加拉太書第二章第17-21節,保羅說我們既然是在耶穌基督裏稱義,就不再是罪人了,因為我們已經與耶穌基督同釘十字架,向著律法我們已經死了,這樣叫我們可以向神活著。現在活著的不再是那個從前的我們,而是新造的人,是基督在我們裏麵活著。並且,我們如今在肉身活著,是因信神的兒子耶穌而活,他愛我們,為了我們的罪而死在十字架上,這是神的恩典。因此,保羅說我們不能廢掉神的恩典,義如果是通過律法得來的,基督就是白死了。可見,保羅在這裏歸根結底是在強調因信稱義的真理。
加2:17 我們向律法死了、叫我可以向 神活著。若求在基督裏稱義、卻仍舊是罪人、難道基督是叫人犯罪的麽.斷乎不是。
But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not!
加2:18 我素來所拆毀的、若重新建造、這就證明自己是犯罪的人。
For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker.
加2:19 我因律法、就向律法死了、叫我可以向 神活著。
For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God.
加2:20 我已經與基督同釘十字架.現在活著的、不再是我、乃是基督在我裏麵活著.並且我如今在肉身活著、是因信 神的兒子而活、他是愛我、為我舍己。
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
加2:21 我不廢掉 神的恩.義若是借著律法得的、基督就是徒然死了。
I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!"