Motives can be right, but methods can be wrong. A song lyric put it this way: “One step forward, two steps back.” At times, going back can be beneficial. For example, if a batter cannot hit the ball, he goes back to the basic drills to recapture what was lost.
At other times, going back can be devastating. Just ask an addict if going back to the old way is the answer. The proverbial “falling off the wagon” when an alcoholic takes a first of many drinks does not help the situation at all. Remembering lessons from one’s childhood is one thing, but seeing a grown man resorting to childish fits of anger is entirely another matter.
Paul saw his friends in the churches of Galatia heading backward. They were resorting to a way of life that brought bondage, not freedom. He would not just sit back and watch this tragedy unfold.
What the Bible says …
In Galatians 4:1-10, Paul describes the dangers of going back to legalism. He reminds them of where they have been, where they presently are and where they could be in the future.
Where they have been
The Galatians had been in bondage before they put their faith in Jesus. “So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world” (v. 3). Paul further asserts: “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods” (v. 8). Having experienced freedom, Paul hardly needed to remind them of the stranglehold legalism once had over them.
Where they presently were
The Galatians now lived under grace and freedom. Did this freedom mean the law was an unnecessary evil? No. Paul reminded his friends of the purpose of the law: to serve as a guardian until the time would come when one would see, understand and accept the gift of grace found only in Jesus. A child, who rightfully will inherit riches and power, is under the authority of guardians and trustees, until the proper time set by his father (vv. 1-2).
Paul takes this illustration and applies it to Jesus as the one who came at just the right time to bring the gift of salvation to any and all who would receive it: “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons” (vv. 4-5). The literal translation of “full rights” (v. 5) is “adoption.” Grace is underscored by the idea that God gave us the rights and privileges of sons and daughters.
Where they could be in the future
The Galatians stood at a crossroads. They could continue to grow in the grace and freedom found in Jesus, or they could turn back and live in the bondage of rules, rituals and regulations. Paul asks: “Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” (v. 9).
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Paul’s friends faced a choice: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (5:1). Such legalism looks good, but leads only to frustration.
What the Bible means for me today …
For present day believers, a careful look at a verse written 2,000 years ago can keep us moving forward in God’s love and grace. Colossians 2:6 says: “As you received Christ Jesus as Lord, [so] continue to live in him.” Two words often are overlooked in this verse: “as” and “so.” The first word appears in the Greek New Testament and in the NIV, while the second is in the Greek New Testament, but implied in our English translation.
The powerful message of this verse rests on these seemingly insignificant two-letter conjunctions. How so, one might ask? At first glance, they appear simply to connect the phrases of the sentence and keep its thought flowing. However, on closer examination, one sees the truth of the gospel.
“As” refers to how one experienced salvation. The Colossian letter explicitly teaches salvation by faith, not works. If asked, “How did you come to Christ?” the answer is “I received salvation by faith.” The word “so” describes how one lives out his or her faith after conversion. If asked, “Now that you know Jesus, how do you proceed?” the answer is “Just like I began, by faith alone.”
Since we did not work for or earn God’s love by our own striving, why would we add such efforts and rules to our daily list of things to do in order to be faithful and good? A careful reading of Colossians 2 culminates in verse 16: “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” Sounds like Paul’s advice to the Galatians, does it not? Circumcision was the issue for new believers in the Galatian churches. Paul added this list of rituals and requirements when he wrote the Colossian congregation.
The issue remains the same. You do not have to live taking one step forward in faith, followed by two steps backward in legalism. Let us keep on walking just as we began this journey with Jesus—by faith alone.
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