 and yoking up with ,him we learn of ,him how to bear the burdens of others4 ,then how about bearing our own burden8--,ah1 it is the ,divine 8power that worketh in us0 that bears it6 8,i am crucified with ,christ2 nevertheless ,i live2 yet not ,i1 but ,christ liveth in me40 ,it is ,i1 and yet it is not ,i1 but ,christ4 ,now ,i have learned the secret4 ,i will not weary somebody else with the story of my burden1 but will bear it myself1 yet not ,i1 but ,christ in me4 ,there are people enough in the world who have not yet learned this lesson of ,christ1 so that every child of ,god will always find work to do in bearing burdens for others2 his own he will intrust to the ,lord1 to find whom he has no further to go than to his own heart4 ,is it not blessed to have 8,one who is mighty0 always under the burden which falls upon our shoulders8 ,this lesson we learn from the life of ,christ4 ,he went about doing good1 for ,god was with ,him4 ,he comforted the mourners1 ,he bound up the broken-hearted1 ,he healed all that were oppressed of the devil4 ,not one who came to him with a tale of sorrow or a distressing malady was turned away without relief2 8that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by ,esaias the prophet1 saying1 ,himself took our infirmities1 and bare our sicknesses40 ,matt4 #h3ag4 ,and then when night sent the multitude to their beds1 ,he sought the mountain or the forest1 that in communion with the ,father1 by whom ,he lived1 ,he might find a fresh supply of life and strength for ,his own soul4 8,let every man prove his own work40 8,examine yourselves1 whether ye be in the faith2 prove your own selves4 ,know ye not your own selves1 how that ,jesus ,christ is in you1 except ye be reprobates80 #b ,cor4 #ac3e4 8,though ,he was crucified through weakness1 yet ,he liveth by the power of ,god4 ,for we also are weak with ,him1 but we shall live with ,him by the power of ,god40 ,verse #d1 margin4 ,so if our faith proves to us that ,christ is in us1--and faith proves to us the reality of the fact1--we have rejoicing in ourselves alone1 and not in another4 ,we joy in ,god through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 and our joy does not depend upon any other person in the world4 ,though all should fail and be discouraged1 we can stand1 for the foundation of ,god--,christ--standeth sure4 ,therefore let no one who calls himself a ,christian be content to lean on somebody else1 but let him1 though he be the weakest of the weak1 be a burden-bearer1--a worker together with ,god1--in ,christ bearing quietly and uncomplainingly his own burdens1 and those of his neighbors also4 ,he can discover some of the burdens of his uncomplaining brother1 and bear them1 and the other will do likewise4 ,so the rejoicing of the weak will be1 8,the ,lord ,jehovah is my strength and my song2 ,he also is become my salvation40 ,sidenote3 ,communicating ,good ,things4 8,let him that is taught in the ,word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things40 ,there can be no doubt but that this refers primarily to temporal support4 8,the laborer is worthy of his hire40 ,if a man gives himself wholly to the ministry of the ,word1 it is evident that the things necessary for his sustenance must come from those who are taught4 ,but this by no means exhausts the meaning of the injunction4 ,the one who is taught in the ,word must communicate to the teacher 8in all good things40 ,mutual help is the burden of this chapter4 8,bear ye one another's burdens40 ,even the teacher who is supported by those who are taught1 is to assist others pecuniarily4 ,christ and the apostles1 who had nothing of their own--for ,christ was the poorest of the poor1 and the disciples had left all to follow ,him--nevertheless distributed to the poor out of their little store4 ,see ,john #ac3bi4 ,when the disciples told ,jesus to send the hungry multitudes away1 that they might buy themselves victuals1 ,he said1 8,they need not depart2 give ye them to eat40 ,matt4 #ad3af4 ,he was not trifling with them2 ,he meant what ,he said4 ,he knew that they had nothing to give the people1 but they had as much as ,he had4 ,they did not perceive the power of ,his words1 so ,he ,himself took the few loaves and dealt out to the disciples1 and thus they did really feed the hungry people4 ,but ,his words to them meant that they should do just what ,he did4 ,how many times our own lack of faith in ,christ's ,word has hindered us from doing good and communicating 7,heb4 #ac3af71 the sacrifices which please ,god4 ,as the teachers contribute not only the ,word but temporal support as well1 so those who are taught in the ,word should not confine their liberality merely to temporal t hings4 ,it is a mistake to suppose that ministers of the ,gospel never stand in need of spiritual refreshment1 or that they can not receive it from the weakest in the flock4 ,no one can ever tell how much the souls of teachers are encouraged by the testimonies of faith and joy in the ,lord1 which come from the mouths of those who have heard the ,word4 ,it is not simply that the teacher sees that his labor is not in vain4 ,the testimony may have no reference whatever to anything that he has done2 but a humble soul's joyful testimony to what ,god has done for him1 will often1 through the refreshment it gives the teacher of the ,word1 be the means of strengthening the souls of hundreds4 ,sidenote3 ,sowing and ,reaping4 8,whatsoever a man soweth1 that shall he also reap40 ,a simple statement of fact1 that can not be made plainer by any amount of talk4 ,the harvest1 which is the end of the world1 will reveal what the sowing has been1 whether wheat or tares4 8,he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption2 but he that soweth to the ,spirit shall of the ,spirit reap life everlasting40 8,sow to yourselves in righteousness1 reap in mercy2 break up your fallow ground2 for it is time to seek the ,lord1 till ,he come and rain righteousness upon you40 ,hosea #aj3ab4 8,he that trusteth in his own heart is a fool10 and equally foolish is he who trusts in other men1 as is seen from the next verse3 8,ye have plowed wickedness1 ye have reaped iniquity2 ye have eaten the fruit of lies2 because thou didst trust in thy way1 in the multitude of thy mighty men40 8,cursed be the man that trusteth in man1 and maketh flesh his arm10 whether it be his own flesh or that of some other man4 8,blessed is the man that trusteth in the ,lord1 and whose hope the ,lord is40 ,jer4 #ag3e1 #g4 ,everything enduring comes from the ,spirit4 ,the flesh is corrupt1 and it corrupts4 ,he who consults only his own pleasure1--fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind1--will reap a harvest of corruption and death4 ,but 8the ,spirit is life because of righteousness10 and he who consults only the mind of the ,spirit1 will reap everlasting glory2 for 8if the ,spirit of ,him that raised up ,jesus from the dead dwell in you1 ,he that raised up ,christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by ,his ,spirit that dwelleth in you40 8,for if ye live after the flesh1 ye shall die2 but if ye through the ,spirit do mortify the deeds of the body1 ye shall live40 ,rom4 #h3aa1 #ac4 ,wonderful6 ,if we live1 we die2 if we die1 we live6 ,this is the testimony of ,jesus3 8,whosoever will save his life shall lose it2 and whosoever will lose his life for ,my sake shall find it40 ,matt4 #af3be4 ,this does not mean the loss of all joy in this present time4 ,it does not mean undergoing a continual deprivation and penance1 going without something that we long for1 for the sake of getting something else by and by4 ,it does not mean that life in this present time shall be a living death1 a long-drawn-out agony4 ,far from it4 ,that is a crude and false idea of the ,christian life--the life that is found in death4 ,no2 whoever comes to ,christ and drinks of the ,spirit1 has in himself 8a well of water springing up into everlasting life40 ,john #d3ad4 ,the joy of eternity is his now4 ,his joy is full day by day4 ,he is abundantly satisfied with the fatness of ,god's house1 drinking of the river of ,god's own pleasure4 ,he has all that he longs for1 because his heart and his flesh cry out only for ,god1 in whom is all fulness4 ,once he thought he was 8seeing life10 but now he knows that he was then but gazing into the grave1 the pit of corruption4 ,now he begins really to live1 and the joy of the new life is 8unspeakable1 and full of glory40 ,so he sings3-- 8,now none but ,christ can satisfy1 ,none other name for me2 ,there's love1 and life1 and lasting joy1 ,lord ,jesus1 found in ,thee40 ,a shrewd general always seeks to seize upon the strongest positions2 so wherever there is a rich promise to believers1 ,satan tries to distort it1 so as to make it a source of discouragement4 ,accordingly1 he has made many believe that the words1 8,he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption10 mean that they must all their lives1 even after being born of the ,spirit1 suffer the consequences of their former life of sin4 ,some have supposed that even in eternity they would have to bear the scars of their old sins1 saying1 8,i can never hope to be what ,i should have been if ,i had never sinned40 ,what a libel on ,god's mercy1 and the redemption that is in ,christ ,jesus6 ,that is not the freedom wherewith ,christ makes us free4 ,the exhortation is1 8,as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity2 even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness20 but if the one who thus yields himself to righteousness must always be handicapped by his former bad habits1 that would prove that the power of righteousness is less than that of sin4 ,but that is not so4 ,grace abounds over sin1 and is as mighty as the heavens4 ,here is a man who for gross crimes has been condemned to imprisonment for life4 ,after a few years' imprisonment he receives a free pardon1 and is set at liberty4 ,some time afterward we meet him1 and see a fifty-pound cannon-ball attached to his leg by a huge chain1 so that he can move about only with the greatest difficulty4 8,why1 how is this80 we ask in surprise4 8,were you not given your freedom80 8,oh1 yes10 he replies1 8,i am free2 but ,i have to wear this ball and chain as a reminder of my former crimes40 ,one would not think such 8freedom0 as that very desirable4 ,every prayer inspired by the ,holy ,ghost is a promise of ,god2 and one of the most gracious of these is this3 8,remember not the sins of my youth1 nor my transgressions2 according to ,thy mercy remember ,thou me for ,thy goodness' sake1 ,o ,lord40 ,ps4 #be3g4 ,when ,god forgives our sins1 and forgets them1 ,he gives us such power to escape from them that we shall be as though we had never sinned4 ,by the 8exceeding great and precious promises10 we are made 8partakers of the ,divine nature1 having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust40 #b ,peter #a3d4 ,man fell by partaking of the tree of knowledge of good and evil2 the ,gospel presents such a redemption from the fall1 that all the black memories of sin are effaced1 and the redeemed ones come to know only the good1 like ,christ1 8who knew no sin40 ,yes2 they that sow to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption1 as we have all proved in ourselves4 8,but ye are not in the flesh1 but in the ,spirit1 if so be that the ,spirit of ,god dwell in you40 ,the ,spirit has power to free us from the sins of the flesh1 and from all their consequences4 ,christ 8loved the church1 and gave ,himself for it2 that ,he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the ,word1 that ,he might present it to ,himself a glorious church1 not having spot1 or wrinkle1 or any such thing2 but that it should be holy and without blemish40 ,eph4 #e3be-bg4 8,by ,his stripes we are healed40 ,the memory of sin1--not of individual sins1--will be perpetuated in eternity only by the scars in the hands and feet and side of ,christ1 which are the seal of our perfect redemption4 ,sidenote3 ,be ,not ,weary4 ,how naturally the exhortation follows1 8,let us not be weary in well-doing2 for in due season we shall reap1 if we faint not40 ,it is so easy for us to get tired doing good1 that is1 when we are not looking to ,jesus4 ,we like to have little intermissions1 because constant doing good seems too much of a strain4 ,but that is only when we have not fully learned the joy of the ,lord1 which is the strength that enables us to keep from getting weary4 8,they that wait upon the ,lord shall renew their strength2 they shall mount up with wings as eagles2 they shall run1 and not be weary2 they shall walk1 and not faint40 ,isa4 #dj3ca4 ,but that which is especially referred to here1 as the context shows1 is not simply the resisting of temptation in our own flesh1 but the helping of others4 ,here we need to learn a lesson from ,christ1 who 8shall not fail nor be discouraged till ,he have set judgment in the earth40 ,though nine out of ten whom ,he relieved never showed the least sign of appreciation1 it made no difference with ,him4 ,he came to do good1 and not to be appreciated4 ,therefore1 8in the morning sow thy seed1 and in the evening withhold not thine hand2 for thou knowest not whether shall prosper1 either this or that1 or whether they both shall be alike good40 ,eccl4 #aa3f4 ,we can not tell how much we shall reap1 nor from which of the seed that we sow4 ,some may fall by the wayside1 and be snatched away before it has time to take root1 and other may fall on stony ground1 where it will wither1 and still other may fall among thorns1 and be choked2 but one thing is certain1 and that is that we shall reap4 ,we do not know whether the morning sowing or the evening sowing will prosper1 or whether both shall alike be good2 but there is no possibility that both can be bad4 ,one or the other alone may prosper1 or else both may be good4 ,isn't that encouragement enough for us not to be weary in well-doing8 ,the ground may seem poor1 and the season may not be favorable1 so that the prospect for a crop may be most unpromising1 and we may be tempted to think that all our labor is wasted4 ,not so2 8in due season we shall reap1 if we faint not40 8,therefore1 my beloved brethren1 be ye steadfast1 unmovable1 always abounding in the work of the ,lord1 forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the ,lord40 #a ,cor4 #ae3eh4 ,sidenote3 ,make ,no ,difference4 8,as we have therefore opportunity1 let us do good unto all men1 especially unto them who are of the household of faith40 ,in this we see that the apostle speaks of temporal help1 for it needs no special exhortation to preach the ,word to those who are not of the household of faith2 they are the ones to whom it is specially to be preached2 but there is a natural tendency--natural1 ,i say1 not spiritual--to limit charities to those who are called 8deserving40 ,we hear much about 8the worthy poor40 ,but we are all unworthy of the least of ,god's blessings1 yet ,he showers them upon us continually4 8,if ye do good to them which do good to you1 what thank have ye8 for sinners also do even the same4 ,and if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive1 what thank have ye8 for sinners also lend to sinners1 to receive as much again4 ,but love ye your enemies1 and do good1 and lend1 hoping for nothing again2 and your reward shall be great1 and ye shall be the children of the ,highest2 for ,he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil40 ,sidenote3 ,seek the ,opportunity4 ,note especially the beginning of the tenth verse4 8,as we have therefore opportunity10 let us do good unto all men4 ,doing good to others is to be considered a privilege to be enjoyed1 and not an irksome duty to be discharged4 ,men do not speak of disagreeable things as opportunities4 ,no one says that he had an opportunity to injure himself1 or that he had an opportunity to lose some money4 ,on the contrary1 a man will speak of an opportunity to make some money1 or to escape from some threatened danger4 ,it is thus that we are to consider doing good to the needy4 ,but opportunities are always sought for4 ,men are always on the lookout for an opportunity to get gain4 ,so the apostle teaches us that we should be seeking opportunities to help some one4 ,this ,christ did4 ,he 8went about doing good40 ,he traveled about the country on foot1 searching opportunities to do somebody some good1 and ,he found them4 ,he did good1 8for ,god was with ,him40 ,his name is ,immanuel1 which means1 8,god with us40 ,now1 as ,he is with us all the days1 even to the end of the world1 so ,god is with us1 doing good to us1 that we also may do good4 8,we then1 as workers together with ,him1 beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of ,god in vain40 ,to this end1 8receive ye the ,holy ,ghost40 ,sidenote3 ,closing ,words4 ,we come now to the close of this most wonderful letter4 ,even as the whole of the ,gospel is contained in the greeting1 so we find it in the end4 ,the apostle literally knew nothing else save ,jesus ,christ and ,him crucified4 ,he could not greet his friends without mentioning it4 ,in every chapter of this ,epistle1 but especially in the last two1 do we see how directly it is addressed to us4 ,everybody uses verses #a1 #g-aj as applicable now1 without any thought of the ,galatians2 but just as surely as these verses mean us1 just the same as though the ,galatians had never lived1 so does the entire ,epistle4 ,the consuming zeal of the apostle ,paul in writing it is seen in the fact that1 contrary to his usual custom1 he seized the pen and wrote the ,epistle with his own hand4 ,verse #aa4 ,as intimated in chapter #d1 the apostle suffered from weak eyes1 which hindered him much in his work1 or would have hindered him but for the power of ,god resting on him2 so that it was necessary for him always to have some one with him1 to minister unto him1 and to serve as amanuensis4 ,from the ,second ,epistle to the ,thessalonians 7chapter #b3b7 we learn that some took advantage of this fact to write letters to the churches in ,paul's name1 which troubled the brethren2 but in the close of that ,epistle 7chapter #c3af-ah7 ,paul indicated to them how they might know an epistle that came from him4 ,no matter by whom the body of it was written1 he wrote the salutation and the signature with his own hand4 ,so great was the urgency in this case1 however1 that he wrote the entire ,epistle himself4 ,sidenote3 ,only a ,show4 ,we can not deceive ,god1 and it is useless to deceive ourselves or others4 8,the ,lord seeth not as man seeth2 for man looketh on the outward appearance1 but the ,lord looketh on the heart40 #a ,sam4 #af3g4 ,the circumcision in which the 8false brethren0 were seeking to induce the ,galatians to trust1 meant self-righteousness1 instead of righteousness by faith4 ,they had the law only as 8the form of righteousness and of truth40 ,with their works they could make 8a fair show in the flesh10 but it was only an empty show2 there was no reality in it4 ,they could seem righteous without suffering persecution for the cross of ,christ4 ,they did not indeed keep the law2 not by any means2 for the flesh is opposed to the law of the ,spirit1 and 8they that are in the flesh can not please ,god40 ,but they desired converts to 8our faith10 as so many call the particular theories which they hold4 ,christ said1 8,woe unto you1 scribes and ,pharisees1 hypocrites6 for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte1 and when he is made1 ye make him two-fold more the child of hell than yourselves40 ,matt4 #bc3ae4 ,such teachers glory in the flesh of their 8converts40 ,if they can count so many as belonging to 8our denomination10 so much 8gain0 in the past year1 they feel virtuously happy4 ,numbers and appearances count for much with men1 but for nothing with ,god4 ,sidenote3 ,real and ,lasting ,glory4 8,god forbid that ,i should glory1 save in the cross of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 ,why glory in the cross8--,because by it the world is crucified to us1 and we to the world4 ,the ,epistle ends where it begins1--with deliverance from 8this present evil world10 and it is the cross alone that accomplishes the deliverance4 ,the cross is the symbol of humiliation1 therefore we glory in it1 because in humility is exaltation4 ,sidenote3 ,god ,revealed in the ,cross4 ,read the words of the ,lord by the mouth of ,jeremiah3 8,let not the wise man glory in his wisdom1 neither let the mighty man glory in his might1 let not the rich man glory in his riches40 ,jer4 #i3bc4 ,why should not the wise man glory in his wisdom8--,because so far as it is his own wisdom1 it is foolishness4 8,the wisdom of this world is foolishness with ,god40 8,the ,lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise1 that they are vain40 #a ,cor4 #c3ai1 #bj4 ,no man has any wisdom in which to glory1 for his own wisdom is foolishness1 and wisdom which ,god gives is something to cause humility instead of pride4 ,what about might8 8,all flesh is grass10 ,isa4 #dj3f4 8,every man at his best state is altogether vanity40 ,ps4 #ci3e4 8,men of low degree are vanity1 and men of high degree are a lie2 to be laid in the balance1 they are altogether lighter than vanity40 ,but 8power belongeth unto ,god40 ,ps4 #fb3i1 #aa4 ,as to riches1 they are 8uncertain40 #a ,tim4 #f3ag4 ,man 8heapeth up riches1 and knoweth not who shall gather them40 8,riches certainly make themselves wings2 they fly away as an eagle toward heaven40 ,prov4 #bc3e4 ,only in ,christ are found unsearchable and abiding riches4 ,man1 therefore1 has absolutely nothing in which to boast1 for what is there left of a man when he has nothing that can be called wealth1 no wisdom whatever1 and absolutely no strength8 ,everything that man is or has comes from the ,lord4 ,therefore it is that he that glorieth is to glory in the ,lord4 #a ,cor4 #a3ca4 ,now put this text with ,gal4 #f3ad4 ,the same ,spirit inspired them both1 so that there is no contradiction4 ,one text says that we are to glory only in the knowledge of the ,lord2 the other says that there is nothing in which to glory save the cross of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,the conclusion1 therefore1 is that in the cross we find the knowledge of ,god4 ,to know ,god is eternal life1 and there is no life for mankind except through the cross of ,christ4 ,so again we see most clearly that all that may be known of ,god is revealed in the cross4 ,aside from the cross1 there is no knowledge of ,god4 ,this shows us again that the cross is seen in all creation1 for the everlasting power and divinity of ,god1 even all that may be known of ,him1 are seen in the things that ,he has made4 ,the power of ,god is seen in the things that are made1 and the cross is the power of ,god4 #a ,cor4 #a3ah4 ,out of weakness ,god brings strength2 ,he saves men by death1 so that even the dead may rest in hope4 ,no man can be so poor1 so weak and sinful1 so degraded and despised1 that he may not glory in the cross4 ,the cross takes him just where he is1 for it is the symbol of shame and degradation1 and reveals the power of ,god in him1 and in that there is ground for everlasting glory4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,cross ,crucifies4 ,the cross cuts us off from the world4 ,glory6 for then it unites us to ,god1 because the friendship of the world is enmity with ,god2 8whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of ,god40 ,james #d3d4 ,through ,his cross ,christ has destroyed the enmity4 ,eph4 #b3ae1 #af4 8,and the world passeth away1 and the lust thereof2 but he that doeth the will of ,god abideth forever40 ,then let the world pass away4 8,fade1 fade1 each earthly joy1 ,jesus is mine2 ,break every tender tie1 ,jesus is mine4 ,dark is the wilderness2 ,earth has no resting-place2 ,jesus alone can bless2 ,jesus is mine40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,cross ,elevates4 ,jesus said1 8,i1 if ,i be lifted up from the earth1 will draw all men unto ,me40 ,this ,he said signifying what death ,he should die1 namely1 the death of the cross4 ,he humbled ,himself to death1 even the death of the cross2 8wherefore ,god also hath highly exalted ,him1 and given ,him a name which is above every name40 ,phil4 #b3h1 #i4 ,he descended 8first into the lower parts of the earth4 ,he that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens1 that ,he might fill all things40 ,eph4 #d3i1 #aj4 ,it was through death that ,he ascended to the right hand of the ,majesty in the heavens4 ,it was the cross that lifted ,him up from earth to heaven4 ,therefore it is the cross alone that brings us glory1 and so it is the only thing in which to glory4 ,the cross1 which means derision and shame from the world1 lifts us away from this world1 and sets us with ,christ in the heavenly places2 and the power by which it does this is 8the power that worketh in us10 even the power that works in and upholds all things in the universe4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,cross ,creates4 8,for in ,christ ,jesus neither circumcision availeth anything1 nor uncircumcision1 but a new creature40 ,that is1 neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power4 ,salvation does not come from man1 whatever his state or condition1 or whatever he may do4 ,in an uncircumcised state he is lost1 and if he be circumcised he is no nearer salvation4 ,only the cross has power to save4 ,the only thing that is of any value is a new creature1 or1 as indicated in the margin of the ,revision1 8a new creation40 8,if any man be in ,christ1 there is a new creation20 and it is only through death that we become joined to ,him4 ,rom4 #f3c4 8,nothing in my hand ,i bring2 ,simply to ,thy cross ,i cling40 ,the cross makes a new creation1 so that here again we see a reason for glorying in it2 for when the new creation came from the hand of ,god in the beginning1 8the morning stars sang together1 and all the sons of ,god shouted for joy40 ,job #ch3g4 ,sidenote3 ,the ,sign of the ,cross4 ,put together all the texts that we have read1 which show3 7#a7 ,that the cross of ,christ is the only thing in which to glory2 7#b7 that whoever glories must glory only in the knowledge of ,god2 7#c7 that ,god hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the mighty1 so that none might glory save in ,him2 and1 7#d7 that ,god is revealed in the things that ,he has made1 and that creation1 which manifests ,god's power1 also presents the cross1 because the cross of ,christ is the power of ,god1 and ,god is made known by it4 ,what have we8--,this1 that the power that it took to create the world1 and all things that are in it1--the power that is exerted to keep all things in existence1--is the power that saves those who trust in it4 ,this is the power of the cross4 ,so the power of the cross1 by which alone salvation comes1 is the power that creates1 and that continues to work in all creation4 ,but when ,god creates a thing1 it is 8very good20 so in ,christ1 in ,his cross1 there is 8a new creation40 8,we are ,his workmanship1 created in ,christ ,jesus for good works1 which ,god afore prepared that we should walk in them40 ,eph4 #b3aj1 ,r4 ,v4 ,it is in the cross that this new creation is wrought1 for its power is the power by which 8in the beginning ,god created the heavens and the earth40 ,this is the power that keeps the earth from utter destruction under the curse2 which brings about the changing seasons1--seed-time and harvest1--and that will at last renew the face of the earth1 so that 8it shall blossom abundantly1 and rejoice even with joy and singing2 the glory of ,lebanon shall be given unto it1 the excellency of ,carmel and ,sharon2 they shall see the glory of the ,lord1 and the excellency of our ,god40 8,the works of the ,lord are great1 sought out of all them that have pleasure therein4 ,his work is honorable and glorious2 and ,his righteousness endureth forever4 ,he hath made ,his wonderful works to be remembered2 the ,lord is gracious and full of compassion40 ,ps4 #aaa3b-d4 ,here we see that the wonderful works of ,god reveal ,his righteousness1 and ,his grace and compassion as well4 ,this is another evidence that ,his works reveal the cross of ,christ1 in which infinite love and mercy are centered4 ,but 8,he hath made ,his wonderful works to be remembered20 or1 8,he hath made a memorial for ,his wonderful works40 ,why does ,he wish men to remember and declare ,his mighty acts8--,in order that they may not forget1 but may trust in1 ,his salvation4 ,he would have men continually meditate on ,his works1 that they may know the power of the cross4 ,it is in the works of ,his hands that we triumph4 ,ps4 #ib3d4 ,so when ,god had made the heavens and earth1 and all their host1 in six days1 8,he rested on the seventh day from all ,his work which ,he had made4 ,and ,god blessed the seventh day1 and sanctified it2 because that in it ,he had rested from all ,his work which ,god created and made40 ,gen4 #b3b1 #c4 ,the cross conveys to us the knowledge of ,god1 because it shows us ,his power as ,creator4 ,through the cross we are crucified unto the world1 and the world unto us2 that is1 by the cross we are sanctified4 ,but sanctification is the work of ,god1 not of man4 ,only ,his divine power can accomplish the great work4 ,in the beginning ,god sanctified the ,sabbath1 as the crown of ,his creative work--the evidence that ,his work was finished1 the seal of perfection1 and therefore ,he says1 8,moreover also ,i gave them ,my ,sabbaths1 to be a sign between ,me and them1 that they might know that ,i am the ,lord that sanctify them40 ,eze4 #bj3ab4 ,so we see that the ,sabbath--the seventh day--is the true sign of the cross4 ,it is the memorial of creation1 and redemption is creation1--creation through the cross4 ,in the cross we find the complete and perfect works of ,god1 and are clothed with them4 ,crucified with ,christ means the utter giving up of self1 acknowledging that we are nothing1 and trusting absolutely in ,christ4 ,in ,him we rest2 in ,him we find the ,sabbath4 ,the cross takes us back to the beginning1 into 8that which was from the beginning40 ,the resting upon the seventh day of the week is but the sign of the fact that in the perfect work of ,god1 as seen in creation1--in the cross1--we find rest from sin4 8,but it is difficult to keep the ,sabbath2 my business will suffer20 8,i couldn't make a living and keep the ,sabbath20 8,it is so unpopular40 ,oh1 yes2 nobody ever said that it was a specially pleasing thing to be crucified6 8,even ,christ pleased not ,himself40 ,read the fifty-third chapter of ,isaiah4 ,christ was not very popular1 and least so of all when ,he was crucified4 ,the cross means death2 but it means also the entrance into life4 ,there is healing in ,christ's wounds1 blessing in the curse that ,he bore1 life in the death that ,he suffered4 ,who dare say that he trusts ,christ for everlasting life if he dare not trust ,him for a few years or months or days of life in this world8 ,accept the ,sabbath of the ,lord1 and you will find that it means the cross to a degree that you never before dreamed of1 and therefore 8a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory40 ,now say once more1 and say it from the heart3 8,far be it from me to glory1 save in the cross of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 through which the world hath been crucified unto me1 and ,i unto the world40 ,if you can say that in truth1 you will find tribulations and afflictions so easy that you can glory in them4 8,hallelujah1 what a ,saviour60 ,sidenote3 ,the ,glory4 ,it is by the cross that everything is sustained1 for 8in ,him all things hold together10 and ,he does not exist in any other form than that of the crucified ,one4 ,but for the cross1 there would be universal death4 ,not a man could breathe1 not a plant could grow1 not a ray of light could shine from heaven1 if it were not for the cross4 ,now 8the heavens declare the glory of ,god2 and the firmament showeth ,his handiwork40 ,ps4 #ai3a4 ,they are some of the things that ,god has made4 ,no pen can describe and no artist's brush can depict the wondrous glory of the heavens2 yet that glory is but the glory of the cross of ,christ4 ,this follows from the facts already learned1 that the power of ,god is seen in the things that are made1 and that the cross is the power of ,god4 ,the glory of ,god is ,his power1 for 8the exceeding greatness of ,his power to usward0 is seen in the resurrection of ,jesus ,christ from the dead 7,eph4 #a3ai1 #bj71 and 8,christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the ,father0 7,rom4 #f3d74 ,it was for the suffering of death that ,jesus was crowned with glory and honor4 ,heb4 #b3i4 ,so we see that all the glory of the innumerable stars1 with their various colors1 all the glory of the rainbow1 the glory of the clouds gilded by the setting sun1 the glory of the sea1 and of blooming fields and green meadows1 the glory of the spring-time and of the ripened harvest1 the glory of the opening bud and the perfect fruit1--yea1 all the glory that ,christ has in heaven1 as well as the glory that will be revealed in ,his saints when they shall 8shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their ,father10 even 8as the stars forever and ever10--is the glory of the cross4 ,how can we ever think of glorying in anything else8 ,sidenote3 ,the ,israel of ,god4 8,as many as walk according to this rule1 peace be on them1 and mercy1 and upon the ,israel of ,god40 ,the rule of glory6 what a grand rule to walk by6 ,are there two classes here mentioned8--,no2 that can not be1 for the ,epistle has been devoted to showing that all are one in ,christ ,jesus4 8,and ye are complete in ,him1 which is the ,head of all principality and power2 in whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands1 in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of ,christ2 buried with ,him in baptism1 wherein also ye are risen with ,him through the faith of the operation of ,god1 who hath raised ,him from the dead4 ,and you1 being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh1 hath ,he quickened together with ,him1 having forgiven you all trespasses40 ,col4 #b3aj-ac4 8,we are the circumcision1 which worship ,god in the ,spirit1 and rejoice in ,christ ,jesus1 and have no confidence in the flesh40 ,phil4 #c3c4 ,this circumcision constitutes us all the true ,israel of ,god1 for this is the victory over sin1 and 8,israel0 means an overcomer4 ,no longer are we 8aliens from the commonwealth of ,israel10 8no more strangers and foreigners1 but fellow-citizens with the saints1 and of the household of ,god2 and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets1 ,jesus ,christ ,himself being the chief corner-stone40 ,eph4 #b3ab1 #ai1 #bj4 ,so we shall join the throng that 8shall come from the east and west1 and shall sit down with ,abraham1 and ,isaac1 and ,jacob1 in the kingdom of heaven40 ,sidenote3 ,the ,marks of ,christ4 8,from henceforth let no man trouble me2 for ,i bear in my body the marks of the ,lord ,jesus40 ,the ,greek word rendered 8marks0 is the plural of 8stigma10 which we have incorporated into our own language4 ,it signifies shame and disgrace1 even as of old it meant a mark branded into the body of a culprit1 or of a recaptured runaway slave1 to show to whom he belonged4 ,such are the marks of the cross of ,christ4 ,the marks of the cross were upon ,paul4 ,he had been crucified with ,christ1 and he carried the nail-prints4 ,they were branded on his body4 ,they marked him as the bond-servant1 the slave of the ,lord ,jesus4 ,let no one1 then1 interfere with him2 he was not the servant of men4 ,he owed allegiance to ,christ alone1 who had bought him4 ,let no one seek to get him to serve man or the flesh1 because ,jesus had branded him with ,his mark1 and he could serve no other4 ,moreover1 let men beware how they sought to interfere with his liberty in ,christ1 or how they treated him1 for his ,master would surely protect ,his own4 ,have you those marks8 ,then you may glory in them1 for such boasting is not vain1 and will not make you vain4 ,ah1 what glory there is in the cross6 ,all the glory of heaven is in that despised thing4 ,not in the figure of the cross1 but in the cross itself4 ,the world does not reckon it glory1 but then it did not know the ,son of ,god1 and it does not know the ,holy ,spirit1 because it can not see ,him4 ,may ,god open our eyes to see the glory1 so that we may reckon things at their true value4 ,may we consent to be crucified with ,christ1 that the cross may glorify us4 ,in the cross of ,christ there is salvation4 ,in it is the power of ,god to keep us from falling1 for it lifts us up from earth to heaven4 ,in the cross there is the new creation1 which ,god ,himself pronounces 8very good40 ,in it is all the glory of the ,father1 and all the glory of the eternal ages4 ,therefore ,god forbid that we should glory save in the cross of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 by which the world is crucified to us1 and we unto the world4 8,in the cross of ,christ ,i glory1 ,towering o'er the wrecks of time2 ,all the light of sacred story ,gathers round its head sublime40 ,therefore-- 8,since ,i1 who was undone and lost1 ,have pardon through ,his name and ,word2 ,forbid it1 then1 that ,i should boast1 ,save in the cross of ,christ1 my ,lord40 8,where'er ,i go1 ,i'll tell the story ,of the cross1 of the cross2 ,in nothing else my soul shall glory1 ,save the cross1 save the cross2 ,and this my constant theme shall be1 ,through time and in eternity1 ,that ,jesus tasted death for me1 ,on the cross1 on the cross40 ,,bible ,,students' ,,library4 ,the postage as given in the following tables is based on one cent for four ounces1 but where your tract society has the pound-rate privilege1 postage will be only one-fourth this amount4 ,no4 ,title4 ,no4 in ,price ,postage ,package4 per per ,package4 ,package4 #a ,bible ,sanctification #aj #a #jj #j #jf #aj ,scripture ,references #be #ej #je #ad ,the ,sufferings of ,christ #be 8 0 #af ,christ in the ,old ,testament #be #be #jc #be ,sanctuary and the ,judgment #be 8 0 #bf ,sabbath and the ,new ,testament #be 8 0 #bg ,the ,bible #be 8 0 #db ,elihu on the ,sabbath #be 8 0 #dc ,ten ,commandments not ,revised #be 8 0 #df ,without ,excuse #ej 8 0 #dg ,thoughts for the ,candid #ej 8 0 #dh ,which ,day ,do ,you ,keep and ,why8 #ej 8 0 #ea ,is ,man ,immortal8 #ej 8 0 #eb ,why ,not ,found ,out ,before #ej 8 0 #ec ,the ,sabbath and the ,law #e #a #jj #jg #ee ,order of ,events in ,judgment #e #ge #je #eg ,tent-,meeting ,lessons--,life of ,christ #be #be #jc #eh ,matthew #bd #aj #a #jj #jh #fa ,tent-,meeting ,lessons on ,sin and #ej #be #jc ,righteousness #fc ,sure ,foundation and ,keys of the ,kingdom #be 8 0 #fd ,full ,assurance of ,faith #be 8 0 #fe ,great ,day of the ,lord #be #fc #jf #fg ,bible ,election #be #ch #je #fh ,the ,old ,testament in the ,new #be 8 0 ,dispensation #fi 8,jewish0 ,christians ,are ,israelites #ej #be #jc ,indeed #gj ,immortality of the ,soul #be #ej #je #gb ,christ and ,his ,righteousness #aj #a #ej #jh #gc ,can ,we ,keep the ,sabbath8 #be #be #jc #gd ,the ,counterfeit and the ,genuine #be #j #be #j #jc #ge ,living by ,faith #be 8 0 #gf ,bible ,questions and ,answers ,concerning #be 8 0 ,man #gg ,the ,talents #be 8 0 #gi ,baptism3 ,its ,significance #be 8 0 #hj ,sunday3 ,origin of ,its ,observance in the #aj #a #ej #jh ,christian ,church #ha ,god's ,message for ,to-day #ej #be #jc #hc ,angels3 ,their ,nature and ,ministry #e #a #jj #aj #he ,twofold ,evidence of ,acceptance with ,god #ej #be #jc #hf ,justification1 ,regeneration1 #be 8 0 ,sanctification4 ,by ,m4 ,c4 ,wilcox #ij ,the ,bible ,doctrine of the ,trinity #be 8 0 #ie ,from ,sabbath to ,sunday #ej 8 0 #ig ,the ,sun of ,righteousness #aj #a #jj #jh #ii ,prediction1 ,interpretation1 ,fulfilment #be #be #jc #ajj ,the ,rest ,that ,remains for the ,people of #ej 8 0 ,god #ajc ,should ,christians ,be ,members of ,secret #be #ch #je ,societies8 #ajd ,justified by ,faith4 ,by ,mrs4 ,e4 ,g4 ,white #be #be #jc #aje ,the ,way to ,christ4 ,by ,mrs4 ,e4 ,g4 ,white #be 8 0 #ajg ,who ,changed the ,sabbath8 #be #ch #je #ajh ,life3 ,its ,source and ,purpose #aj #a #jj 8 #aaj ,appeal to ,methodists #ej #be #jc #aaa ,tormented ,forever and ,ever #be 0 8 #aab ,spiritualism3 ,its ,source and ,character #be 0 8 #aad ,the ,identical ,seventh ,day #be 0 8 #aae ,waymarks to the ,holy ,city #be 0 8 #aag ,prophetic ,lights2 ,illustrated #e #b #ej #ai #aah ,christ ,tempted as ,we ,are #be #be #jc #aai ,the ,kingdom of ,christ3 ,its ,nature and #be 0 8 ,subjects #aba ,the ,temporal ,millennium #be #ch #je #abb ,perfection of the ,law of ,god #be 0 8 #abd ,manner of ,christ's ,coming #be #j #be #j #jc #abe ,the ,privilege of ,prayer #be 0 8 #abg ,christ as ,prophet1 ,priest1 and ,king #be 0 8 #abh ,christ ,our ,advocate4 ,illustrated #aj #a #jj #jg #acj ,the ,seal of ,god and the ,mark of the #be #ej #je ,beast4 ,illustrated #aca ,the ,sure ,word of ,prophecy4 ,illustrated #aj #a #jj 0 #acc ,righteousness #be #be #jc #acd ,the ,lord's ,day #aj #a #ej #jf #ace ,honor ,due to ,god #aj #a #jj 8 #acf ,the ,millennial ,age #be #jc #acg ,new ,testament ,sabbath #be 0 8 #ach ,america's ,crisis4 ,illustrated #be #ej #je #adj ,the ,saints' ,inheritance #aj #a #jj #jg #adc ,truth for the ,times #be #be #jc #add ,the ,eastern ,question #be 0 8 #ade ,will a ,man ,rob ,god8 #aj #a #jj #jh #adf ,rich ,man and ,lazarus #be #be #jc #adg ,home ,missionary ,work #be #ej #je #adh ,the ,sabbath in ,prophecy #be 0 8 #adi ,from ,glory to ,glory #be #ch 0 #aej ,rome's ,arraignment of ,sabbath ,breakers #be #be #jc #aeb ,the ,alarm of ,war #be #ej #je #aec ,the ,arming of the ,nations #be #b #ej #ab #aed ,sabbath in the ,greek #ej #be #jc #aee ,wonders of the #aith ,century #be #ej #je #aef ,spiritual ,gifts #be #fb #jf #aeg ,seal of ,god and ,its ,counterfeit #be #ej #je #aeh ,natural ,food of ,man #aj #b #ej #jg #aei ,christian ,patriotism #aj #a #ej #aa #afj ,labor and ,money ,power #be #ej #je #afa ,marshaling of ,nations #aj #a #jj #jf #afb ,the ,glad ,tidings #e #a #be ,,apples ,,of ,,gold ,,library4 ,no4 ,title4 ,no4 in ,price ,postage ,package4 per per ,package4 ,package4 #a ,looking unto ,jesus #ej #j #be #j #jb #b ,the ,christian's ,privilege #ej 8 0 #c ,the ,sure ,promises of ,god #ej 8 0 #d ,how to ,get ,knowledge #ej #ac #ja #e ,the ,church and the ,world 7poetry7 #ej #be #jb #f ,the ,elect of ,god #ej 8 0 #g ,how ,esther ,read ,her ,bible #ej 8 0 #h ,the ,thief on the ,cross #ej 8 0 #i ,the ,eleventh ,hour #ej 8 0 #aj ,benefits of ,bible ,study #ej 8 0 #aa ,righteousness--,where ,is ,it to be ,found8 #ej 8 0 #ab ,power of ,forgiveness #ej 8 0 #ac ,responsibility of ,parents #ej 8 0 #ad ,choose ,ye ,this ,day #ej 8 0 #ae ,the ,cross of ,christ #ej 8 0 #af ,the ,new ,birth #be 8 0 #ag 8,what ,must ,i ,do to be ,saved80 #ej 8 0 #ah ,the ,literal ,week #ej 8 0 #ai ,the ,christian ,life #be 8 0 #bj ,your ,life ,work--,is ,it of ,men or of ,god8 #ej 8 0 #ba ,acceptable ,service #ej 8 0 #bb ,have ,faith in ,god #ej 8 0 #bc ,the ,riches of ,his ,grace #ej 8 0 #bd ,he ,saves to the ,utmost #ajj #ac #ja #be ,bible ,authority for ,sunday ,observance #ej #be #jb #bg ,religious ,liberty #ajj 8 0 #bh ,law of ,liberty #ajj 8 0 #bi ,law of ,love #ej 8 0 #cj ,knowing and ,obeying the ,lord #ajj 8 0 #ca ,why the ,earth ,was ,made #ej 8 0 #cb ,trine ,immersion #ej 8 0 #cc ,scriptural ,answers to ,worldly ,objections #ajj 8 0 #cd ,seventh-day ,adventists and ,their ,work #be 8 0 #ce ,the ,hope ,set before ,us #ej 8 0 #cf ,the ,true ,church #ej #j #be #j #jb #cg ,letter and ,spirit #ej 8 0 #ch ,who ,are the ,saints8 #ej 8 0 #ci ,the ,seventh1 or ,one-,seventh #ej 8 0 #dj ,coming of the ,lord #ej 8 0 #da ,foreknowledge and ,foreordination #ej 8 0 #db ,jesus and the ,resurrection #ej 8 0 #dd ,back to the 8,old ,paths0 #be 8 0 #de ,historical ,facts and ,incidents #be #ej #jc #df ,true 8,christian ,citizenship0 #ej #be #jb #dg ,the ,great ,threefold ,message #be 8 0 #dh 8,try ,the ,spirits0 #ej 8 0 #di ,kept by the ,power of ,god #ajj 8 0 #ej ,day of the ,sabbath #be 8 0 #ea ,heralds of ,his ,coming #be #ch 8 #eb ,prayer #be #be 0 #ec ,winning of ,margaret #be 8 0 #ed ,unawares--,ye ,did ,it unto ,me #ej 8 0 #ee ,twelve ,principles of ,holy ,living #ej 8 0 #ef ,there ,is ,help in ,god #ej 8 0 #eg ,the ,divine ,law #be 8 0 #eh ,the ,three ,sabbaths #ej 8 0 #ei ,the ,earnest of ,our ,inheritance #ej 8 0 #fj ,a ,living ,saviour #ej 8 0 #fa ,gracious ,invitation #be #jg #jc #fb ,return of the ,jews #be #ej 8 #fc ,jesus ,died for ,you #ej #be #jb #fd ,salvation in ,jesus ,christ #ej 0 8 #fe ,why ,are ,you ,not a ,christian8 #ej 0 8 #ff ,an ,astronomer's ,view of ,our ,father's #be #ch 0 ,house ,the above is a little quarterly publication designed especially for use in personal correspondence4 ,each number contains from two to sixteen pages of a size convenient to go into a ,no4 #f envelope without folding4 ,it is printed on thin paper1 and one or two numbers can be put in with an ordinary letter without increasing the postage4 ,a package should be kept on hand1 and1 when writing to a friend1 inclose one or more copies1 and thus 8sow beside all waters40 ,,words ,,of ,,truth ,,series4 ,no4 ,title4 ,no4 in ,price ,postage ,package4 per per ,package4 ,package4 #a ,the ,coming of the ,lord #ajj #j #be #j #jb #b ,how the ,sabbath ,came to ,me #be #ge #jd #c ,review of ,w4 ,s4 ,gamble on the ,sabbath #be #be #jb ,question #d ,a ,challenge to ,protestants #ej 8 0 #e ,fundamental ,principles of ,seventh-day #be 8 #jd ,adventists #f ,candid ,admissions #ej 0 #jb #g ,personal ,questions and ,answers #be #hh #je ,concerning the ,sabbath #h ,the ,way1 the ,truth1 the ,life #be #a #jj 8 #i ,the ,reign of ,righteousness #be #ej #jc #aj ,first a ,willing ,heart ,then ,all #be #cb #jb #aa ,the ,law in ,christ #be #ej #jc #ab ,war between ,capital and ,labor #be 0 8 #ac ,last-,day ,tokens #aj #a #jj #jh #ad ,come1 ,lord ,jesus #ajj #be #jb #ae ,spirit of ,burning #be #ej #jd #af ,what to do with ,doubt #ej #cg #jc #ag ,ifs and ,whys of ,baptism #ej #cb #jd #ah ,sanctification #be #be #jb #ai ,a ,woman ,ministry #be #a #be #jf #bj ,should ,not ,christians ,keep the ,sabbath8 #be #ej #jc #bb ,is ,the ,end ,near8 #ajj 0 8 #bc ,the ,rest ,day #be #fc #jd #bd ,ownership and ,tithing #ajj #ej #jc ,for any of the foregoing1 address your ,tract ,society1 or the ,publishers4 ,,pacific ,,press ,,publishing ,,co41 ,oakland1 ,cal4 #ci ,bond ,st41 ,new ,york ,city4 #ah ,w4 #eth ,st41 ,kansas ,city1 ,mo4 ,review and ,herald ,publishing ,co41 ,battle ,creek1 ,mich4 #bdc ,s4 ,boulevard1 ,atlanta1 ,ga4 #ega ,yonge ,st41 ,toronto1 ,ont4 ,,discount4 ,we want all tract buyers to receive the #dj per cent discount which is allowed those who buy #ajj or more at a time in unbroken packages1 hence the foregoing information as to the size of packages1 and postage per package4 ,postage is always added when this liberal discount is allowed4 ,thoughts from the ,mount of ,blessing ,,by ,,mrs4 ,e4 ,g4 ,,white ,a reverential exposition of the sermon on the mount4 ,it is difficult to praise this volume too highly4 ,the following notice concerning it appeared in an eastern religious journal1 and is only a sample of many more at our command3-- 8,its entire trend indicates the author's confidence in the words of ,christ1 #8,the words that ,i speak unto you1 they are spirit and they are life4' ,while those words were first addressed to a cosmopolitan gathering centuries ago1 they are applicable to all time and come to us still brightened with that same #8spirit' and that same #8life4'0 ,it contains over #bjj pages1 is richly illustrated1 and well bound in cloth1 at #ge;c1 and half cloth with marbled edges1 at #a4jj4 ,pacific ,press ,publishing ,co4 ,,oakland1 ,,cal4 #ci ,bond ,st41 ,new ,york ,city #ah ,w4 #eth ,st41 ,kansas ,city1 ,mo4 ,,review ,,herald ,,publishing ,,co4 ,,battle ,,creek1 ,,mich4 #bdc ,s4 ,boulevard1 ,atlanta1 ,ga4 #ega ,yonge ,st41 ,toronto1 ,ont4 ,transcriber's ,notes3 ,missing or obscured punctuation was silently corrected4 ,inconsistent spelling and hyphenation were made consistent only when a predominant form was found in this book4 ,text that was in italics is enclosed by underscores 7italics74 ,notes printed in the margin of the book have been moved into the paragraphs near where they appear1 contained in square brackets1 and begun with the word ,sidenote4