The Source of True Assurance

Galatians 1:3–5 (NIV)

³ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, ⁴ who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, ⁵ to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

In Luther's commentary he reminds us that the "grace and peace" offered by Paul in the name of our glorious Savior is co-joined to the theme of the epistle. "And these two words, grace and peace, comprehend in them whatsoever belongeth to Christianity. Grace releaseth sin, and peace maketh the conscience quiet." [1]  This, he would argue is the sum total of true Christianity and the necessary effect of true justification.  The forgiveness of sins is not of works or merit. It is of grace; and the peace of conscience that the world cannot give only comes through a righteousness not of our own. 

These are simple words but they are also the very stronghold of our assurance in times of temptation and trouble.  For in times of doubt "to be certainly persuaded in our hearts, that by grace alone, all other means either in heaven or in earth set apart, we have remission of sins and peace with God" [1] is are most strenuous battle.  But, Luther says,

"But in affliction and in the hour of death, the grace and favour of the world cannot help us, they cannot deliver us from affliction, despair and death. But when the grace and peace of God are in the heart, then is a man strong, so that he can neither be cast down with adversity, nor puffed up with prosperity, but walketh on plainly and keepeth the highway. For he taketh heart and courage in the victory of Christ’s death; and the confidence thereof beginneth to reign in his conscience over sin and death; because through him he hath assured forgiveness of his sins: which after he hath once obtained, his conscience is at rest, and by the word of grace is comforted." [1]

As we look at the text, why does the Apostle write, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:3, NIV)?  Again we are given such help from this phrase.  The mysteries and incomprehensibility of God the Father is at best stunning.  And as to the issue of salvation and the assurance of that salvation, we might wonder how we are to embrace such grace and peace.  Paul reminds us to look to the Son ... look to Jesus.  This is not to divide the Godhead for indeed both are God.  But it is as we look to Jesus that we find the basis of our justification. "Whensoever thou hast to do therefore in the matter of justification, and disputest with thyself how God is to be found that justifieth or accepteth sinners: where and in what sort he is to be sought; then know thou that there is no other God besides this man Christ Jesus." [1]

Again, this is not to say that we are looking at two gods.  No, for the Apostle shows us that grace (forgiveness of sin) and peace of conscience flow from both the Father and the Son because they are co-equal, both God, very God.  And both mercies come from both the will of God and the will of Christ Jesus.  

The goal of justification is then summarized: “... to rescue us from the present evil age . . ..” (Galatians 1:4, NIV)  The Lord "gave Himself" to accomplish this. "The force and power of sin is set forth and amplified exceedingly by these words: 'Which gave himself for our sins.' Therefore here is to be marked the infinite greatness of the price bestowed for it, and then it will appear evidently that the power of it is so great, that by no means it could be put away, but that the Son of God must needs be given for it." [1]  The weight of our sins not only condemns, but it justifies.  Certainly we all stand guilty before God.  His Son came to deliver us from our sins. But we also note that the saving grace is also extended toward all our sins.

There is a sense here that we often overlook.  It is true that we need forgiveness of sins but we also need to be delivered from this evil kingdom.  No human effort can do that.  Only the grace of mercy of the Son of God can take sinners and deliver them from the rule and domain of this kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of Christ.  And this is all accomplished to the ultimate goal of the glory of God.

Any supposed salvation that robs God of His glory, that gives credence to man's effort, man's choices, man's merit robs the credit from God.  ““I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” (Isaiah 42:8, NIV).

Father there is so much pride-killing, hope reviving truth in these few verse of Your Word that it is hard to let it all sink in, take root and blossom.  Wow!  Incredible grace.  As the Heidelberg Catechism affirms this is our only hope in life and death.  Only You can forgive and deliver and do it all so You get all the glory and I get all the grace. What shall we say to these things, Father? How can we ever say thanks?  All I can think is to say with the Apostle, "Amen, amen, amen and amen!" To God be the glory, great things He hath done."   Praise forever be to You, Lord Jesus.

 

 

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 1:3). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.