Devotional Study Series
Galatians 6:16–18
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Paul concludes with a bold statement: “From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” (Gal. 6:17). The Judaizers boasted in the mark of circumcision, but Paul bore the scars of persecution—the bruises, welts, and wounds he had received for preaching the cross. These marks proved that Paul was a true servant of Christ. He had suffered for the gospel, and he was willing to suffer more. His scars were a badge of honor, testifying that he belonged to the crucified and risen Lord.
Paul’s letter ends with a prayer: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.” (Gal. 6:18). Grace—this is the theme that runs from beginning to end. Grace is God’s unmerited favor, his free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is received by faith alone, apart from works of the law. It frees us from slavery to sin, death, and the devil. It adopts us as sons and daughters of God. It empowers us to walk by the Spirit and produce fruit for God’s glory.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Dedication
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your unmerited favor and the free gift of salvation secured entirely through Jesus Christ. Give me the courage to willingly bear the marks of Jesus in my own life, standing firm in the truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit to walk as Your adopted child, free from the slavery of sin, that my life may continually produce fruit for Your glory. Amen.