Divine Purpose

“I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (Galatians 2:21, ESV)

When I was a young man, I had many pursuits. I had many dreams. I dreamt of being a multi-millionaire. I dreamt of being a great military leader. I dreamt of being the great hero who would rescue the damsel in distress. Of course, as a young man these were just dreams or fantasies. I guess that we all have desires in mind when we are growing up. Yet at that young and age, I rarely thought about purpose in life.

Understanding purpose is vital. For from this come duty and obligation. If our lives are to mean anything there must be purpose and the actions of life must lead to accomplishing those purposes.

In the beginning of this letter to the churches in Galatia, Paul has presented the arguments for the authority and truth of his message, the message of the gospel.

The legalists were confusing people by placing the demands of the law upon them for justification before God. This meant that salvation would not be about the grace of God, but by the effort of human works. Their message was of a works-based righteousness.

Here Paul seals the argument by stating that “for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” Those who propose that human works of righteousness are necessary for salvation nullify the grace of God. There is nothing man can do to save himself.

If man could save himself, he would be his own savior. If this were the case, there would be no need for Jesus to live an impeccable, that is sinless, life and die on a cross. In fact, there would be no need for Jesus. He is the Savior and there is no other.

Christ had a purpose for coming to this earth. It was to seek and to save that which were lost. He is our Savior and His death on the cross had great purpose. He died to pay the penalty of sin and purchase a place in heaven for us that He offers as a free gift.