Galatians:
This book is a letter from Paul to the
churches of Galatia (now Turkey). Paul further pointed out his
belief in predestination, with his comment that
"...God...set me apart from birth and called me by His
grace...to reveal His Son...among the Gentiles..."
(Galatians 1:15) Paul explains again that salvation cannot be
earned by being circumcised and by obeying Jewish laws, but only
by faith in Jesus Christ to take away our sins: acceptance with
God comes by believing in Christ. (Galatians 2) The whole law
(meaning Jewish law) can be summed up: "Love your neighbor
as yourself." (Galatians 5:14) Paul said, "...the
Spirit ...the sinful nature desires -- are in conflict with each
other..." (Galatians 5:16-17)
Several of Paul's other points include:
- "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24)
- "...for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7, from King James' Version)
- "...the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." (Galatians 6:8)