READ: Gal. 6:14–18: But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Paul ends the letter by focusing on the power of the cross of Jesus Christ. First, that power is revealed in being freed from the world—that is, “the way of life of this world” (Eph. 2:2), dominated by the “rulers of the darkness of this age” (Eph. 6:12).
Paul has broken free from his former way of life according to the patterns of a sinful world (see Gal. 1:4; 4:3). He has come to know Christ and His cross (see Eph. 4:20–22), with all its grace and redemptive power.
Being circumcised or uncircumcised has no value. Being in Christ is the only thing that gives firm hope of perfection—of already living under God’s grace and mercy now.
His old self has been crucified with Christ (Rom. 6:6–14), and thus he has been delivered from the power of sin and death. He now belongs to his Savior — Christ, not the world, has the final say over him.
This is also decisive in the continuing struggle against the old self. Moreover, the cross of Christ means that the old life of sin has passed away and everything has become new: in Him, the Crucified, we are a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). Through Him we are reconciled to God and may receive eternal life!
This will become complete reality when Christ returns and makes all things new. That future is certain for those who believe in Him (Rom. 8:18–22). Everything that is promised becomes real only in the crucified Christ—who has risen, lives, and is coming again.
What are the marks of the Lord on Paul’s body?
Sing: Hymn 19:4-6