NPC MediaBeginning in Spirit, Not Completing in Flesh
Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you as crucified? I just want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?
The Apostle Paul begins his letter to the Galatians with very strong words, calling them “Foolish Galatians!” He asks them who had “bewitched” them, causing them to turn away from the clear truth of Jesus Christ, who was “openly portrayed among you as crucified.” Paul was astonished that after receiving such a vivid presentation of Christ’s sacrifice, they were being led astray by teachings that added human effort to God’s grace.
He then poses a crucial question: “Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?” The answer for them, and for us today, is clear. We receive the Holy Spirit and enter into God’s family not by following religious rules or performing duties to earn His favour, but purely by hearing the good news of Jesus and placing our faith in Him. It is a gift of grace, freely given, freely received.
This leads to Paul’s powerful follow-up: “Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?” This question cuts to the heart of our spiritual journey. Many of us begin our walk with God trusting fully in Jesus’ finished work on the cross for our salvation. We rely on His grace alone. But sometimes, we might start to believe that to grow spiritually, to receive more blessings, or to secure God’s continued favour, we need to add our own efforts. We might think that certain fasts, specific financial contributions, or the purchase of blessed items are necessary to compel God to act or to complete what Jesus has already perfected.
Beloved, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was truly complete and completely sufficient. It covers every aspect of our salvation and our spiritual growth. Just as we began our journey with God by the Spirit through faith, we continue, grow, and are made complete by the same Spirit, through the same faith, and by the same grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our progress comes from deeper trust in Him, not greater effort from ourselves. Let us hold fast to the truth that Christ’s work is enough, from start to finish.
Let's Pray
Almighty God, we thank You for the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. We confess that sometimes we are tempted to rely on our own efforts or religious practices, as if these could add to what Your Son has already perfectly accomplished. Forgive us for such foolishness. Help us, Lord, to always remember that we began in the Spirit by faith, and we are also completed in the Spirit by faith. Keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Amen.
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