Faith without religion.
Two Covenants: Bondage and Freedom
In a recent teaching, we delved into the complex allegory presented by Paul in Galatians 4:24-31, where he uses the story of Sarah and Hagar to illustrate the concept of two covenants. Paul equates Hagar with Mount Sinai, representing the old covenant of the Law, which he describes as leading to bondage. In contrast, Sarah represents the new covenant, symbolizing freedom through faith in Christ.
Paul’s message is clear: the old covenant, tied to the Law, is akin to slavery, while the new covenant offers freedom. He emphasizes that believers are “children of promise,” akin to Isaac, and should not be entangled in the “yoke of bondage” that the Law represents. This freedom is not about living without restraint but about being liberated to love and serve others genuinely.
The teaching further explores the idea of the “Jerusalem above,” a spiritual realm where true freedom and citizenship for believers reside. Paul urges believers to focus on this heavenly Jerusalem, setting their minds on things above rather than earthly rituals and laws.
In Galatians 5, Paul continues to advocate for standing firm in the liberty provided by Christ, warning against returning to the constraints of the Law. He stresses that true faith expresses itself through love, not adherence to religious rites. This freedom allows believers to live by the Spirit, producing fruits like love, joy, and peace, rather than being bound by the works of the flesh.
Ultimately, the teaching underscores the importance of embracing the freedom Christ offers, which empowers believers to love fully and live authentically, free from the constraints of legalism and ritualistic demands.
