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| Monergism Books |
I am now studying Galatians using The Lectio Continua Expository Commentary: Galatians by J.V. Fesko. And every time I come to this epistle, I am grateful to be reminded that salvation is by grace alone and not by our own efforts; that I did not gave Him the opportunity to save me, that it was not me choosing Him or opening the door of my heart to Him. He called me and I could not resist His amazing Grace.
Galatians 2: 21 says,
“We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.”
Vesko comments,
“If the believer’s justification is based upon the work of Christ and the obedience of the believer, then Christ came in vain. In other words, the work of Christ is insufficient to save and requires augmentation -the addition of the believer’s obedience. If the false teachers are correct, then Christ did not secure salvation for anyone, but only the possibility or opportunity for salvation to those willing to complete their salvation with their own good works. This, however, is the farthest from the truth. This is why Paul calls the Galatians heresy a false gospel. Christ did not come to give people their possibility or the chance at salvation; he came to save his people from the wrath of God: actually, finally, completely, eternally, and immutably.” (emphasis mine)
I can only say, Amen and Amen! All glory be to God who saves!
Becky
Daily On My Way to Heaven 
Angela,
Normally I have three books going on:
1. A Bible commentary that I use in my “quiet-times” to study in depth God's Word. I usually read it slowly because I take notes on my journal and pray, and all that.
2. A fiction book or any other book that catches my attention. I read this while my children read theirs.
3. A “Living the Gospel” book (any book that is written to help me grow in my faith or that helps me understand the world through a Biblical worldview). I usually have to make time to read this one.
I guess it takes, like everything else, discipline. Once you start setting real reading goals, and you “defend” your reading time, it starts to happen.
Blessings!
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Thanks for the recommendation. This looks like a valuable book, and I definitely need the reminder that nothing I do saves me. I'm going to order it right now!
P.S. You read quite a bit – how do you schedule your reading in order to read profitably?
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