Christ, in the book of Galatians

The book of Galatians, written by the Apostle Paul, presents a powerful and liberating portrayal of Christ, emphasizing His role in justifying believers by faith, liberating them from the law, and creating a new identity rooted in Him. Paul's letter to the Galatians addresses issues of legalism and the necessity of adhering to Jewish law, urging the believers to embrace the freedom found in Christ.

Central to Paul's message is the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ. In Galatians 2:16, Paul asserts that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith, not by observing the law, because "by the works of the law no one will be justified." This portrays Christ as the one who offers righteousness apart from legalistic observance, highlighting the sufficiency of His sacrificial death.

Paul's confrontation with Peter in Galatians 2:11-14 further underscores this point. Peter's withdrawal from Gentile believers out of fear of the circumcision group prompts Paul to defend the truth of the gospel, which declares that faith in Christ, not adherence to the law, is the basis for fellowship and justification. This incident illustrates the transformative power of Christ's work, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles and uniting them in a common faith.

The liberation from the law through Christ is a significant theme in Galatians. In Galatians 3:13, Paul explains that "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." This portrays Christ as the redeemer who takes upon Himself the curse of the law, thereby freeing believers from its penalties and obligations. This liberation is further elaborated in Galatians 5:1, where Paul exhorts the Galatians to "stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." The freedom Christ offers is from the bondage of the law, enabling believers to live by the Spirit.

Christ’s fulfillment of the promise to Abraham is another important aspect of Paul’s portrayal. In Galatians 3:16, Paul points out that the promises were spoken to Abraham and his seed, which is Christ. He explains that the law, which came later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God. Thus, in Christ, the promise to Abraham is fulfilled, extending the blessing to all nations and making believers heirs according to the promise (Galatians 3:29).

In Galatians 4:4-7, Paul emphasizes the incarnation and the adoption of believers as God's children. He writes that God sent His Son, born of a woman and born under the law, to redeem those under the law, so that they might receive adoption to sonship. Because of Christ, believers are no longer slaves but children of God, and if children, then heirs. This portrays Christ as the mediator of a new relationship with God, one characterized by intimacy and inheritance.

The new identity in Christ is a key theme in Galatians. Paul declares in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." This indicates a profound union with Christ, where the believer's old self is crucified, and their new life is empowered by Christ living within them. Furthermore, in Galatians 3:28, Paul asserts that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. This new identity transcends social and ethnic divisions, uniting all believers in Christ.

In summary, the portrayal of Christ in Galatians is one of liberating power and transformative grace. Christ is depicted as the one who justifies by faith, liberates from the law’s curse, fulfills God’s promise to Abraham, mediates adoption as God’s children, and creates a new, unified identity for believers. Through Christ, Paul urges the Galatians to embrace their freedom, live by the Spirit, and stand firm in their faith, free from the bondage of legalism.