With a title like this, the reader may expect to be reading about the moment in time when an individual begins to believe. We agree..."faith" is the starting point to which one will "add" all other spiritual characteristics (Rom. 10:17; 2 Pet. 1:5ff). However, that will not be where we intend this exhortation to go.
In Paul's letter to the churches of Galatia, he instructs them on the dangers of returning to the Law of Moses. There were some who were troubling the saints, "perverting the gospel of Christ" (1:7) and trying to "bewitch" [charm through feigned praise] these Christians (3:1). It is in chapter 3 that the apostle makes his strong affirmation for the gospel of Christ. All endeavors "in the Spirit" did not come through law but through faith. Paul cites Abraham (a compelling example for such Judaizers) as a test case, proving that God justifies on the basis of faith, not law (vv. 6-9).
Why, then, the Law? "It was added because of transgressions,..." (v. 19). It ("the Scripture") confined all men under sin, correctly portraying man as violators of God's will (v. 22), and in need of "the promise" in Christ (v. 22).
All this gets us to our title. Before faith came, we were "guarded" [kept under watch to prevent escape; a military term] (v. 23). This was done until faith was "later revealed." For this reason, Law was much more than our "guardian"...it was our "schoolmaster" or "tutor" (v. 24). It was pointing the way to God's ultimate Savior - Christ, who would justify man by faith. After faith has come, we no longer needed such a "guard" (v. 25).
All this was absolutely necessary for the Galatians; they faced the present danger of those Judaizing teachers. But how can this exhortation help us? Initially, it refutes those who espouse Seventh Day Adventism and other Sabbatarian doctrines. Most important, it should impress upon us our need to constantly thank God we live in the day after faith came. What a privilege to live in the period of time of complete revelation (Mt. 13:17). God has shared His complete thoughts for our salvation. Such gratitude will be shown by studying His word daily, and gathering with others when that word is taught publicly.
Faith has come...where will you be this coming weekend when we gather together for our gospel meeting?
