There are two epistles of the apostle Paul in which he deals in a major way with the doctrine of justification: Romans and Galatians. Wonderful subject! All who by faith believe in Christ are reckoned or declared righteous by God.

In Romans, Paul methodically teaches the doctrine of justification. However, if Romans gives Paul’s positive teaching on this doctrine, Galatians gives us his defense of it when it was under attack. Paul’s introduction to Galatians reveals his grieved heart and warns that any tampering with the gospel would come under the curse of God (Gal. 1:6–9). His mind was that of the psalmist: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Ps. 11:3). Thus throughout the epistle he defends the doctrine of justification vehemently and with the wisdom given to him by the Holy Spirit. The false teachers were teaching that the gentile Christians must become Jews in order to be saved. Even today, we see variations of this false teaching.

In his benediction to the Galatians, Paul makes a final statement on the subject. Mercy and peace be to all who walk according to this “rule”—“new creation,” not circumcision (Gal. 6:15). He also mentions the “Israel of God.” These were the Jews who had believed in Christ. Gentiles do not have to become Jews in order to be saved; this is the theme of Galatians. In a future day, He will again take up the special promises made to the “Israel of God.” May the grace of Jesus Christ be with both believing Gentiles and the Israel of God!