Paul opposes Cephas

by Faye Schmidt

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So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no-one will be justified (Galatians 2:16b).

Read Galatians 2:11–21

What does it mean to be ‘justified’? ‘Justification by faith through grace’ is a key foundation of our Lutheran understanding of salvation through Christ. But what does justification actually mean? We often refer to someone as having been justified in their actions, ie their response was equal to and supported by the actions that were against them.

Some dictionary definitions of ‘justify’ include:

• To show (an act, claim, statement, etc) to be just or right.
• To defend or uphold as warranted or well-grounded.
• To declare innocent or guiltless; absolve; acquit.

Do you note the legal language? Do you feel as though you have entered a courtroom and there is a judge before you about to pronounce a sentence? And what is our sentence? Death, eternal separation from God.

But what does God do for us through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ? He says to us, ‘Sentence has been served – by my Son. Therefore, as an act of grace, I declare you to be innocent and absolved of all guilt. You are mine, and a place has been prepared for you with me’.

Can you imagine that happening in a court of law today? When we read the Book of Job, we realise that Job is in a courtroom before a judge, and he declares those words that we rejoice in singing each Easter, ‘I know that my redeemer lives’.

And what is our response? What does Christ require of me? To love the Lord, my God, with all my heart, mind and strength, and my neighbour as myself – yes, to love one another as he first loved us.

We praise and thank you, Heavenly Father, that as our judge, you declared us to be absolved of all sin and adopted us as your children. Help us to see you in others and love them as you first loved us. Amen.

Faye Schmidt continues her diaconal calling through governance, having served on the Vic–Tas District Church Board, the General Church Board and currently as chair of the Standing Committee on Constitutions and her congregation, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. Having lived and worked in many locations within Australia and overseas, Faye has a heart for the stranger and the newcomer and for being open to new ideas, learning from others and responding to needs.

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