The Blog

The “basic principles of the world” are the elementary stages of religious practice, whether in the pagan or Jewish religion. Paul uses the illustration of slavery to show that before Christ came and died for sins, people were in bondage to the law. Thinking they could be saved by it, they became enslaved to trying and failing to keep up. But we who were once slaves are now God’s very own children who have an intimate relationship with him. Because of Christ, there is no reason to be afraid of God. We can always come boldly into his presence, knowing that he will welcome us as his family members. When the time had fully come, God sent Jesus to earth to die for our sins. For centuries the Jews had been wondering when their Messiah would come and still are presently wondering- but God’s timing was perfect. We may sometimes wonder if God will ever respond to our prayers. But we must never doubt him and give us hope. At the right time, he will respond. We must trust his judgement knowing he has our best interests in mind.

Galatians 4:3-7
3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[a] of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.