Imagine a family reunion where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background, history, or differences. It's not just any family reunion—it's the family of God, brought together by the unifying love of Christ. In today's world, where divisions based on race, class, gender, and other factors are all too prevalent, Paul's message is powerful for us today.
The Text
Galatians 3:23–29 (NIV)
"Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed. So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
The Guardian
Paul begins by describing our former state under the law. He uses the metaphor of a guardian or custodian to illustrate how the law functioned.
"Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed" (Galatians 3:23).
The law was necessary to guide and protect, much like a strict guardian supervising a child. However, this temporary guardianship was meant to prepare us for something greater.
The Coming of Faith
Through Jesus, everything changed. Paul states,
"Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian" (Galatians 3:25).
The Greek word for "faith" is "πίστις" (pistis), which encompasses more than mere belief. It implies trust and reliance. It is a deep-rooted conviction that leads to action. Faith, in the biblical sense, is not just intellectual agreement but a commitment that shapes how we live our lives.
Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Hall of Faith."
"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8)
Abraham's faith was not merely a mental agreement with God's promise but an active trust that led him to leave his homeland and follow God's direction. His faith was demonstrated through his obedience and willingness to act on God's command.
We were "...held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed" (Galatians 3:23).
[R]evealed, in the original Greek, is "ἀποκαλύπτω" (apokalyptō). This word is derived from the Greek roots "ἀπό" (apo), meaning "from" or "away from," and "καλύπτω" (kalyptō), meaning "to cover" or "to conceal."
Together, "ἀποκαλύπτω" literally means "to uncover" or "to reveal." In the context of Galatians 3:23, it refers to the act of making something known that was previously hidden or unknown, particularly about the coming of faith and the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Through Christ's faithfulness, we are no longer bound by the law's restrictions. The purpose of the law was to lead us to Christ, and now that faith has come, we are justified through faith, not by our adherence to the law. This shift represents a profound transformation in our relationship with God and one another.
Clothed in Christ
Paul then boldly declares:
"So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:26-27).
This imagery of being "clothed with Christ" is powerful. When we put on clothes, they become a part of us, covering us completely. In the same way, when we are baptized into Christ, we take on His identity. Our old selves, with all our divisions and distinctions, are replaced by our new identity in Him.
Being clothed with Christ means that His righteousness covers us. Just as clothing protects and identifies us, being clothed with Christ means we are protected by His grace and identified by His love. In Him, we are one new family.
Unity in Diversity
Paul continues:
"There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).
Paul’s words are revolutionary. In a society deeply divided along lines of ethnicity, social status, and gender, Paul says that these distinctions don't exist in Christ. We are all one new family united in Christ.
The new family of God breaks down the existing barriers and divisions. Our identity is no longer based on our cultural background, social status, or gender. Instead, our identity is rooted in Christ. This unity in diversity is not about erasing our differences but embracing them as part of the rich tapestry of God's creation. Each person brings a unique perspective and gift to the body of Christ. As we are knit together, we form a beautiful tapestry that is the family of God. God's family is a tapestry rich in color and texture.
The Digital Family
In our interconnected world, people from different continents, cultures, and backgrounds can form meaningful relationships through the internet. Social media platforms, online communities, and video calls allow us to connect with others in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
In the digital family, it doesn't matter where you come from or what language you speak. What matters is the connection and the common interests that bring you together. Similarly, as the family of God, we are drawn together in Christ and the love that unites us.
A New Creation Family
How do we live out this reality of being one family in Christ?
Embrace your identity as part of the new creation family of God.
To embrace this new creation identity means fully understanding and living out the reality that we are all equal and united in Christ. It means letting go of the prejudices, biases, and divisions the world imposes on us. We must see ourselves and each other through the lens of Christ's love, recognizing that we are all beloved children of God, equally deserving of His grace and love.
Practically, this means actively working to break down barriers within our church community and beyond. It means challenging ourselves to step out of our comfort zones and build relationships with those different from us. It means advocating for justice and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels welcomed and valued in the family of God. It also involves serving one another with humility and love, reflecting the selfless love of Christ in all that we do.
Crossing The Context
Considering Paul's words, let us remember that we are all part of the new family in Christ. The distinctions that once separated us no longer define us. Instead, we are united by our faith in Christ and our identity in Him. Let us live out this truth by embracing our identity as part of this new family, breaking down barriers, and striving for unity and love in all we do.
Notes:
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are from: ”Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Recommended Resources:
BibleProject, Galatians Overview Video
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