Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 2:1-5.

 

“¹ Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also.  ² It was because of a revelation that I went up;  and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.  ³ But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.  ⁴ But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.  ⁵ But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”  Galatians 2:1-5.

 

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Today’s Scripture shows Paul standing firm.  “But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.”  Verse 5. 

 

The Book of Galatians is devoted to hammering home the point of our freedom from the Law.  In the last chapter of Galatians, we read:  “It was for freedom that Christ set us free;  therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”  Galatians 5:1

 

Reformed Doctrine (which emphasizes the “sola” of “grace alone”) is also known as the “doctrines of grace”.  Like Paul, those of us who believe in Reformed Doctrine face peer pressure from those in the church who would like to draw us back into a man-centered/works-centered “gospel” like Arminianism which emphasizes man’s alleged “free-will” and man’s alleged contribution to his own salvation whether it be his works or his will.  

 

But, Reformed Doctrine shouts:  “No!!!  Man is dead in sin and cannot contribute works or will or anything else to his salvation.  The only thing that man contributes is his “Total Depravity”!!!  Our salvation is determined by “Unconditional Election”.  There is no condition supplied by man that motivates God to save us.  We are truly saved by grace alone!”    

 

Like Paul, we likewise need to resist peer pressure.  We need to stay committed to the truth of Reformed Doctrine.  We need to “stand firm“.  

 

It is interesting to note that although Peter was included in Paul’s criticism in Galatians 2:11-14, Peter later wrote in 1 Peter 5:12:  “Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God.  Stand firm in it!” 

Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”

 

Ephesians 6:13
“Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.”

 

Ephesians 6:14
“Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,”

 

Philippians 1:27
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;”

 

Philippians 4:1
“Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.”

 

2 Thessalonians 2:15
“So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.”