How does Galatians 4:5 explain the purpose of Christ's redemption for believers? Setting the Verse in Context Galatians 4:5 declares Christ came “to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons.” Paul has just described how the eternal Son “was born of a woman, born under the law” (v. 4). That historical fact frames the two-fold purpose statement of verse 5: 1. “to redeem those under the law” 2. “that we might receive our adoption as sons” Everything else in the surrounding passage (vv. 1-7) flows from those two phrases. What “Redeem” Means Redeem = to buy out of slavery or bondage by paying a price. • Galatians 3:13 – “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” • 1 Peter 1:18-19 – we were redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ.” • Titus 2:14 – He “gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness.” The law revealed God’s perfect standard but left sinners condemned. Christ literally took our place, satisfied justice, and bought us out of that condemnation. From Redemption to Adoption Redeeming slaves was only step one. God’s greater purpose is adoption—bringing the freed slaves into His own household. • Romans 8:15 – “You received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, ‘Abba, Father!’” • Ephesians 1:5 – He “predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ.” • John 1:12 – “To all who did receive Him… He gave the right to become children of God.” Redemption addresses our guilt; adoption addresses our identity. Practical Implications Identity • No longer outsiders; we are family (1 John 3:1). • God’s discipline is parental, not punitive wrath (Hebrews 12:6-7). Intimacy • We relate to God as “Abba”—tender, personal Father (Galatians 4:6). • Prayer shifts from pleading with a judge to conversing with a Dad (Matthew 6:9). Inheritance • “If a son, then an heir through God” (Galatians 4:7). • An imperishable inheritance is kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4). Assurance • The Spirit bears witness that we are God’s children (Romans 8:16). • Our standing rests on Christ’s finished work, not fluctuating feelings (2 Corinthians 5:21). Purpose • Freed to serve in love, not to relapse into trying to earn favor (Galatians 5:1, 13). • We become living examples of God’s welcoming heart to a world of orphans (Matthew 5:14-16). Living as Adopted Children Today Daily Mindset • Begin each day reminding yourself: “I am redeemed and adopted.” • Reject orphan-like anxiety; embrace child-like trust (Philippians 4:6-7). Community • Treat fellow believers as siblings, not rivals (1 Peter 1:22). • Extend the Father’s adopting love through evangelism and practical care (James 1:27). Holiness • Live worthy of the family name (Ephesians 4:1). • Draw strength from the Spirit to resist the old slavery of sin (Romans 8:12-13). Hope • Present sufferings cannot cancel the guaranteed inheritance ahead (Romans 8:17-18). • Await the full manifestation of our adoption—the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). Key Takeaways • Christ’s redemption frees us from law’s curse. • Adoption elevates us into God’s own family with full rights as heirs. • Every aspect of Christian living—identity, prayer, assurance, mission—flows from Galatians 4:5. |
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