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"I do not set aside the grace of God..."

Text: Galatians 2:21a

IS THERE A DANGER OF SETTING ASIDE THE GRACE OF GOD?

The theology of Paul seemed very deep and complicated to the unlearned. This was something that Paul understood. Thus he took time to explain what he taught.

I do not set aside the grace of God;
for if righteousness comes through the law,
then Christ died in vain.

Galatians 2:21

1. “The grace of God”

a) This was a major doctrine.

b) It may be found in both the Old and New Testaments.

c) Application of the Grace of God:-

i) Justification from God.

ii) Salvation from God.

iii) But this grace comes from the death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2. “I do not set aside the grace of God”

a) Paul was aware that some were charging him with setting aside the grace of God.

b) How was this charge made?

i) The law was given by the grace of God.

ii) To set aside the law seemed to be setting aside the grace of God.

iii) Paul refutes this as a false notion.

3. The righteousness that God imputes

a) It is indeed through the grace of God.

b) But this righteousness does not come through the law.

i) The works of the law cannot bring justification.

ii) The keeping of the law is good but it cannot result in justification from God.

c) Righteousness can only come through the Lord Jesus Christ.

i) It is through His death that justification is made possible.

ii) It is by the grace of God that Christ’s atonement is made relevant and applicable to a believer.

iii) If justification is possible through the keeping of the law, then the death of Christ has lost its significance. Christ would then have died in in vain! The grace of God is not set aside when the death of Christ is accorded its rightful theological significance.