Is "The Placing of Fellowship" Scriptural? Part 5

In Galatians 1-2 Paul gives his customary greeting. He and those with him are brethren to the place he is writing. In verses 3 and 4 he points out again our unity through redemption from sin via the sacrifice of Christ.

There is only one gospel. This is a vital point to Paul which he will emphasize in verse 6-10. Servants of Christ preach the accurate Gospel, not one which is their own idea or consists of things not found in Scripture. The gospel already presented is the only one acceptable and any who preaches a different gospel is accursed.

But keep reading the chapter. Paul uses the term "church of God" interchangeably with "the churches of Judea" (vs. 13 and 22). Paul persecuted the church of God yet we know he traveled to do so (as Saul).

Who did Paul consult with in Damascus before going to see Peter? It is interesting to note he ended up preaching the same gospel (4:1-2). And reassuring. And as you study chapter 2, you see that they discussed the gospel that had been preached by Paul, and when that is completed they admit that yes, they believe the same thing and are therefore in fellowship already (v. 9). It is interesting to note the hand of fellowship was extended as they were leaving after determining they taught the same gospel.

Yet even in fellowship, when Peter acts wrong, Paul stands up to him (v. 11) and goes back to emphasize that unity is not with false teaching but in Christ (vs. 20).

In chapter three he begins comparing the church to the seed of Abraham, leading up to this explosive verse, verse 16: Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many, but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ"

Even the most cursory study of the Old Testament shows us there were 12 or 13 tribes depending on how you consider the half-tribe of Benjamin. Yet they were considered one seed. The church is then called the children of Abraham (vs. 7) which then clearly shows the church is one seed no matter how many tribes it may consist of. A man of Gad was a child of Abraham. A man of Dan was a child of Abraham. A Christian of Rio de Janeiro is a child of Abraham.

Lest this should be unclear we are provided verses 22-29. See particularly verse 26-27; For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. (27) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

He is in a sense returning to the theme that ran through I Corinthians; there are two states. You have put on Christ or you have not. as we saw in Galatians 2, if you have put on Christ then you are in fellowship with all others who have done the same.

Galatians 4:5-6 again says we are unified as sons of God.

Those who are not unified are not of God. Galatians 4:22-23. If you are not in fellowship with other Christians then you are of the flesh. That is a bad place to be.

If you question that, see verses 28-30.

Paul will twice more emphasize the unity of all Christians; verse 10 where we shall do good to "the household of faith" and vs 16 where "as many as walk according to this rule" are grouped together.

Again we see there is no distinction based on location or elders or deacons or apostles; the only division is those who believe contrasted with those who do not.

Things to consider deeply.