Podcast (kingdomquestions): Play in new window | Download | Embed
Podcast (kingdomquestions): Play in new window | Download | Embed
In this episode of “Kingdom Questions,” Victor Vigorito addresses the complex issue posed by Galatians chapter five, verse four, which questions whether a believer can lose their salvation. Victor begins by acknowledging the difficulty of the question but highlights that the fundamental issue raised in the chapter centers on the ground of justification—whether it is achieved through faith in Christ or by the works of the law.
He discusses the distinction between moral and ceremonial law, explaining that the ceremonial law pertains to Jewish practices, including the contentious issue of circumcision, which is central to Paul’s argument. Victor notes that the Council of Jerusalem had determined that circumcision was not a requirement for Gentile converts, and Paul is building on this, arguing that insisting on circumcision undermines the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice.
Victor explains that if someone believes that circumcision, as a part of the ceremonial law, is necessary for justification, they are then obligated to adhere to the entire law—including the moral law—if they attempt to justify themselves through it. He emphasizes that nobody can fulfill the requirements of both laws, especially the moral one.
Citing scripture, Victor notes that salvation and justification can only come through faith in Christ, not works of the law. He reiterates the importance of understanding that while obedience to the law is crucial, it should not be seen as the basis for justification. Paul stresses that true justification comes through faith, which is also necessary for sanctification—the ongoing process of growing in Christ.
Victor highlights the shift made by the Galatians after initially receiving Christ by faith; they started looking back to the law as a means of growing in their faith. He cautions against this approach by elucidating that one’s continued growth should also be rooted in faith, not legalistic adherence to the law.
Main Theme: Why does Apostle Paul not refer to Galatian believers as saints in his letter?
In this episode of “Kingdom Questions,” Victor Vigorito addresses the complex issue posed by Galatians chapter five, verse four, which questions whether a believer can lose their salvation. Victor begins by acknowledging the difficulty of the question but highlights that the fundamental issue raised in the chapter centers on the ground of justification—whether it is achieved through faith in Christ or by the works of the law.
He discusses the distinction between moral and ceremonial law, explaining that the ceremonial law pertains to Jewish practices, including the contentious issue of circumcision, which is central to Paul’s argument. Victor notes that the Council of Jerusalem had determined that circumcision was not a requirement for Gentile converts, and Paul is building on this, arguing that insisting on circumcision undermines the efficacy of Christ’s sacrifice.
Victor explains that if someone believes that circumcision, as a part of the ceremonial law, is necessary for justification, they are then obligated to adhere to the entire law—including the moral law—if they attempt to justify themselves through it. He emphasizes that nobody can fulfill the requirements of both laws, especially the moral one.
Citing scripture, Victor notes that salvation and justification can only come through faith in Christ, not works of the law. He reiterates the importance of understanding that while obedience to the law is crucial, it should not be seen as the basis for justification. Paul stresses that true justification comes through faith, which is also necessary for sanctification—the ongoing process of growing in Christ.
Victor highlights the shift made by the Galatians after initially receiving Christ by faith; they started looking back to the law as a means of growing in their faith. He cautions against this approach by elucidating that one’s continued growth should also be rooted in faith, not legalistic adherence to the law.
Main Theme: Why does Apostle Paul not refer to Galatian believers as saints in his letter?
