Trick or Treat!
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not allow anyone to put the yoke of slavery on you again. (Galatians 5:1)
October 31 is Halloween. There is a greater event that is also occuring, the anniversary of the Reformation. Our verse from Galatians fits well for both.
The Apostle Paul was referring to a terrible “trick” that false teachers were bringing to the church. They were teaching that in order to be saved a person must earn it.
To earn it, a person must obey the Old Testament laws including circumcision, Kosher diet, and various ceremonial duties. It ignores the truth that Jesus had fulfilled the law. The requirements of the law have been attained by Jesus’ perfect obedience. The punishment for mankind’s sin was also taken away by Jesus on the cross. He came as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world, and he did it.
Martin Luther had originally believed the trick. He saw crucifixes and his heart was filled with terror because he saw the punishment of an angry God. He looked at his own life to see his own sins and shortcomings. He knew he deserved God’s wrath and punishment. Nothing he did could give him peace.
There still are a lot of people who believe the “trick” thinking they are good enough. After all, they look at their lives and realize they are better than a lot of people. God has to love them.
Yes, God loves all of us. The “treat” is as Paul wrote here: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. While Luther was working through the Book of Romans, he discovered the amazing treat. We are all saved by faith. That was why Jesus came. He did it all! Apply the rest of the verse to your life: Stand firm, then, and do not allow anyone to put the yoke of slavery on you again.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for that blessed “treat.” Enable me to continue to live in thanks to you for that full and free salvation. Amen.