How does Galatians 3:2 emphasize faith over works for receiving the Spirit? Setting the Scene in Galatians • Paul writes to believers who began their walk in Christ but were slipping back toward reliance on Mosaic regulations. • His tone is urgent, loving, and corrective—calling them to remember how they first encountered God’s power. Anchoring Verse Galatians 3:2: “I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” Faith, Not Law, Opens the Door • Paul reduces the issue to a single question, cutting away every distraction. • “Receive the Spirit” refers to the moment of new birth when God places His Spirit within the believer (Ezekiel 36:27; John 3:5-6). • Two possible sources are contrasted: – Works of the law – human effort to keep commandments, rituals, and ceremonies. – Hearing with faith – listening to the gospel and responding with wholehearted trust. • The construction of Paul’s Greek question expects the answer “by hearing with faith,” underscoring that law-keeping never secured the Spirit. Works of the Law Defined • Circumcision, dietary rules, feast observances, and sacrificial ordinances (Leviticus 1-7; 23). • Even sincere attempts at moral rule-keeping. • While these commands had purpose in Israel’s history, they were never designed to impart life (Galatians 3:21). Faith Illustrated Across Scripture • Abraham “believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6; cited in Galatians 3:6). • Acts 10:44-47—Gentiles in Cornelius’s house believe while Peter preaches; the Holy Spirit falls before any law observance is possible. • Ephesians 1:13—“Having believed, you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” • Romans 10:17—“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Hearing plus believing equals reception of the Spirit. Outcome of Receiving the Spirit by Faith • Assurance of adoption: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8:16). • Empowerment for holy living: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16). • Unity in Christ: Jew and Gentile alike share one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). Living Out the Truth Today • Rest confidently in the completed work of Christ rather than striving for divine favor through rule-keeping. • Nourish faith by continual exposure to Scripture—“hearing with faith” remains the Spirit’s chosen channel. • Yield daily to the Spirit’s leadership, remembering He was received by faith and continues His work by that same faith, not by self-effort. |
    |