Read Galatians 5:1-6

“You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” (Galatians 5:4)

Dear brothers and sisters, the phrase “estranged from Christ” should send a shiver down our spines with its solemn undertones. What lover of the Savior could ever want such a rebuke passed over them? To be estranged from from Christ, oh, what a terrifying outcome! But in these words, inked with love by the great apostle, there is great wisdom and warning for all Christians.

Let us begin by understanding the word "estranged.” It means “to be rendered useless and inoperative” or “to abolish and destroy.” It is the same word used by Paul to describe how the resurrection has destroyed and abolished death (see 1 Corinthians 15:26; 2 Timothy 1:10). Therefore, it is not a light term, Beloved.

Paul wrote with great passion to the Galatian church on this matter. He had one purpose: to prove beyond a doubt that Christ has set all believers free from the Old Testament Law. Hear that again. Our Lord Jesus has not only set us free from sin, but from the Law. This is an undeniable doctrine, which like a golden thread, is woven throughout the New Testament, especially in Paul’s writings.

Paul understood, perhaps more than anyone, the tendency for the Christian to lean upon the Law as a stepladder for sanctification and holiness. And indeed, it is God’s Law, afterall! Should it not be good for us to follow? Right you are that the Law is good and virtuous! Yet, to live by the Law as a benefit for our lives is a different conclusion altogether. And herein lies our predicament. For we, pilgrims of earth, are temporarily bound to a body of death wherein sins dwells, and the Law serves one purpose for our kind: to illuminate our sin and inadequacy.

“Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good... But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.” (Romans 7:12–14)

Furthermore, because of sin which dwells in us, the divine Law only provokes our sinful propensities and makes us worse! You may ask, then, “Why was the Law ever given?” Paul anticipates this question and answers it masterfully. I exhort you to study Paul’s words in Galatians 3:19-25 on this matter. But permit me to quote a segment of it.

“What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed (Jesus Christ) should come to whom the promise was made... “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” (Galatians 3:19, 24–25)

And herein lies the estrangement which Paul speaks of, for it is human nature to choose Law over Faith. “Do this” and “do that” seem so productive to our righteousness and our sanctification. But the Law will only condemn (see Galatians 3:21) or drive us toward self righteousness (see Matthew 23:27-28). And this is what the Galatian Church had been inundated with, so much so, that Paul goes to great lengths in his words to show them their error.

In this letter alone, Paul declares to them that living by the Law was equivalent to believing in a different gospel (see Galatians 1:6-9); to living in the flesh instead of the Spirit (see Galatians 3:1-3); and to be fallen from grace (see Galatians 5:4). Dreadful!

Beloved, let this serve as a beacon of warning for us, as we tread this pilgrimage as followers of Christ. My heart grieves to observe how many Christians — and whole congregations — who have turned the blessed faith of Christianity into a religion shackled by the Law. Instead of abundance Grace, there is a heavy yoke. I implore you, dear friend, do not become estranged from our precious Savior in this way! The Law, though holy and true, cannot sanctify a you! It cannot, and it will remain forever so!

Let your pursuit be Grace, as this alone has the power to sanctify you.

Lean into the bosom of Christ. Love Him and receive His love for you. Our blessed Redeemer, Christ, has broken your chains of slavery and set you free, not just for the day of glory, but for today!

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)