Amazing Grace

Reading: Galatians 1:1-12

Introduction: Jesus said, "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Paul said that the Gospel is "the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" (Romans 1:16). His heart was broken because the Galatian churches had turned to a "different Gospel" (Galatians 1:6). So if it is possible to be turned to a different Gospel, we need to be sure of the true Gospel.

1. The Gospel is "Access to God"  Ephesians 3:12.

The curtain of separation was torn in two (Mark 15:38; Hebrews 10:20).
We have confidence because the wrath of God is spent. Hallelujah!
When God closed the door to Jesus, He opened the door to us (Mark 15:34).
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" Gals. 3:13.
"Through him we... have access to the Father..." Ephesians 2:18.
The work of the cross is not partial, but full and final. "It is finished!" John 19:30.

2. The Gospel is "Righteousness from God"   Romans 4:3-9.
The Gospel puts us in moral credit! Romans 1:17; 3:21-24; Philippians 3:7-9.
Illustration: Account transactions.
This free gift means that when the Father looks at us he sees the purity of His Son.
"You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you" John 15:3.
"If any man is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone..." 2 Corinthians 5:17.

3. The Gospel is "Peace with God"   Romans 5:1-2.
The Good News is peace with God, yet the church is full of Christians who feel guilty!
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth to men on whom his favour rests" Luke 2:14.
This favour comes by faith (Romans 5:1; see also Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 2:16).
Peace with God means friendship with God. "Holiness" does not give access, only grace.
Note: the folly of works, trying to add to the cross (Galatians 6:14).
The Christian's top priority should be fellowship, not holiness; discipline not duty.

Application: Where this Gospel is truly understood, it will not produce a desire or license to sin. Rather, there will be an increased hunger for holiness. See Titus 2:11-12; and 3:4-8.

Conclusion

Consider the principle taught in John 8:10-11 and rejoice all the days of your life!