Daily Bread 3-21-17

Galatians 3:17,18

17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

ref. - Ex 12:40 - Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years.

Ro 4:13,14 - For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Ro 8:17 - And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Ro 4:14 - For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect.

Abraham was given a promise, not that his seeds be made heir of the word but his seed. That seed is Jesus Christ. This promise came long before the giving of the law. We sometimes hear of let's go back to the way things used to be. Well, if we want to go back, let us go back further than how the world had to be put under such a strict rule because of sin, disobedience, and transgression. Let's go back to when the promise was handed out to Abraham, not by works, but by faith. His righteousness was not counted by any other thing than his faith. He believed in God and he became obedient to his commands. Today, let us remember that before the law was ever given, the opportunity was there for all to serve God by their faith in him. It was by a falling away that the law had to be given. As we read the new Testament we read also that the end will not come and that Christ will not come again until there be a falling away. (2Thess - 2:3) If we look around there are people who are now following other things than Christ and calling them Christianity. There are others that have been put in the seat of Christ. The evidence of the second coming of Christ is occurring right before our very eyes. This is not to threaten or frighten, it is to allow us this time to make our choice. When the promise was given to Abraham until the people were given the law was four hundred and thirty years, so we know not to try to predict when and where. But we must allow ourselves to give place to reason. If the word of God tells us that through Christ is our only hope, and the signs of the times are in parallel with the word of God, then what choice do we have? If we are to end this journey, however it may end, in a spiritual place that is pleasing to God, we must get behind Christ and follow him as disciples. Not always right, not always in line, but obedient to his teachings and his correction when we are found wanting. We must know that the teaching of the law and the value of sacrifice is far secondary to the light burden of faith in God through Jesus Christ. We will not be put under bondage again if we follow Christ as through him is all liberty and freedom and righteousness! But if we choose to keep wandering away from Christ, meaning his teachings and instruction, we will soon find ourselves wandering out in the wilderness just as God's people did when they wandered in the wilderness. We will be lost and without a savior and therefore put into bondage until we get back behind Christ. History will not repeat itself exactly but the prophecy of the Bible will occur and is occurring every day until Christ comes again. So, let us make our decision, freedom through faith? Or constant conviction and condemnation through the law ending in our destruction? Time to step across the line and never look back Christians! What once was first is once again in Christ Jesus and the promise and hope of eternal redemption!!! Have a great day!!!