The book of Galatians is a powerhouse, a theological firecracker that has ignited countless debates throughout church history. It’s a book about freedom, about grace, and about the dangers of legalism. But what does it really mean for us today? As the Remnant Radio team, we recently had the privilege of sitting down with Professor RL Solberg, author of “The Law, the Christ, the Promise,” to unpack this theology-rich book.

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One of the central themes of Galatians is the tension between faith and works. Paul vehemently argues that we are justified by faith in Christ, not by works of the law. This isn’t to say that good works are unimportant. As Solberg pointed out, good works are the natural outflow of a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. They’re not a means to earn our salvation, but rather a demonstration of our gratitude and love for God.

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This raises the question of “Torah-ism,” the idea that Christians should adhere to certain Mosaic laws, such as Sabbath keeping and dietary restrictions. While there’s value in understanding the Jewish roots of our faith and we certainly can practice these laws if we want, we must be careful not to impose and require these laws as requirements for salvation. The New Covenant, established through Jesus Christ, has freed us from the burden of legalistic observance.

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Solberg shared a profound insight that struck him while writing his book: God cares more about our relationship with Him than about our instant perfection. It’s not that God condones sin, but rather that He desires a lifelong journey of sanctification, where we learn to walk in step with the Spirit and become more like Christ. This process involves making mistakes, learning from them, and growing in our understanding of God’s will.

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Ultimately, Galatians is a call to embrace the freedom we have in Christ, to reject legalistic burdens, and to cultivate a deep, intimate relationship with our Father. It’s a reminder that our salvation is not based on our performance, but on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Let us, therefore, live lives of gratitude, obedience, and love, not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to honor the One who has set us free.

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You can watch the full interview with Professor Solberg here: Watch episode.

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