Galatian Questions
QUESTION
I need help explaining Galatians 3:2, 3:6, 3:26, and 4:6.
ANSWER
Those verses contain some statements that those who disagree with some aspects of Primitive Baptist theology believe undermine our beliefs regarding gospel regeneration and the utility of faith, but is that true? Let’s look at those verses:
“This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” (Galatians 3:2)
This verse is commonly raised in support of gospel regeneration, the implication being that “receiving the Spirit” is regeneration and that this came from hearing the gospel. This is problematic, because this receiving is said to be “by the hearing of faith.” Unregenerate men do not possess faith and thus do not possess “the hearing of faith.” That’s because faith is a vital capacity of the new man and so it is only possessed by those who are already in possession of eternal life by regeneration. Indeed, the apostle Paul states that faith is that capacity to which the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel:
“For I am not ashamed of THE GOSPEL of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. FOR THEREIN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD REVEALED FROM FAITH TO FAITH: as it is written, THE JUST shall live BY FAITH.” (Romans 1:16-17)
Here again in Romans, Paul likewise affirms that faith is required to receive gospel truth. This leads to two observations regarding the meaning of “received ye the spirit” in Galatians 3:2:
Receiving the Spirit is NOT regeneration, because those who received it already possessed the hearing of faith which is proof of their regenerate state.
Receiving the Spirit therefore must intend something other than regeneration.
In this context, I believe “received ye the Spirit” intends a proper understanding of the mechanics of eternal salvation or gospel instruction regarding the workings of the Spirit. It is “the understanding of the Spirit” or “proper knowledge of spiritual truth” that is under consideration and is invoking language that Christ himself used in reference to gospel instruction:
“It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63)
Here the Lord affirms the quickening of the Spirit of God, namely, that we are not quickened by the motions of our fallen nature. He refers to gospel instruction as “spirit” and “life” which intends that they impart a proper understanding of the spiritual life that a regenerate child of God possess and by which they are able to understand this teaching.
“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26)
This text simply affirms that faith is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It follows that faith makes spiritual sonship manifest. It is saying, “As evidenced by your faith in Christ, ye are all the children of God.” It is not saying, “The exercise of faith made you a child of God.” Indeed, that statement, which is implied by so many of this text, is evidently contradictory given that sonship is established in election and given that only the regenerate possess faith.
“And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:6)
This verse has tremendous utility in defending Primitive Baptist theology, IMO. It establishes the proper order and causation of election, regeneration, and the exercise of faith. We see that SONSHIP is the preceding cause of regeneration, which in turn is the cause of why someone would cry out to God in faith. This is precisely what the bible teaches and what the Primitive Baptist that I am in close fellowship with teach as well.
“Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Galatians 3:6)
Faith is an evidence of things not seen. Abraham’s faith makes manifest that he is a righteous man, a recipient of the benevolence of Christ through the covenant and the covenant blessing of regeneration wherein he was given evidentiary faith.
FOLLOW UP QUESTION
Now I know we are Children by covenant and regeneration is before belief, but when trying to share what we believe with others I find those verse most difficult to explain. Along with Ephesians 2:8 "for by grace are ye saved the through faith.” Could you help me understand these truths in a way that is simple so that I can better share what we believe with others?
ANSWER
RL: I know these are complex and deeper subjects but anything will helps thanks.
Lets consider this in more detail…
Now I know we are Children by covenant and regeneration is before belief
That is correct and vitally important to a proper understanding.
but when trying to share what we believe with others I find those verse most difficult to explain.
I understand the issue you raise and have encountered it before. I always try to come back to “What is faith?” and then show that faith is an “evidence.” (Hebrews 11:1) That simple observation is incredibly helpful, though it may be hard to get others to grasp if they have been proselytized in the idea that “faith is the condition man must meet in order to be justified.” That weed is difficult to uproot given how it has grown like Kudzu along a Mississippi railway among evangelicals for centuries. I have often said, “Faith is not a condition of the covenant; faith is a provision of the covenant.” This is what is intended by the next verse you mention…
Along with Ephesians 2:8 "for by grace are ye saved the through faith.”
“Through faith” intends “as evidenced by your faith.” Why is that – because that’s what faith is – it is an evidence of things not seen. There are many “things not seen” but there is no doubt that preceding election, sonship, and regeneration are among those things. This is precisely what Galatians 4:6 above is teaching.
Could u possibly help me understand these truths in a way that is simple that I may better be able to share to others what we believe?
What I’ve stated above is an attempt to provide that over Saturday morning coffee. As to whether or not it is “simple” or helps with sharing the truth with others; “let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” I suppose time will tell on that. 🙂
I know these are complex and deeper subjects but anything will helps thanks.
They do require right division and that is in pretty short supply among evangelicals in our time. It is good that you’re pressing into these matters because they are important and the ability to represent the truth clearly in a world that is so full of false ideas is very important.
- Elder Daniel Samons