The Constitution of Christian Freedom

The Constitution of Christian Freedom, A Study of the Epistle to the Galatians - by Ed Wharton

INTRODUCTION
Christianity has always had its problems. From among the Gentiles there have been the philophers substituting human wisdom for the teachings of Christ. From the Jews there have come the Judaizers who would bind Gentile Christians with legal ordinances and rites of the Old Law as a necessary element unto justification. It is with this latter problem, its modern manifestations, and its refutation that we deal in this study.
The message of Galations, as of Romans, is more than a simple refitation of justification by the law of Moses. It is in principle a study of the system of grace versus any system of merit like Judasim.  The abiding value of the doctrine of these epistles, therefore, is the message that salvation through the system of grace is totally sufficient, and entirely independent of human merit by works of any sort under any system.
The Problem Stated: The problem today is in viewing works of faith as both meritorious and propitious. Inasmuch as Christians are not perfect in relation to sin, the meritorious concept of obedience under grace frustrates Christians and produces the idea that Christianity is too hard. In despiar the individual abandons the faith. Such is the fruit of legalism
The Problem Analyzed: Though Christians today are not reverting to the law with its Sabbaths and circumcision as did the Galatian Christians, they are nevertheless, manifesting a mistrust in the working principle of grave by perverting works of faith into the same type of legalism for which Paul wrote Galations to confute.

Judaizers did not repudiate Christianity outright. They said, "Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved." (Acts 15:1). In other words, Christianity is all right as far as it goes, but is inadequet and cannot save without the justifying element of legal (meritorious) observances and rites. This perverts the gospel and throws the divine and human parts of salvation out of proportion to the disparagement of the divine and the exhalation of the human.

Purpose of the Study: The grand object of the epistle was to show that the principle of the law was provisional and that under grace, instead of men being justified by what they do for themselves or for Christ, they are justified by what Christ does for them.
Aim of the Study: In this course we propose to establish the effects of grace upon the sinner, meaning of Christian freedom, and the effect of law upon the saved. 
General Survey of Galatians: (The following outline by R.C. Bell).
Theme: Liberty in Christ

1.  Personal Portion: The Apostle of Liberty. Paul shows that he is an apostle equal in authority and knowledge to Peter, James, and John. Chs. 1-2.
2. Doctrinal Portion: The Doctrine of Liberty. Paul shows that justification is by "faith working through love" instead of by "works of law." Chs. 2-4
3. Hiratory Portion: The Life of Liberty. Paul exhorts those "having begun in the Spirit" to "walk by the Spirit." Chs. 5-6

Plan of Study: in this outline the following plan will be used: An explanation and analytical study of the three divisions of the epistle: 

1. The Biographical Argument, Chs. 1-2
   
2. The Scriptural Argument, Chs. 3-4
   
3. The Practical Argument, Chs. 5-6

The Three divisions of the outline will be set forth in parts one, two, and three.

INFORMATION
Pages: 32
Size: 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 
Binding: Paperback