Scripture Reference: Galatians 6:1-10

Carrying Burdens (verse 2) – Continued

In contrast to this attitude, Paul says that the law of Christ is fulfilled when His people carry the burdens of sinners! Serving sinners in the church, not separating sinners from the church, is the way to fulfill the law of Christ. The evangelist Vance Havner used to say, “Church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints!” This is so very true in the light of Paul’s teaching. There are two striking parallels between this reference to the law of Christ in Galatians 6:2 and the quotation of the love commandment from the law of Moses in Galatians 5:13-14. First, both “laws” are prefaced by parallel references to mutual service: “through love serve one another” and bear one another’s burdens. Second, in both places Paul uses the term fulfill to describe what happens when mutual service is performed: “for the whole law is fulfilled” and thus you will fulfill the law of Christ.

These parallels in Galatians 5:13-14 and Galatians 6:2 indicate that despite the great contrast between keeping the law of Moses and fulfilling the law of Christ, there is also a close connection between Moses’ law and Christ’s law.

The law of Christ is not so much the law taught by Christ, though of course He did teach and apply the love commandment. But when He taught the love commandment, He directed attention to Himself: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). The law of Christ is the love commandment fulfilled, confirmed and heightened in the life, death and resurrection of Christ. He loved sinners and gave Himself for them (Galatians 2:20); on the cross He bore the terrible burden of the law’s curse against them (Galatians 3:13); He set them free from the burden of the yoke of slavery under the law (Galatians 5:1). Hence all who are united with Christ and are led by the Spirit will also fulfill the high standard of love established by the life, death and resurrection of Christ: like Him, they will love sinners and carry their burdens. Serving one another in love in this way expresses Christ’s love and so fulfills Christ’s law.

And here is a delightful surprise: those who have received the Spirit and have been set free from the Mosaic law actually fulfill the requirements of the Mosaic law (see Romans 8:4) summed up in the single command “Love your neighbor as yourself”! Christlike, Spirit-empowered love fulfills the law.

To Be Continued

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