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In this episode of “Kingdom Questions,” hosted by Victor Vigorito, the discussion centers on the topic “Justified but Barely Sanctified: the Plight of the Bewitched Galatians.” Victor begins by addressing a question regarding why Paul, unlike in his other letters, does not refer to the Galatian believers as saints and whether this omission relates to their perceived legalism. He concludes that this omission was not intentional, as Paul also refrains from using the term saints in letters to the Thessalonians.
Victor then examines a follow-up question inspired by Galatians 5:4, which states, “You have been severed from Christ; you are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” He explores whether Paul’s assertion implies that those trying to be sanctified by works could be disqualified from being saints. He argues against the interpretation that being a legalist disqualifies one from salvation, suggesting that the passage focuses more on the state of one’s relationship with Christ rather than a loss of salvation.
He details several interpretations of Galatians 5:4, emphasizing that Paul is addressing believers. Victor discusses the Arminian perspective that allows for the loss of salvation, citing interpretations of being “severed from Christ” as an argument for this view. However, he argues that such a conclusion does not fit the overarching message of Galatians.
Victor elaborates on the Greek meanings of “severed” and “fallen from grace,” suggesting that if one is trying to achieve justification through law instead of relying on divine grace, they are merely losing sight of how they were saved rather than losing their salvation. He emphasizes the multifaceted nature of grace, which includes not just forgiveness of sins but also the power of God to live a righteous life.
The podcast explains that if believers revert to seeking justification through the law, they lose access to this divine power and are attempting to operate in their own strength, which results only in “filthy rags,” according to Isaiah 64:6. Victor reiterates that Paul does not disqualify the Galatian believers as saints but warns them about the consequences of relying on works for sanctification.
Main Theme: Why does Apostle Paul not refer to Galatian believers as saints in his letter?
In this episode of “Kingdom Questions,” hosted by Victor Vigorito, the discussion centers on the topic “Justified but Barely Sanctified: the Plight of the Bewitched Galatians.” Victor begins by addressing a question regarding why Paul, unlike in his other letters, does not refer to the Galatian believers as saints and whether this omission relates to their perceived legalism. He concludes that this omission was not intentional, as Paul also refrains from using the term saints in letters to the Thessalonians.
Victor then examines a follow-up question inspired by Galatians 5:4, which states, “You have been severed from Christ; you are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.” He explores whether Paul’s assertion implies that those trying to be sanctified by works could be disqualified from being saints. He argues against the interpretation that being a legalist disqualifies one from salvation, suggesting that the passage focuses more on the state of one’s relationship with Christ rather than a loss of salvation.
He details several interpretations of Galatians 5:4, emphasizing that Paul is addressing believers. Victor discusses the Arminian perspective that allows for the loss of salvation, citing interpretations of being “severed from Christ” as an argument for this view. However, he argues that such a conclusion does not fit the overarching message of Galatians.
Victor elaborates on the Greek meanings of “severed” and “fallen from grace,” suggesting that if one is trying to achieve justification through law instead of relying on divine grace, they are merely losing sight of how they were saved rather than losing their salvation. He emphasizes the multifaceted nature of grace, which includes not just forgiveness of sins but also the power of God to live a righteous life.
The podcast explains that if believers revert to seeking justification through the law, they lose access to this divine power and are attempting to operate in their own strength, which results only in “filthy rags,” according to Isaiah 64:6. Victor reiterates that Paul does not disqualify the Galatian believers as saints but warns them about the consequences of relying on works for sanctification.
Main Theme: Why does Apostle Paul not refer to Galatian believers as saints in his letter?
