God Is Not Mocked

Two people in a discussion with hands foldedNear the end of his letter to the congregations in Galatia, Paul made a point of explaining that there is a very real possibility of Christians being lost again.  With the help of teachers, some brethren in Galatia had been influenced to be circumcised according to the Old Law.  The admonition against such was clearly taught.  Paul told them, “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.  Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.  For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.  Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:1-4).  It is amazing how the Word of God anticipated the false teachings that would arise.  Many today brazenly proclaim that a child of God cannot fall from grace.  However, God, through the apostle Paul explicitly taught otherwise.

            With apostasy still being his topic of discussion, Paul encouraged the brethren to “…be led of the Spirit…” and to identify and refrain from “…the works of the flesh…” (Gal. 5:18-19).  If Christians choose to follow the inspired instructions, then they can have confidence of their salvation.  Peter wrote, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure:  for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Pet. 1:10).  The problem in Galatia was that some brethren were doing contrary to what was right.  So, Paul then explained how the situation could improve.  First of all he told them, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such and one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1).  Restoration of a lost brother is something that should be a priority in our lives.  James put it this way, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).  If my brother is lost again, overcome by sin, then I should make serious effort to bring him back into the fold.  That is exactly what Jesus taught in the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4-7).  Is it not interesting that there is so much written about being restored when so many claim that you cannot fall?

            Paul further taught “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).  Notice that the law under which we live is the law of Christ, not the law of Moses.  By aiding my erring brother, I can help to make the strain and pain less difficult.  I can assist him to get away from what is making him spiritually sick (2 Pet. 2:20-22).  The brother in sin needs to understand that he does not have to fight alone.  However, that brother also needs to know that he will be held accountable for the decisions and actions that he takes.  Paul also wrote, “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.  But let every man man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  For every man shall bear his own burden” (Gal. 6:3-5).  While some might try to find a contradiction between verses two and five, there is none there.  We can help our brother, but ultimately he is going to be the one to obey God or not.

            With all of that being said, Paul took the opportunity to state the consequences of reaping what we sow.  “Be not deceived; God is not mocked:  for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting” (Gal. 6:7-8).  The principle of sowing seed and reaping wheat was well known to those of the first century.  If a man chose to put in the work, then that man would be able to enjoy the pleasures of his harvest.  If a man chose to neglect the work, then that man would suffer hardship.  No person can shake his fist at God by performing the works of the flesh and still expect to be rewarded.  How dare that man think that God owes him anything!  Truly, God is not mocked!  God will handle those who leave Him.  Each soul will be brought into Judgment.  We should be living our lives in accordance to the law of Christ, and if we deviate from it, then we really have no one to blame but self.  No soul deserves the spiritual blessings of God, but rather through the grace of God we are what we are.  With that being said, Christians should heed the warning, “And let us not be weary in well doing:  for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Gal. 6:9).