Grace and Peace to You: Justified by Faith

Series: Galatians – Church on the Move

Main Idea: Any gospel that doesn’t include justification by grace is a false gospel.

I. Justification by Grace Through Faith in Christ is the Foundational Doctrine of the Gospel

Galatians 1:3–5

Paul wastes no time reminding the churches of the core truth of the gospel: salvation comes entirely through Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace come from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from this present evil age according to God’s will.

Key Observations

A. Paul immediately emphasizes grace.
Even in his greeting, Paul highlights the grace that comes through Christ.

B. The gospel message is clearly summarized.
Jesus gave Himself for our sins and delivers us from the present evil age.

C. Christ’s sacrifice is fully sufficient for justification.
Adding anything to Christ’s work corrupts the gospel.

D. Salvation comes by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Scripture reinforces this truth in Ephesians 2:4–9:

• God, rich in mercy, initiated salvation.

• We were spiritually dead in sin.

• God made us alive with Christ.

• Salvation is by grace through faith.

• It is not a result of works so that no one may boast.

Justification by faith is foundational. Once works are added, the gospel is fundamentally altered.

II. Justification by Grace Through Faith in Christ is the Eternal Target of the Enemy

Galatians 1:6–7

Paul expresses astonishment that the Galatian believers are quickly turning away from the true gospel.

False teachers had begun promoting a distorted message that required adherence to Jewish law in order to truly follow Christ.

Key Observations

A. The Galatian churches were very young.
Only a few years had passed since they were planted during Paul’s first missionary journey.

B. The distortion attacked justification by faith.
False teachers claimed that Gentiles must first become Jews and obey the law.

C. Similar warnings appear elsewhere in Scripture.

In Titus 1:10–14 Paul warns about deceptive teachers who upset entire households.

In Colossians 2:16–17 believers are warned not to let others judge them based on legalistic observances.

D. The enemy’s strategy is subtle.
Rather than openly denying Christ, false teachers add requirements beyond faith in Christ.

The message becomes: Jesus is not enough.

III. Justification by Grace Through Faith in Christ is the Identifying Message of True Believers

Galatians 1:8–9

Paul gives one of the strongest warnings in the New Testament.

Anyone—whether human or angelic—who preaches a different gospel is to be accursed.

Key Observations

A. Trust the message, not the messenger.
Even if a respected teacher or spiritual authority presents another gospel, it must be rejected.

B. Paul repeats the warning for emphasis.
The Greek word anathema means to be devoted to destruction or put out.

C. Believers must reject false teachers.

Paul gives similar instruction in Romans 16:17–18, warning believers to avoid those who create divisions and distort doctrine.

D. False teaching always attacks justification by faith.

Whether through legalism, additional revelation, or distorted theology, false systems ultimately undermine salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.

Conclusion

The gospel is beautifully summarized in Romans 3:21–26.

• All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory.

• We are justified by God’s grace as a gift.

• Redemption comes through Jesus Christ.

• His sacrifice satisfies God’s justice.

• Salvation is received through faith.

Gospel Response

The proper response to the gospel is simple:

• Believe in Christ

• Repent of sin

• Follow Him as Lord

  Homework: Read Romans 3:21–31