The Law of Christ – Galatians 6
‘Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.’ — Galatians 6:2
Grace freed Jews from the obligation to keep the law of Moses. Grace not only freed them and others from the curse of the law, but it also frees all people from the bondage of sin. Grace leads us into a new way of living and puts us under a new ‘law’ (principle), ‘the law of Christ’.
What is the law of Christ? The law of Christ is to love to others as Christ loved us. Consider the following verses:
‘A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.’ — John 13:34
‘This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.’ — John 15:12
It is significant that in Galatians, a letter that combats legalism (works/law-based righteousness), we are also challenged with how to practically live out our salvation. So salvation by grace should produce holy and compassionate living, not motivated by duty or debt, but following in the pattern and example of our Saviour.
Galatians 6 explains that the freed sinner will express love to the Lord and to others by:
- seeking to restore sinning brethren (v.1)
- bearing other people’s burdens (v.2)
- being humble (v.3-4)
- doing their part (v.5)
- taking care of those who teach the Word (v.6)
- sowing to the Spirit (v.7-8)
- not giving up (v.9)
- doing good to all men as they are able (v.10)
So anything that leads to selfishness, pride and greed is not real grace. Grace as explained in the Bible saves and radically changes us, making us respond with grace toward others.