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Our Liberty in Christ Jesus

Galatians 2:4-5

“And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: to whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.”

What is that liberty that God’s children enjoy in Christ Jesus?

Note that the Scripture states that this is wholly one of being ‘in Christ Jesus:’ Chosen in Him of the Father from eternity (Ephesians 1:3-5), redeemed and declared justified from the cross of Calvary in Him (Ephesians 1:7), and a “free born” by His Spirit from above (Ephesians 1:13-14). The word liberty that the same Spirit of grace directed the apostle Paul to write here is a legal term with reference to those who were born as rightful citizens of the nation, versus those born as servants under bondage.

How are we to defend against being brought again into bondage?

1) BE AWARE- “false brethren unawares brought in” who would “privily” spy out our liberty, that” ‘with the purpose of’’ bringing us into bondage. Just because we are in a congregation where the message of the LORD Jesus Christ and salvation by God’s free and sovereign grace is preached and believed, this does not mean that we are exempt from opposition. More so, because where there is wheat, the LORD has purposed tares to grow as well (Matthew 13:24-30). “Unawares brought in” means that from all appearances these are of one mind with you, but over time their true intentions are revealed. They are such who give lip service to the grace of God and His righteousness which the LORD Jesus came to earn and establish, and that upon completion of His obedience unto death as the Substitute, God the Father once for all declared righteous those He sent Christ to save. Nothing more can or should be added, yet these are those who would add to or take from His perfect righteousness in order to bring the redeemed ones back under some aspect of the legalism of the law as if Christ had not fulfilled it completely.