We Are All One In Christ

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians (3:28). Could that also be interpreted nor gay', nor straight?

Having accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Savior, and relying on him alone for justification and salvation, they become the sons of God. But no outward forms or profession can secure these blessings; for if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. In baptism we put on Christ; therein we profess to be his disciples. Being baptized into Christ, we are baptized into his death, that as he died and rose again, so we should die unto sin, and walk in newness and holiness of life. The putting on of Christ according to the gospel, consists not in outward imitation, but in a new birth, an entire change. He who makes believers to be heirs, will provide for them. Therefore our care must be to do the duties that belong to us, and all other cares we must cast upon God. And our special care must be for heaven; the things of this life are but trifles. The city of God in heaven, is the portion or child's part. Seek to be sure of that above all things. Could it also mean we are all one? Of one universal love in Christ?

In this book of Galatians, it is a testimony that affirms Christian liberty, an inspired echo that resounds with three monosyllabic words: "you are free...you are free...you are free." It so forcefully and pointedly answers the question "are we saved by believing or achieving ?" This grabs legalism so firmly by the throat! We all need to attain the fruits of the spirit' Galatians (5:23). The fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. The greatest of these being what we all want "love". 

Love is the virtue of brotherly and sacrificial love. It is a love that seeks the good of others. Paul’s order of placement, as well as his other use of the word tells us that it is the greatest of the fruits. 1 Corinthians (13); Ephesians (5:2); Colossians (3:14). love is one of the greatest features of the kingdom of God. Love is a spiritual anchor of truth in relationship with God and neighbor. This love is a distinctly Christian love, which finds its source from God alone. Because of this kind of love God sent his only Son to die for us. The Holy Spirit is hard at work to reproduce this kind of love in each one of us. We are to show this kind of selfless love to one another and to the world.

So therefore brothers and sisters, encourage one another in the family of God to become mature. Because Jesus Christ has set us free, we dare not imprison one another behind legalistic bars of our own opinions, traditions or personal preferences.

We all witness the battle between the Spirit versus the flesh. We've all experienced the difference! With the flesh in control there is comparison and struggles, agitation, irritation, force and offence. With the Spirit there is release and relief, deep satisfaction,   

joy that lasts, love that isn't fickle, peace that isn't fleeting. 

Reverend William Bowers