Free Indeed
Who the Son Sets Free Is Free Indeed
A powerful song echoes John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Amen!
The Judaizers’ Influence in Galatians
In Galatians, Paul writes urgently to a church swayed by Judaizers—Jewish Christians who insisted Gentile converts follow Mosaic Law, like circumcision, dietary rules, and Jewish festivals, to be saved.
They pulled believers from Paul’s teaching of faith alone. Wikipedia describes Judaizers as a faction who saw Old Testament laws as binding on all Christians.
Paul, in epistles like Galatians, fiercely opposed them, stressing salvation by grace through faith in Jesus, not works (Galatians 2:16). He warned that relying on the law meant “falling from grace” (Galatians 5:4).
Modern Judaizers Among Us
Today, modern Judaizers exist, arguing you must meet specific standards to be a “real Christian.”
They judge faith by outward acts: using the “right” Bible translation, avoiding certain music or TV shows, or sinning in ways they deem unacceptable. They twist Scripture to fit their rules, suggesting salvation depends on appearances, not faith in Jesus.
Satan uses these tactics to trap us, implying we must earn God’s favor. But Galatians emphasizes salvation is through faith alone.
The Hypocrisy of Legalism
Those pushing these standards aren’t sinless.
They may gossip, be slothful, or hide sins like gluttony (and really, isn’t gluttony evident on the exterior?) or pornography, yet excuse their flaws as “acceptable.” Their focus on public appearances mirrors the Judaizers’ demands on the Galatians.
I could certainly fall into this trap.
I prioritize fitness, for example, viewing my body as God’s temple, and might judge an overweight Christian, assuming their struggle reflects weak faith.
But that’s wrong. Judging salvation by personal challenges is a false gospel.
Freedom Through Faith Alone
Paul worked tirelessly to correct legalism in the churches he planted.
Satan wants us to believe outward acts earn God’s grace, but Paul’s message is clear: we’re saved by faith in Jesus alone.
No one’s personal struggles or non-essential convictions disqualify them from eternal life through faith in Jesus as the Son of God.
Jesus paid it all. When we accept, believe, and trust Him by faith, we are free—truly free. What a relief!
Rob out
