Christ Alone

Re:Verse passage – Galatians 6:11-18 (day four)

Paul ends his letter with both a literal and a metaphorical exclamation point. After six chapters of unpacking the true meaning of Christian freedom, he makes one last accusation of the Judaizers. He claims that the people attempting to force their rules of circumcision on the Galatians had only one motive: to look good in front of others because they lacked the courage to live by faith, sharing in Christ’s suffering and death.

This is a tough pill to swallow. When we try to add to grace and claim, “Jesus and ___” we are not living by faith in Christ alone. In verse 15 Paul reminds us that a life of faith, and therefore a life of freedom, isn’t about what you or I do, but about Christ – what he has done, is doing, and will do. Adding other explicit rules or unspoken standards make it about us, sending us right back into that life of bondage to sin through our pride. A life of true freedom is a life focused on Christ, and Christ alone.

This is what we remind ourselves of when we approach the communion table. I loved our time of communion a few weeks ago at our combined service, approaching the table in unity to remind ourselves of who Christ is, and therefore who we are. That we are called to participate in Christ’s suffering and death, but also his resurrection and life. Jesus created this practice so that we might be reminded that he is sufficient for us, Christ alone.

As you approach your Thanksgiving table today, may it remind you of the communion table, and your calling to a life of freedom in Christ, Christ alone.

Happy Thanksgiving, church family!