The One Rule

Galatians 6:16-18 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God. 17 Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
 
DO Paul’s final words to the Galatians surprise you? With many words he has denounced rule makers who minimized the cross. What, then, does he mean in his benediction: Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule. What rule?
   The rule is the rule of the cross, the gospel of Jesus Christ. The only way to know God’s peace and mercy is to live under the rule, the authority of the cross. In contrast, one who continually strives in a rule-based religion will never know Jesus’ peace. His mercy, too, is far from our hearts if we believe we must keep following flesh-based rituals and rules to please him.
   And what does Paul mean by Israel of God? This is a new phrase, isn’t it? The Bible speaks of the God of Israel. But here Paul reverses the phrase to define the new church. The Israel of God is the gathering of Gentiles and Jews into the church of Jesus Christ. This fulfills God’s promise to Abraham: Genesis 17:4 “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations.” This Israel is the Father’s children who have come to faith in Jesus.
   Then Paul closed his letter with a strong appeal: Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Paul has deeply suffered physical and emotional pain as an apostle. Why would anyone suffer for a lie or half-truth? Paul emphasizes his preaching with his living. Devoted to the cross, Paul has suffered for the truth, so many more will know God’s gracious gift. Paul has fully committed his life to the gospel. His body is marked with the scars of lashes and stoning. He has been willing to suffer physical pain and emotional distress because he knows Jesus’ gospel is true. Believing is a matter of eternal life. He wants the lies to end, so the church will live in the truth.
   His last sentence may be a plea and a prayer: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. Paul wants his Galatian brothers and sisters to have God’s grace in their spirit, so they know Jesus’ peace is with them. He desires they savor Jesus’ work to save them. They can be satisfied in God’s love to promise and prepare his eternal home to all who believe. “Amen” is “may it be true.” Yes, may it be true that we know God’s grace and peace.