Unity in Christ: Transformed by Truth
Introduction:
Today, we delve into the transformative truth found in Galatians 3:26-28 (NLT), a passage that emphasizes our unity in Christ. As we explore these verses, may our hearts be opened to the transformative power of living in the truth of God's Word.
Point 1: Sons and Daughters of God
Galatians 3:26 (NLT) "For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus."
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, begins by highlighting a foundational truth—through faith in Christ, we become sons and daughters of God. This transformative identity transcends earthly distinctions and unites believers under the common banner of being God's children.
J.I. Packer reflects on the profound nature of being children of God, saying, "Adoption is the highest privilege of the gospel. The traitor is forgiven, brought in for supper, and given the family name."
Romans 8:15 (NLT) - "So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, 'Abba, Father.'"
Point 2: Unity in Christ
Galatians 3:28 (NLT) "There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Paul continues by emphasizing the transformative truth of unity in Christ. The distinctions that once defined societal roles—Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female—lose their significance in the context of our identity in Christ. This unity is not a negation of diversity but a celebration of oneness in Christ.
John Stott reflects on the implications of this unity, stating, "The ground of Christian unity is not the similarity of our Christian experience, but the similarity of our Christian faith."
Colossians 3:11 (NLT) - "In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us."
Point 3: Heirs According to the Promise
Galatians 3:29 (NLT) "And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you."
The transformative truth culminates in the assurance that, belonging to Christ, we become true children of Abraham and heirs of God's promise. This inheritance is not based on human distinctions but on our unity in Christ, making us partakers in the covenant promises of God.
Charles H. Spurgeon reflects on our inheritance, stating, "We are children of God through faith in Jesus Christ, and the promises are made to us as much as to Abraham or to David."
Romans 8:17 (NLT) - "And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ, we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."
Conclusion:
Galatians 3:26-29 reveals the transformative truth of our identity as children of God, our unity in Christ, and our inheritance as heirs of God's promises. As we live in the light of this truth, may our lives reflect the unity and love that come from being transformed by the truth of God's Word.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen us to live as true heirs of God's promises. Amen.
