“Flea From Weak And Miserable Principles!”

“Flea From Weak And Miserable Principles!”(Gal.4:8-11).
There is a sense in which we give in to Pharisaic legalism as a means of salvation. Legalistic trust in rituals, moral achievements, good works, etc, as a means of salvation is a relapse into paganism.
Paul worried about the Galatian Christians, noting, “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God – or rather are known by God – how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons!…”
Paul was so pained that he called them “Foolish Galatians…”(3:1).
If Paul was to write in our time, and to put it bluntly, he would consider that our insistence on observing the Sabbath (Sunday), celebrating Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and other holy days is taking a wrong short cut to salvation. Insistence on such celebrations demonstrates how Christian we are, which is not to say we become holier or get closer to God.
Faith does not come through observance of the law. Faith comes by believing in the crucified and resurrected Son of God; the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
While we may commemorate these days, we shouldn’t attach importance to the celebration; for that would be tantamount to enslavement. Rather, we should observe such days in contemplation for deeper spiritual uplifting.
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit help me to fix my eyes on Christ Jesus alone who is my salvation. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.