Discovering the New Covenant by Greg Taylor - exAdventist Outreach

DISCOVERING THE NEW COVENANT
I must take a moment to dwell on the importance of the
book of Galatians. The book was written for the purpose of
making a clear delineation between what was to be classified
as Old Covenant and what was to be included in the New.
The book of Galatians has one basic theme from beginning
to end, and that is to clarify what the Gospel really is. Paul
clearly defines for these new Christians what is genuine good
news and what is a perversion. To make his point absolutely
clear, he states his own credentials in no uncertain terms. In
Galatians 1:1 he declares his apostleship, the highest office
in the church. He is careful to remind his readers that he was
not appointed by men but by Jesus Christ himself. Secondly,
he states that he got his message directly by revelation from
Jesus Himself. There were no other humans involved in the
delivery of the message. Thirdly, in Galatians 2:6-10 he
reminds the Galatians that the apostles in Jerusalem put their
stamp of approval on the soundness of his doctrinal position.
And finally, He had the authority to take the Apostle Peter to
task when he succumbed to pressure from the Jewish
Christians. Paul publicly rebuked the influential apostle for
withdrawing from the Gentiles in table fellowship. Paul’s
message is therefore absolutely above question or debate. He
is writing this Epistle to settle once and for all the issue of
what constitutes the true and authentic Gospel. This places
the letter to the Galatians first and foremost in authority in
issues of Law versus Grace. Paul even states in Galatians
1:8-9 that if an angel from heaven tells you something else,
let him be eternally condemned. Angelic messages must be
tested by this Epistle! One cannot just believe any angel!
Now let us focus on what was revealed to him about the
Law. Paul points out that it was a temporary institution that
was “added” 430 years after Abraham and was in effect
“until” the Christ would come. He is absolutely clear that
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