One in Christ Jesus

There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise - Gal 3:28-29

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Reflecting on the pastoral writings of St. Paul to the church in Galatia, primarily of early Gentile converts, as well as Jewish believers, who were insisting that gentile converts must adhere to Jewish Laws, which included circumcision.

This Spirit-inspired pastoral letter addressed the conflict that was arising in this early Christian community and forms an important cornerstone of an important teaching about justification by faith and not by works of the Law. St Paul addresses the concerns of the Jewish converts that it was God who justified. 

This is a timely reminder to all believers that we are all one in Christ Jesus. If we belong to Christ, then automatically we are included as heirs to God’s kingdom. This was an unbroken Abrahamic Promise that God Himself had covenanted with Abram, when a flaming torch had passed between the carcasses, signifying that the Almighty God Himself was ratifying His everlasting Promises to Abram. (of Land, Nationhood & universal blessing). A perpetual blessing sealed in the One-Time Perfect Sacrifice of Christ Jesus. 

Reflecting on this passage and my own journey: I am acutely aware of the boundless grace & mercy freely given to me, even when I was walking in darkness and denied His existence as formerly fervent Buddhist believer. 

I’ll close my short sharing with this timeless hymn penned by a convicted former slave trader (John Newton) Amazing Grace (sung by: Rosemary Siemens) 

V1

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound 

That saved a wretch like me 

I once was lost, but now am found 

Was blind but now I see 

V2

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear 

And grace my fears relieved 

How precious did that grace appear 

The hour I first believed 

V3

When we’ve been there ten thousand years 

Bright shining as the sun 

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise 

Than when we’ve first begun 

Was blind but now I see

Composed by: John Newton (in 1779)
YouTube link:  https://youtu.be/Rw2VWje6tEo?si=IDxm2-tCD0GmD2ds

Reflection on Galatians 3:15-29 by Chris Tan