Where is Faith?

Galatians 3:1-3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? 3 Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?
 
GALATIANS 3 is an expression of Paul’s great frustration with the Galatian churches. At first, they seemed to have received the Spirit, accepting the gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. But then false teachers caused them to believe salvation came through their own efforts to keep the law. This self-works way would nullify Jesus’ crucifixion as necessary for salvation. “Who needs Jesus if I can save myself?”
    This self-determination has plagued the church from then until now. The established universal church would ultimately develop into a works-oriented culture. To reach heaven, one had to meet the Church’s laws. Sins were even forgiven when one paid indulgences to the church. The universal Church needed to change.
    Many faithful to God’s Word attempted to reform the church. Many were silenced. Some tragically martyred. But a significant change began when the Holy Spirit revealed the truth of Galatians to Martin Luther. As a monk, Luther spent hours daily in repentance. He lived in despair of his relationship with God. But then the Holy Spirit opened Galatians’ truth to Luther. He came to understand and know that salvation is through faith in Jesus’ crucifixion, resurrection and ascension. Salvation is not in man’s work or countless confessions of sin. Salvation is in the Lord’s work of grace.
    That began a great change in the established church in 1517 called the Reformation. Amid much opposition, a widespread movement developed to preach Christ redeemed us, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (from Galatians 3:14)
    The truth should be clear to all. But it’s not. There have remained after the Reformation many churches who advance the works message. God’s authority is still human self-determination among some churches. And there are many cults that have added to the Bible to promote a man-made way to heaven. Instead, they are turning people toward hell.
          The first sin was a works sin, wasn’t it? Genesis 3:5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” The only way to become as God is to follow his salvation path is through faith in Jesus. It requires dying to self and living for Christ.