In Christ alone
“…For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
Galatians 2:16 (NLT)
When you see the words In Christ alone, you probably think of the popular worship song accredited to Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. But if anyone should take the credit for the phrase, it should be the apostle Paul. For here, in Galatians chapter 2, these three little words form the basis of Paul’s argument against the hypocrisy of Peter and the false teaching of the Pharisee believers.
In Christ alone a person is made right with God, not by obeying the law but through faith in Jesus (verse 16). In Christ alone we who believe and were baptised died to the law so that we might live for God (verse 19). In Christ alone we live because it is no longer us who live, but he who lives in us (verse 20). And In Christ alone we trust, understanding that if a relationship with God could be possible through rule keeping then the Son of God died in vain (verse 21).
Everything we have and are comes from Christ alone. Whatever is good in us, even our faithfulness, comes from Christ living in us, it is nothing to do with ourselves. Knowing that and believing in that brings us true freedom. Not freedom to sin, but to live a life that is radically God-centred.
‘No guilt in life, no fear in death, this is the power of Christ in me’. Keith Getty/Stuart Townend/the Apostle Paul.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that in Christ alone you have given us everything we need to be completely reconciled to you. In Jesus’s name, Amen.
Study by Peter Mill
About the writer:
Peter Mill is a Minister and the Missions Developer of the National Ministry Team of Grace Communion International in the UK and Ireland. He is also a Pastoral Worker in Scotland and Ireland.
Local congregation:
GCI, Edinburgh
Gilmerton New Church
Ravenscroft Street
Edinburgh
EH17 8QJ
Meeting time:
Saturday 11:00 am
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church