Paul's Epistle to the Galatians was written to the "ekklasiais" (the called out ones) in Galatia, to people who already belonged to God, and concerning their Christian WALK. Paul states in Gal. 3:1-5 that the Galatian Christians received the Spirit by faith and now foolishly are attempting to be mature by means of the flesh.

Paul states in Gal 1:6 "I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another ("heteros" - another kind of) gospel (good news)". Paul states that the "Grace" of God is the true "gospel", but what is the "other kind of gospel"?

I believe the answer to this question lies in Paul's use of the Greek definite article "the", with "nomos", the Greek word for "law". The Koine Greek language of the New Testament only uses the definite article "the" with a noun to mark contrast, to emphasize, or to identify, as in a title.

When we study all the uses of the Greek word "nomos" in the New Testament and note the presence and absence of the Greek article "the", we can see that the author will often use the article "the" to indicate "THE Old Testament Law" itself, and will leave out the article to indicate "a law, or "legalistic" method".

In the Book of Galatians, I count "nomos" WITH the Greek article "the", 4 times, meaning "THE Old Testament Law", and 9 times WITHOUT the article, meaning "A law", or legalistic "method" of trying to please God.

For example, in Galatians 3:24, "nomos" has the article: "Wherefore THE (Old Testament) Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith".

And in Galatians 3:13: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of THE (Old Testament) Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree".

And, without the article, Galatians 5:4 speaks of a "legalistic method": "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law (no article = a legalistic method); ye are fallen from grace". (fallen from the Grace method).

Again, in Galatians 2:21, "nomos" without the article: "I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law (a legalistic method), then Christ is dead in vain".

The Galatian Christians were "saved" by Grace, and have begun to think that they can now please God by their own works instead of allowing the Grace of God and His righteousness to work through them.

--- Isa. 64:6 States "all OUR righteousnesses are as filthy rags".

--- Jesus said in John 15:5 "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing".

--- 1 John Chapter 1 teaches us that our "Walking in light" requires our continual confession of personal sins, to maintain our "fellowship" with God.

Galatians 5:18 states "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law ("nomos" without the article "a legalistic method"). Being led by the Spirit, God is in control of our life, and He produces His righteous works through us.

To me, this points out a grave danger for us today! Are we "Saved by Grace" and then "maintain" our "salvation" by our own works - by adhering to a list of "dos and don'ts" - a "law method"?

Adhering to a list of "dos and don'ts" will make you "OK" with a church group, but God requires us to constantly be led by His Spirit, to please Him.

When we are truly "in fellowship" and led by the Spirit of God, we find that it is a joy to live by God's Word.

I pray that we do not "frustrate the Grace of God", but that we will all learn to be "led by the Spirit" and grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Bob Jones
www.BibleFood.com