Galatians 3:27 (NASB)
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
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Bible Commentary
Galatians 3:27 is a Bible verse that gives us a mental image of our covering in Jesus Christ.
Paul spent a good deal of time teaching the church about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. They were so accustomed to living under the law that it was difficult to make the transition from doing to believing. How could such an amazing gift be received simply by believing, and not by working for it?
That’s where Jesus comes in.
In the passage of Galatians 3:23-27, Paul gives us the purpose for the law and explains the role of faith in Christ.
But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. 26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Paul says the law was like a teacher who led us to Christ. Before we came to know Christ, we were under the law ourselves. We saw and believed for something more, wanting to be delivered from Hell and eternal separation from God, and so we accepted Christ by faith.
Our focus shifts from doing to believing. It is a big adjustment, but a welcome change.
It’s like being promoted from kindergarten to grade school. We aren’t supposed to stay in kindergarten. We’re supposed to take the next step up and keep going, learning and becoming who God created us to be. We can’t realize our full potential until we accept Christ.
Unlocking the Truth – Clothed with Christ
Once we have received Christ by believing He died for our sins and we accept Him into our hearts, we’re on a different path altogether. A path that requires faith.
We had enough faith to ask Jesus to come and save us, but don’t stop there. Galatians 3:27 says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
The word “baptize” means: to immerse (that is, fully wet). If we put our faith in Christ for salvation, we’re assured of our place in Heaven, being covered by His sacrificial blood. But what about for the here and now, our time on earth?
If we’re baptized into Christ, we’re fully immersed in Him. Not just a big toe or little finger, but fully immersed. He wants all of us. He wants us to be ALL IN. Like a coach wants his athletes to be dedicated and committed, Christ wants our full attention and our whole heart.
Clothed with Christ
Being baptized into Christ, we have clothed ourselves with Christ. The deeper we immerse ourselves in Him, the more we discover what our clothing looks like in Him.
In Revelation 3:17-18, Jesus speaks of a spiritual nakedness and clothing.
…and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed…
Notice that the words “shame” and “nakedness” are spoken of together. We have been spiritually naked, which causes shame, guilt, and all kinds of fear, doubts and insecurities. But as we immerse ourselves in Christ, we discover the spiritual gifts that can only be found in Him and we clothe ourselves.
Guilt and shame are moved out and peace and confidence move in.
Weakness and insecurity are shaken off, and strength and inner beauty take their place.
The gray dullness in our hearts is squeezed out when compassion and enthusiasm enter in.
Irritability is replaced with lovingkindness.
A passing interest turns into a burning passion.
Fatigue gives way to vitality.
This is the clothing of Jesus Christ.
Study the Bible verse of Galatians 3:27, and immerse yourself in Jesus Christ so you can be fully covered with Him.
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