Galatians 4:3-5, “In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive the adoptions as sons.”
There are several beliefs regarding what Paul was referring to as “the elementary principles of the world” in Galatians 4:3. One position is that he was referring to the Mosaic Law, and the full context of Galatians was Paul teaching against legalism and not paganism.
Another view is that Paul was referring to breaking free from what is stressed in pagan religion just as much as in Jewish law, that is the principle of cause and effect. In today’s times and culture, one might call it “karma.” It is a false belief system and philosophy that we need to stay away from. The term “karma” is not a term used in the Bible and comes from Hinduism and Buddhism. It means we get what we deserve; when we are good, we deserve to receive good things, and when we are bad, we deserve to receive bad things. It also has to do with reincarnation, which says what you do today determines your afterlife. The phrase, “what goes around comes around” reflects this thinking. Sound familiar doesn’t it? I do not think I will be using that phrase anymore because it contradicts the understanding of God’s grace.
Truth from Scripture:
- Hebrews 9:27, “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.
- Galatians 6:7-8, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.”
Paul told the Galatians to go beyond being slaves “to the elementary principles of the world” and into an understanding of God’s grace in coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ. He was telling his version of the Christmas story, which was God’s plan of redemption.
Colossians 2:8 states, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.”
Here is a excerpt from Chuck Swindoll, December 25, 2019, from Insight For Today on Galatians 4:3-5: “As they were in Jesus’s day, so our times are desperate. Moreover, they often are a distraction from the bigger picture. Just as the political, economic, and spiritual crises of the first century set the stage for the “fullness of time” to occur . . . so today, in our own savage times, our God is weaving His sovereign tapestry to accomplish His divine will. Times are hard, indeed—but they never surprise God. He is still sovereign. He is still on the throne. As the psalmist reminds us: “Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.” Psalm 115:3.”
It is a good time to reflect – what is God doing in your life during these difficult days? I have to remind myself that God has a bigger purpose and I must continually recalibrate my beliefs and thoughts around the truth found in His Word no matter what is going on around me. How about you?
Listen to Oh My Soul by Travis Cottrell//New Song Cafe