Scripture of the Day:
16 Knowing that a man is not ajustified by the works of the blaw, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the cfaith of Christ, and not by thedworks of the elaw: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be fjustified.
Historical Background:
Here is the Bible Dictionary description of Paul's epistle to the Galatians:
Epistle to the Galatians. There is some uncertainty as to what churches were addressed in this epistle. They were either in northern Galatia, the district of which Ancyra was capital, or in the district on the borders of Phrygia and Galatia that was visited by Paul on his first missionary journey. In either case the Galatian churches were certainly visited by Paul on his second (Acts 16: 6) and third (Acts 18: 23) journeys. (See Galatia.) The epistle was written by him (Probably while traveling through Macedonia) at the news of a wholesale defection from the truth of the gospel in favor of a return to the bondage of the Jewish law. In the epistle he vindicates his own position as an apostle, enunciates the doctrine of righteousness by faith, and affirms the value of spiritual religion as opposed to a religion of externals.
Analysis of Galatians.
1. Salutation and expression of regret at the news he had received (Gal. 1: 1-10).
2. Personal: a vindication of his own position as an apostle; his relationship with other apostles (Gal. 1: 11 - 2: 21).
3. Theological: showing the superiority of the doctrine of faith to the doctrine of merit by works (Gal. 3: 1 - 4: 31).
a. Appeal to their own experience of the Christian life (Gal. 3: 1-6).
b. The faith of Abraham; faith in Jesus Christ enables believers to become Abraham's seed (Gal. 3: 1-29).
c. The purpose of the law and its preparatory function (Gal. 4: 1-11).
d. A personal appeal (Gal. 4: 12-20).
e. Allegory of Isaac and Ishmael (Gal. 4: 21-31).
4. Practical results of the doctrine of faith (Gal. 5: 1 - 6: 10).
a. A return of Judaism a denial of Christian liberty (Gal. 5: 1-12).
b. Liberty did not mean freedom from moral restraint (Gal. 5: 13-26).
c. Duty of sympathy and liberality (Gal. 6: 1-10).
5. Autograph postscript (Gal. 6: 11-18).
Gospel Principles Outlined:
1) We are saved by the Savior's Atonement.
2) What we do should never outweigh that understanding.
3) Our faith must be centered on Christ.
4) Our actions and gospel rites are without value without the Atonement.
5) We should consistently be grateful for the amazing gift that we have received in the Savior's Atonement.
What I Learned Today:
It is interesting the see this great connection between what we do and why we can do it in the gospel. We have many wonderful opportunities to do good throughout the world. We can impact so many lives in so many possible ways. What a great thing to know that we can engage in good works. Knowing that, it is even more wonderful to know and recognize why we have the capacity to do that. It is by and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He has given us such an empowering gift. So incredible, in fact, that without it, all that we do would amount to nothing. Everything that is good and uplifting that occurs in this world is directly connected or caused by the Atonement. Even that which is done by people that may not know the Savior. I don't think that we recognize that as often as we should. The Atonement truly is everything.
Additional Resources-
Things I Will Implement:
In my personal prayers and throughout my day, I am going to do more to recognize specific things that I am able to accomplish that will improve my situation or that of others and directly show my gratitude for the Atonement and its ability to enable me to do good.
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