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5 “For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.”

Galatians 5:5

Different religious groups have different teachings on how to be saved. Some of them say that being a member of their group guarantees salvation. Others claim that in order to be saved, one has to believe in Jesus plus obey a plethora of other “spiritual” things.

However, the Bible conveys a pretty clear message on the topic of salvation: it is by God’s grace alone, received through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Jesus is enough for you and me to be declared righteous before the Almighty God on Judgment Day.

In our verse of the day, the Apostle Paul deals with the Galatian church, which was infiltrated by the Judaizers, a religious group from Jerusalem who taught that being made right before God required both faith in Jesus Christ and adherence to the letters of the Mosaic Law. They were trying to convince the Galatians to add circumcision on top of faith in Jesus Christ for them to receive God’s approval.

Paul strongly rejects this teaching and tells them that if they think that faith in Jesus Christ is not enough, they have fallen from grace. This does not imply that they lost their salvation because Paul still addresses them as “brethren.” He simply means that they have steered away from the domain of grace. Believing the Judaizers would demand them to obey the Law in full and without fail.

Next, Paul reminds them that those who trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation depend on the power of the Holy Spirit and God’s supplication for all their needs. This does not necessarily mean material riches but spiritual resources that are essential to successfully live the Christian life.

A person who puts his trust in Jesus Christ does not need anything else to gain God’s approval. The Spirit of God more than amply supplies all of his needs. Though standing firm in the faith sometimes involves suffering, a Christian remains determined and expects the return of his Lord.

The Bible teaches that at the moment of salvation, Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us, meaning, His perfect life is credited to our account. Therefore, this is not the kind of righteousness Paul is referring to. Rather, it is the culmination of the redemptive process—the glorification stage when Jesus finally presents us to the Father and we spend eternity in His Kingdom.

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:8

Are you eager for the coming of the Lord Jesus? Keep trusting in Him and no one else because will surely come. Do not lose sight of that day. Be faithful to what God has given you—regardless of how small or insignificant it may seem.

Pursue the Saviour today!