Galatians 4 – The Bond Children and The Free Children

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Galatians 4:1-6 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; (2) But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. (3) Even so we, when we were children,
slave were in bondage under the elements of the world: (4) But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, (5) To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (6) And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

This is a very complicated passage to understand. However, when we compare scripture with scripture it becomes very clear what it means and who it is referring to. The heir inherits the kingdom, and this passage is speaking of the heir. But it also speaks of the heir before he was adopted as a son and has became heir. It speaks of the heir when he was the “servant”(slave).

There is a teaching that the slave is the heir even while he is a slave. This teaching has lead many to believing they are saved, while yet being “sold under sin”(Rom 7:14) When you are sold, you become a slave to sin, sin reigns over you, it is your master, and you are its servant.

Does the servant(slave) Child Inherit the Kingdom?

Joh 8:35 And the servant(SLAVE) abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.

Again the contrast between the “servant” and the “son”. In other words the slave is not the heir and will not receive the inheritance with the children of Abraham. These children are not heirs. They are slaves….In bondage. They must first be set free, and become adopted into the family and they do not receive the house of the parent.

Gal 4:3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

What children are these? We shall see in a moment. The word children in this passage as well as in verse 1 is a different Greek word than the word for “children” in Galatians 3:26 when referring to the “children of God”. The word “children” in this verse above is used only 7 times by Paul. Twice in Galatians, verses 4:1, and 4:3.

It’s used in this verse (G3516) to refer to “babes”, “carnal”, sold under sin(Rom 7:14), not “spiritual”. Notice:

1Co 3:1 AndG2532 I,G1473 brethren,G80 couldG1410 notG3756 speakG2980 unto youG5213 asG5613 unto spiritual,G4152 butG235 asG5613 unto carnal,G4559 even asG5613 unto babesG3516 inG1722 Christ.G5547

Understanding this word for “children” is a key to understanding the entire passage.

Galatians 4 where it says:

“When ye were children” could read
“When ye were babes” or
“When ye were carnal” or
“When ye were not yet spiritual”

And as we continue, we will see this is exactly what it means. Paul uses the Greek word G3516 7 times. Every time it’s used it refers to an unconverted person.

A different Greek word is used for “children” is used in Galatians 3:7, 26, 4:19, 25, 27, 28, and 31. It is a the Greek word(G5031) and different from the word used in verse 1 and 3 of Galatians 4. The word is often used to refer to “babes”, or “children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine”.(Eph 4:14). Paul says when referring to these type of children “That we henceforth be no more children.”(Eph 4:14) But we have been delivered from that state.

The Prodigal Son – Heir or Slave

The prodigal Son was a child and heir. He left the father, and took his inheritance and spent it all wildly. He then was no better than a slave after this. But a time came when that child recognized what he had lost, turned back to the father and went home and was even willing to be a slave and serve the father. But the Father made him a son.

Luke 15:16-19 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. (17) And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! (18) I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, (19) And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

This son was ready even to be a slave, but the father answered, no, no, you are not a slave but a son.

Luk 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

And the father restored him to his honored position. This son, though a heir was under the bondage and elements of the world, being sold under sin, a slave to sin, until the time appointed when he came to realize his father’s love for him and accepted his grace.

Bond Children -Sold Under Sin – Servants(Slaves)

Gal 4:23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

The slave child who is in bondage is a child after the flesh.(John 3:7) And those who are not of the promise, are not heirs and not children of God.

Gal 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

We are told that the heir in Galatians 4:1 was in time past in a state of slavery and bondage.

Galatians 4:2-3 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. (3) Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:

We also have been in time past, when we were children tossed to and fro, in bondage, under the law, under sin, under the elements of the world. Can you be a slave and heir at the same time?

Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.son of god

The heir and the slave are two different children. One is a child under tutors, under the schoolmaster, under the elements of the world, and under the law. A slave, under condemnation of the law, “sold under sin”(Rom 7:14). He’s not yet under grace.

So who are the children in bondage to the elements of the ” WORLD”?(Gal 4:3). Something that we were, when we were “immature” like the prodigal son?

Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

The children of the devil. The children of disobedience. Children of wrath. In times past when we were children in bondage, we were children who fulfilled the lusts of our flesh, children of wrath, not children of the promise. This is the type of child we were when we were “under sin”, “under the elements of the world”, “under the law”, or under the condemnation of the law.

Children of the “prince of the power of the air” or “the devil”

1Jn 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

Abraham’s Seed – Heirs not Slaves

Joh 8:35 And the servant(Slave) abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever.
Joh 8:39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Joh 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil,

These are the children of the world, children of wrath, children after the flesh, children of the devil, and not heirs of Abraham, but slaves. These are the children in bondage that are under the elements of the world, under condemnation. Slaves in “bondage” who will not inherit the house or abide in the house forever and are not joint-heirs with Abraham and Sons of the most high God. They are slaves to sin.

Joh 8:34 Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.

Rom 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

In order to be a Son, and a heir with Abraham, you must be born of Spirit. Otherwise you are under the law, under the elements of the world. Under tutors, under governors, under sin, under it’s condemnation.(Gal 4:2-4) “Sold under sin”(Rom 7:14). One who is sold is a slave or servant to the one who has bought him.

Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Can you be a child and a heir if you are not led by the Spirit? Absolutely not.

Galatians 4:6-7 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (7) Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Can you be a child if you are in bondage under the elements of the world and under the law? Those that are not led by the Spirit, they are not the Sons of God, and if you are not lead of the spirit, you are in bondage, under the law and it’s condemnation. They are not joint-heirs, they are not God’s children. And they are under the law, under tutors, governors, the schoolmaster, sold as slaves under sin.

Slaves and Heirs at the Same Time?

There is a teaching that says that this child in Galatians 4:3 while he is under the law, and in bondage, is still a child of God. But in truth, until he receives and has been reborn by the Holy Spirit, he has yet to be born of God, and to become a child of God. He must first accept the spirit of adoption in order to become an adopted child.

This is a misunderstanding of God’s covenant of grace, furthermore a misunderstanding of Righteousness by faith, and also it is also a misunderstanding of the character of God to believe that a child who continues as a slave to sin is also a heir of the promise. However many ministers are teaching this very thing today.

Bond Child Cast out – No Inheritance

Let us consider the following regarding the children of bondage who are under the elements of the world. Do these children of “bondage” who are “under the elements of the world” inherit the house or are they cast out?

Gal 4:28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Gal 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Gal 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Gal 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

The context of Galatians 4 tells us that the slave child who is in “bondage”, “under the elements of the world” is cast out. He does not inherit the home and has no part in the inheritance.

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Sin is no longer my master, my slave driver. I am free from the bondage of his dominion. He no longer reigns and rules as the tyrant he is OVER me. It is no longer “OVER” me reigning as king and I am no longer “UNDER” it. This is the testimony of the one that is born again, a child of the heavenly King, one no longer UNDER the condemnation of the law. I have been made FREE.

Set Free from Bondage

Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant(SLAVE), but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Praise Father for redeeming us, and saving us from that “bondage” to sin in verse 3, and that we are no more “servants” or “slaves” in bondage to the cruel and tyrannical master sin, no longer under it’s dominion, reign, and kingdom, but are born of spirit, children of God, whereby we cry Abba, Father.

“There is full assurance of hope in believing every word of Christ, believing in Him, being united to Him by living faith. When this is his experience, the human being is no longer under the law, for the law no longer condemns his course of action.” (Ellen White 21 MR 23)

From the Old Man to the New Man

Romans 7:14-15 For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. (15) For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

What a terrible state to be in. He wanted to make a “fair shew of the flesh”(Gal 6:12, 13). He was in “bondage”(Gal 4:3) “sold under sin”(Rom 7:14), a “servant” or “slave” sold into “bondage”(Gal 4:3) or slave, “under tutors…under the elements of the world”(Gal 4:2, 3) “Until the fullness of time was come”(Gal 4:4) when Christ could “redeem them that were under the law”(Gal 4:5) or in other words “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”(Rom 7:25) or “redeem” me from under sin and the law.

This child was in bondage “until the fullness of time should come” when the child came to see Christ as his savior and he was ready to receive “adoption” into the family of God. (Romans 8:14-17, Gal 4:6, 7). This should become much clearer as we continue.

There is a clear and distinct path for the child of God. And it is not by the works of the flesh as this child was desiring to do things before deliverance and redemption.(Romans 7, Gal 6:12, 13, Gal 4:21, Gal 4:2-4)

Here is the life of the Christian.

1. In Bondage, sold as a slave under sin, under the condemnation of the law. (Rom 7:14, Gal 4:2-4)
2. Trying to make a fair shew of the flesh. (Rom 7:22, 23, Gal 6:12, 13, Gal 4:2-4)
3. Makes an Old Covenant promise “All that the LORD has said WE WILL DO”(Gal 4:21-25)
4. Learns the hard way and then recognizes his need of Christ and the cross and God’s love which draws him to repentance. “Fulness of time is come”(Gal 4:4, Rom 7:25, 8)
5. Accepts God’s promise of redemption, not by works of the flesh, but by His Spirit and receives the promise of God and the Holy Spirit. (Gal 4:5-7, Rom 8:1-17)
6. Becomes a joint-heir of the promise of the inheritance with Abraham through that “redemption” and a son of God by faith in the promises of God. (Gal 4:4-7, Rom 8:14-17)
7. Walk in faith, trusting God to keep you from falling, delivered from the lusts of the flesh, being subject to God’s law and word. (Jude 24, Col 1:29, Rom 8:6-10)

Ask yourself the following?

When does the child get redeemed from under the law? When does the fullness of time come? When does this child get freed from his bondage to sin and death?

Gal 3:25 But ****after that faith is come****, we are no longer UNDER a schoolmaster.

That’s when “the fullness of time is come”(Gal 4:5). That’s when the child becomes free from being under the condemnation of the law, and is now under grace.

Galatians 3:23-25 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. (24) Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (25) But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Now let’s ask some questions. When was Moses redeemed from under the schoolmaster(law)? In AD 31? When did faith come for him?

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Was Moses under the law or under grace?

Under the Law or Under Grace you Cannot be Both

You cannot be both under the law and under grace. So when did Moses fall “Under grace” and when was he redeemed from “under the law”? When did faith come for Moses?

Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

When did Moses accept the grace of God and become a “Son of God”? A child of Abraham? A son of promise? Born of that Holy Spirit? Receive the adoption of Sons, and refuse to be called a “son of Pharaoh’s daughter”? “when he was come to years”. Until then, he was still “under the condemnation of the law”. He was not redeemed in AD 31. Though he was redeemed by what happened in AD 31. Moses was even in heaven well before AD 31. At least that is what most of us here I’m sure believe. But he also received the Spirit of adoption before he went to heaven. How else could have entered the kingdom of God without first being born of spirit?(John 3:7, Gal 4:28, 29, Rom 9:8,9)

The child Moses, was a “heir” or child of God after he received the promise, but he did not receive the promise of the inheritance until he received the “adoption of sons”(Gal 4:5) and was “redeemed from under the law”(Gal 4:5). Or in other words “until the fullness of time was come”(Gal 4:4), when faith came, when the child has “come to years”(Heb 11:24) and “by faith Moses”(Heb 11:24)refused to be called a child or “son of Pharaoh’s daughter”(Heb 11:24). And instead cried “abba, father”(Gal 4:6) after receiving “the spirit of adoption”(Gal 4:6, Rom 8:15)

What’s my point? Moses wasn’t “under the law”. He was “under grace”.

When he is in bondage, he has yet to receive all of this. This is the old man of Romans 7. And the new man of Romans 8 has yet to be born, until the slave becomes an adopted child.

Another example is Ishmael in Galatians 4. Notice Ishmael is symbolic of the child of “bondage” or the “servant(slave)” child (Gal 4:1-3). It’s very similar to the man in Romans 7-8. There comes a “time” of “deliverance” or “redemption”. That time is “when faith is come”(Gal 3:25, Heb 11), when the heir has been born again of the Holy Spirit.

Gal 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

Does the child receive redemption, and the inheritance through the Old Covenant? Is this not a covenant of bondage? Can anyone be saved under the old covenant? No…. If the child does not receive or accept the Spirit of promise, he does not receive the inheritance.

Gal 3:17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

The law given to Moses 430 years after the covenant with Abraham does not disannul the covenant and promise of inheritance given to Abraham. This covenant was made before Sinai and offered to Israel, and the only covenant that included the inheritance.

Galatians 4:30-31 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. (31) So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

The child of bondage is “cast out”. It is heir of nothing. What has to happen to the child in bondage to sin? He is cast out. He does not receive the inheritance. Unless he is born again and accepts the new covenant promise, he cannot see the kingdom of God and receive that inheritance which is above.

John 3:5-7 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. (7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Born of Spirit – Born again – No longer in Bondage or Under the Law
cross

Galatians 4:28-29 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. (29) But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

Now we’ve learned that the child of bondage is cast out and does not receive the inheritance, the child after the flesh, the servant, the child under the elements of the world., the slave, sold under sin This is the child before the new birth. And this child will not inherit the Kingdom of God, and therefore is not the heir at all until the fullness of time where he has seen Christ crucified in his own life and the time has come where he is no longer under the condemnation of the law. So therefore he must receive the Holy Spirit and be born again.

Gal 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Now understanding what has been said, that the heir was in bondage before he received the inheritance, and the redemption, and the promises. Let us read the following carefully.

Galatians 4:1-7 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child(prodigal child, under age, immature, tossed to and fro), differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; (2) But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. (3) Even so we, when we were children(immature, prodigal children), were in bondage under the elements of the world: (4) But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, (5) To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. (6) And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (7) Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Now let me ask you. Do you see that the fullness of time refers to the time when the child receives the Holy Spirit of promise, and the adoption of sons? And that it is something that happens individually? And that many are still making the same old covenant today? This is what Paul rebuked the Galatians for. Many were under the Old Covenant after the cross, and had yet to come to the cross, and he wanted to share with the Galatians the promises of the New Covenant the covenant of faith that was made with Abraham.

Is the child, bondservant or slave, a heir before he receives the adoption of sons, or after he receives the spirit of adoption?(Rom 8:14-17)

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Rom 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Is the child, bondservant or slave, a heir before he follows the Spirit or after? (Rom 7-8, Gal 4:6, 7)

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Is the child Lord of all before he receives the adoption of sons, or after ? (Gal 4:6, 7)

Galatians 4:6-7 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. (7) Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Is the child who has not received the Holy Spirit still under the law?(Gal 4:4-6, 5:18)

Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

All of these questions have been answered. And when you look carefully I think you’ll see exactly what is meant in Galatians 4:1-6. It’ like saying:

“Brother Joe, a fellow-heir with Abraham of the kingdom to come, was a slave and had no right to the inheritance until the fullness of time came, and he received Christ in him, which is the fullness of God, the Spirit of adoption, and became a son. He was adopted by the Father, and was no longer born after the flesh, but born again of that Holy Spirit. But before that time came , he was in bondage, under the elements of the world, under the condemnation of the law.”

Galatians 4:3-4 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: (4) But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

“When we were children” when is that? When we were yet carnal, sold under sin, in bondage.

Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.

The Time Appointed

It is obviously before we reached the time appointed of the father as he said in verse 2. It is when we were “under tutors and governors”, “under the law” and before we received “the spirit of adoption”. Let me ask you a question. Before being adopted into the family of God, were you a child of God? Clearly not and therefore you were not a heir of the promise. This is the same for the child who has yet to by “FAITH” to have “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;” as Moses who received the “spirit of adoption”.

Now did everyone just become sons of God at the cross in AD 31? Was that the appointed time being spoken of in Galatians 4:4-6? Was that the time “when faith is come”(Gal 3:23-25)? Or was it possible to see the cross from their time and receive the adoption of Sons, and have faith, and the Holy Spirit before the cross? In other words was it possible to be “born again” before the cross? God tells us “Israel is my firstborn”. The same gospel was given back then. Esau was Isaac’s firstborn, Israel was God’s firstborn. Israel was first to be “born again”, or “born of God”, or “born of Spirit”.

When Faith Came

Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Abel saw the cross way before 31AD. By faith he accepted that Christ died for his sins and thus he offered a sacrifice which pointed out his faith in what was to come. Faith came for Abel well before the year AD 31. He followed after the Spirit and was a Son of God.

Gal 4:6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Abel had received this promise, and was by faith a “Son of God” and unlike Cain was not a child of “of that wicked one”. We read about this in 1 John 3.

1 John 3:10-12 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (11) For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. (12) Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

Many today teach that the child in Romans 7 who is “sold under sin” is a converted child. This is the same as saying the child in Galatians 4:3 who is sold and slave in bondage “under the elements of the world” is a converted child. I believe this to be extremely deceptive and to give those who would continue in this state of sin a license to sin while professing conversion. A false security.

I believe the man in Romans 7 is a slave, in bondage, and until he is born again of the Spirit and receives the Spirit whereby he cries Abba, Father.(Romans 8:15) He has yet to be converted, and is yet to become a child of God.

Gal 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

No man who is in bondage, and sold under sin, a slave can be saved and receive the inheritance until he has been “redeemed” or freed from the slavery of it. The servant will not remain in the house forever.

Rom 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

God delivered us from this state of bondage and has given us the promise of the inheritance.

Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

The promise of the inheritance is only good to those who accept the promise that his word can do through us and in us what it says.

2Co 3:17 Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

Weak and Beggarly Elements of the World

Some would say that keeping the Sabbath is bondage, and have used the following verses from this very chapter against the Sabbath. I would like to address the following verses before closing this study.

Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.Gal 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
Gal 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Gal 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

Firstly, it says “When ye knew not God” and served gods that are “no gods”. And then it says “ye observe days, months, times, and years.” Now what’s wrong with this? Paul’s custom was to keep the Sabbath. (Acts 17:2). So was Paul observing times? The verse refers to a people who were practicing witchcraft.

Deu 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,

“There shall not be found among you…an observer of times”. Moses said the same thing as Paul. This is not some new teaching that we are not to keep God’s Sabbath. This is teaching that we are not to be practicing witchcraft as the Galatians were when they “knew not God”.

Gal 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

When we read our bibles carefully, we will see what Paul was really saying. Paul did not make it an issue whether or not we were to keep the law, the issue with the Galatians was how the law was to be kept. By working at it, or by faith allowing God to work mightily in us to do his good pleasure.

Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

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