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"And if you are Christ's..."

Text: Galatians 3:29a

FURTHER RAMIFICATIONS

There was more that Paul felt he needed to add to the ramifications of justification in Christ!

And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed,
and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:29

1. “And if you are Christ’s”

a) The “if” word is stated here as a certainty.

b) Paul is not raising doubts here.

c) He is saying that if a person has truly been baptised into Christ then further ramifications would apply.

2. “Then you are Abraham’s seed”

a) This is not a reference to the ethnic seed.

b) This is a reference to the spiritual seed of Abraham.

c) The believer may speak of Abraham as “father”.

d) He is the “father of faith” and believers are “sons of faith”.

3. “And heirs according to the promise”

a) This was a huge conclusion to draw down.

b) But this is theologically and logically sound.

c) All who are justified are made “heirs”.

d) The promises that God gave to Abraham are valid and applicable to his heirs.

4. Certain exceptions (though not stated)

Two may be highlighted:

a) The promised land of Canaan is excluded.

b) The many material references may or may not apply directly.

GREAT REJOICING

A deeper understanding of the ramifications of being justified in Christ should cause the heart to be filled with great joy!

1. We have a great spiritual heritage that may be traced to Abraham.

2. We must guard and defend this glorious truth.

3. We must share this truth.

4. We must promote this vital spirit of being One with the Lord and with fellow-believers.