Let's read what Paul wrote to the Christians in Galacia, Chapter 4:6,7: "Because you are God's children, God has sent the Spirit of His Son, Jesus, into your hearts crying, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child of God, then also an heir through Christ."
Paul was writing an urgent letter to Galacian believers (modern day Turkey). He had heard that some were turning from the gospel of salvation by faith alone, for they had come under the influence of Jews who said the believers also had to follow Mosaic law. Paul was very perplexed by this. Today, the church encounters similar things that go beyond the message of the gospel by adding additional rules for behavior, such as abortion, homosexuality, and stem-cell research. Although there may be fair reasons for God not preferring these actions, His death on the Cross saves and justifies all by grace alone and gives to each the birthright of God's child, God's heir. Each individual has this right of justification. Each one of us must choose to accept it or not.
Lord God, keep us from ever straying beyond the simple message of the gospel that you presented to us when you were here on earth, to love you beyond all else and our neighbors as ourselves. Amen.
All of us are equal in the sight of God, no matter what path to Him we have chosen. There must be no place on earth where hate--or fear-- are given free reign.
Jo INMN
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