Lecture Notes: Understanding Galatians 2:16 and "Not of Works"

Overview

• Focus on Galatians 2:16 and the misinterpretation by Christianity regarding "not of works."
• Christianity often teaches that salvation is through grace alone, without the need for works.
• The lecture aims to clarify the meaning of "works" as mentioned in the context of Paul’s letters.

Biblical References

Amos 8:11-12

• Prediction of a famine of hearing the word of the Lord.
• Misunderstanding arose among various religions due to this famine.

Ephesians 2:8-9

• Used to argue salvation through faith, not works.
• Misinterpretations arise without understanding context.

Titus 3:5

• Discusses mercy and renewal through the Holy Ghost.
• Emphasis on understanding the context of Paul's teachings.

Isaiah 28:13

• Importance of reading the Bible correctly, precept upon precept.
• Misreading leads to misunderstanding and misguidance.

Key Arguments Against Misinterpretation

The Role of Works

• Works are often interpreted within Christianity to mean following the law is unnecessary.
• However, "works" refer specifically to the "works of the law" such as sacrifices, not moral commandments.

Contextual Understanding

• Matthew 16:27 & Revelation 22:12: Christ will reward each according to their works, indicating actions matter.
• James 2:20: Faith without works is dead, supporting the necessity of actions in tandem with faith.
• Galatians 2:16: Clarifies not being justified by "works of the law" (i.e., animal sacrifices).

Clarification on "Works of the Law"

• The sacrifices and rituals (dead works) are not needed for justification due to Christ’s sacrifice.
• Hebrews 9:13-14: Discusses Christ purging the need for animal sacrifices.

True Understanding

Misguided Teachings

• Christianity often misreads Paul, putting faith over all laws due to historical interpretations (e.g., Council of Nicaea).
• Many follow man-made religious structures, which distorts biblical understanding (e.g., Baptist creation 1608).

Biblical Examples

• Romans 2:13: Paul states doers of the law are justified, showing consistency in his teachings.
• 2 Peter 3:15-16: Paul’s letters can be hard to understand and are often misinterpreted.

Historical Context

• Original covenant with God involved sacrifices (Exodus 24:4-8), but God desired obedience over sacrifices.
• 1 Samuel 15:22-23: Obeying God’s voice is better than sacrifice.

Conclusion

Justification Through Christ

• Acts 13:38-39: Justification comes through belief in Christ, not old sacrificial laws.
• Hebrews 10:1-9: The law of sacrifice is obsolete; Christ is the new covenant.

Final Reminders

• Actual adherence to God’s commandments is necessary for salvation.
• Revelation 22:14-15: Only those who follow the commandments will enter the Kingdom.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the context of "works" is crucial to interpreting biblical texts accurately.
• The transition from old covenant sacrifices to faith in Christ does not negate moral commandments.
• Proper biblical exegesis relies on correctly understanding Paul's letters and the teachings of Christ.