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In this episode of “Kingdom Questions,” hosted by Victor Vigorito presents the central question: Would Paul disqualify someone as a saint for trying to be sanctified by works? Victor references Galatians 5:4, particularly the phrase “fallen from grace,” and suggests that while it may seem that Paul would disqualify such an individual, he does not believe this passage implies that a believer can lose their salvation. Instead, he argues that while the person remains a saint, they may struggle significantly in their faith journey due to their reliance on works rather than grace.
Victor elaborates that the common interpretation of “fallen from grace” as losing salvation is overly simplistic. He contends that grace encompasses more than just forgiveness of sins; it includes the power of God to aid in spiritual growth. If believers focus solely on the law for their sanctification, they risk missing out on the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit, which is essential for growth in faith.
Continuing, Victor points out that in Galatians, Paul addresses saints and wishes them grace and peace, implying they are already forgiven. The true source of growth in their faith, according to Paul, is not adherence to the law, but “faith working through love.” He explains that while obedience to the moral and ceremonial law is important, it should not be seen as the basis for justification before God.
Victor anticipates objections regarding whether one should disregard the law altogether and responds with a definitive “Absolutely not.” He stresses that while believers are expected to keep the moral law, they must do so without viewing their adherence as grounds for their justification. He underscores that Jesus’s sacrifice is the sole reason any believer is regarded as holy.
As Victor delves deeper, he discusses how using the law as a means for sanctification is futile, as it only reveals personal shortcomings without the power to enable change. He reiterates that true sanctification must come through the Holy Spirit, who helps believers live in accordance with God’s will, emphasizing the theme of walking by the Spirit to avoid acting on sinful desires.
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 presents the central question: Would Paul disqualify someone as a saint for trying to be sanctified by works? Victor references Galatians 5:4, particularly the phrase “fallen from grace,” and suggests that while it may seem that Paul would disqualify such an individual, he does not believe this passage implies that a believer can lose their salvation. Instead, he argues that while the person remains a saint, they may struggle significantly in their faith journey due to their reliance on works rather than grace.
Victor elaborates that the common interpretation of “fallen from grace” as losing salvation is overly simplistic. He contends that grace encompasses more than just forgiveness of sins; it includes the power of God to aid in spiritual growth. If believers focus solely on the law for their sanctification, they risk missing out on the empowerment that comes from the Holy Spirit, which is essential for growth in faith.
Continuing, Victor points out that in Galatians, Paul addresses saints and wishes them grace and peace, implying they are already forgiven. The true source of growth in their faith, according to Paul, is not adherence to the law, but “faith working through love.” He explains that while obedience to the moral and ceremonial law is important, it should not be seen as the basis for justification before God.
Victor anticipates objections regarding whether one should disregard the law altogether and responds with a definitive “Absolutely not.” He stresses that while believers are expected to keep the moral law, they must do so without viewing their adherence as grounds for their justification. He underscores that Jesus’s sacrifice is the sole reason any believer is regarded as holy.
As Victor delves deeper, he discusses how using the law as a means for sanctification is futile, as it only reveals personal shortcomings without the power to enable change. He reiterates that true sanctification must come through the Holy Spirit, who helps believers live in accordance with God’s will, emphasizing the theme of walking by the Spirit to avoid acting on sinful desires.
Main Theme: Why does Apostle Paul not refer to Galatian believers as saints in his letter?
