Galatians 4:28-31 (WEL) Now we, brothers, are the children of promise like Isaac was. 29 But just like then, he who was born by natural means still persecutes him born by the Spirit. 30 Nevertheless, what does the Scripture say? “Throw out the maid servant and her son, for the son of the maid servant will not be heir with the son of the freeborn woman.” [Genesis 21:10] 31 So then, brothers, we are not children of the maid servant but of the free.
V28 Now we, brothers, are the children of promise like Isaac was.
God promised salvation to people who have faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation (John 3:14-18). God promised a greater covenant of salvation by our personal faith in God. See Jeremiah 31:31-33, Hebrews 8:7-13, Isaiah 49:6, and Romans 9:30-33.
V29 But just like then, he who was born by natural means still persecutes him born by the Spirit.
Ishmael mocked Isaac (Genesis 21:9). The Ishmaelites are the various Arabian tribes and peoples.
The Judaizing teachers were children from Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob according to the flesh, but they did not have the fear of God (salvation) or believe the prophets concerning Jesus. They stayed in the flesh, trusting the flesh, believing that their works and supposed adherence to Mosaic Law was salvation. Compare Luke 3:8, Matthew 8:10-12, John 8:39-40, and John 8:52-58.
Born of the Spirit is regeneration, the new birth (John 3:3 and John 3:14-18), by the Holy Spirit based on our faith in Jesus alone for salvation.
V30 Nevertheless, what does the Scripture say? “Throw out the maid servant and her son, for the son of the maid servant will not be heir with the son of the freeborn woman.” [Genesis 21:10]
God has no use for those who reject His ways, His salvation, and His laws. There is no salvation in those who trust in their works to please God. Faith plus rituals, priests, sacraments, good deeds is not the Gospel and does not bring salvation. See Romans 3:20.
V31 So then, brothers, we are not children of the maid servant but of the free.
Paul completes his example that the children of the freeborn woman (Sarah and her descendants) receive the blessings of God, and it is only those who believe God like Abraham did (Genesis 15:6).
We learn:
- Genealogy and good works do not bring salvation.
- They also are not necessary for salvation.
- It is faith alone in Jesus alone that brings salvation.
Questions:
- Are you depending on your good works and doing rituals will earn God’s favor?
- Are you convinced that only faith in Jesus Christ is required for salvation?