Introduction

Galatians 2:15–21: Paul teaches about how one is put right with God and living by faith.

Today’s Scripture: Galatians 2:16a GNT

We know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires.

Read

15 Indeed, we are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners,” as they are called. 16 Yet we know that a person is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires. We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus in order to be put right with God through our faith in Christ, and not by doing what the Law requires. For no one is put right with God by doing what the Law requires. 17 If, then, as we try to be put right with God by our union with Christ, we are found to be sinners, as much as the Gentiles are—does this mean that Christ is serving the cause of sin? By no means! 18 If I start to rebuild the system of Law that I tore down, then I show myself to be someone who breaks the Law. 19 So far as the Law is concerned, however, I am dead—killed by the Law itself—in order that I might live for God. I have been put to death with Christ on his cross, 20 so that it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. This life that I live now, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave his life for me. 21 I refuse to reject the grace of God. But if a person is put right with God through the Law, it means that Christ died for nothing!

Reflect

According to Paul, how are we “put right” with God (verses 15–21)? What does being “put right with God” mean to you? Reread verse 20. What is your understanding of living “by faith in the Son of God”?

Pray

Gracious God, thank you for the gift of faith. Through faith in your Son, Jesus, I have been reconciled and put right with you. Teach me to live my life in ways that reflect your love and in obedience to your will. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Galatians 3:1–14: Paul discusses the relationship between the Law and faith.