23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after 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 as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Galatians 3:23-27, NKJV).

With these few words, the Holy Spirit summarizes God’s gospel plan for human redemption through Jesus Christ. He said:

(1) The law of Moses prepared people for Christ (“before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law…our tutor to bring us to Christ,” 3:23-24).

(2) Our means of justification is “by faith” (not by the law of Moses, 3:24).

(3) Since “faith has come” (the gospel, 1:23; 3:2), the law of Moses no longer has binding authority over anyone (“we are no longer under a tutor,” 3:25).

(4) Justification by faith makes Jews and Gentiles children of God (“you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,” 3:26).

(5) Justification by faith happens at baptism (“for as many of you as were baptized into Christ,” 3:27).

(6) The lost become children of God at baptism, when their relationship with Christ begins (“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ,” 3:27).

Without a doubt, the child of God has “put on Christ.” But one is “baptized into Christ” to “put on Christ.” Therefore, without being baptized into Christ one has not yet become a child of God. One has not yet been justified by faith who has not be baptized into Christ. Baptism is a necessary part of being justified by faith. 

 -Sword Tips #1861

When Israel was ready to cross the Jordan River to take possession of the promised inheritance of Canaan, the ark of the covenant went before them with a space of two thousand cubits separating the ark from the people. Israel was warned not to come near it, “that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before” (Josh. 3:2-4). God was present among His people and would lead them by His powerful hand into the Promised Land – even though they had not passed that way before. They would need faith in God. They were told to sanctify themselves and prepare to see the wonders of God (Josh. 3:5). Great was the power of God that held back the flooding waters of the Jordan, allowing all Israel to cross on dry ground (Josh. 3:14-17; 4:18).

Life is a journey with many first time twists and turns. Some people throw caution to the wind and with reckless abandon hurl themselves into life. The outcome often is not pretty (Prov. 10:23; 14:16; 15:21). The wise heart listens to the wisdom of age and experience because it has “not passed this way before” (cf. Prov. 4:10-15).

God’s word is a constant source of wisdom that guides us in every right path (Ps. 119:105). God’s powerful presence in His word shows us “the way we must go” on life’s journey. Put your faith in Him, follow His direction, and He will lead you to eternal rest (Heb. 4:8-9).

(1) Salvation from your sins. The lost have not yet passed along the way of salvation, but not because they cannot be saved. They need to hear, believe, and obey the gospel to make this journey (Rom. 10:13-17). If you are not a Christian, God’s word will guide you to salvation (Acts 8:30-39). You have not been this way before, so trust His word to show you the way instead of men’s wisdom, creeds, and doctrines (Isa. 55:8-11; Matt. 7:21-23). Believe, confess your faith, repent of your sins, and be baptized into Christ to be saved (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:36-41; 8:12-13; 17:30; 22:16).

(2) Getting married. God joins together the man and woman who have not passed this way before (Matt. 19:4-5). God’s word guides you to the joyful expectations and happy fulfillment of honorable marriage (Heb. 13:4). Do not be deceived by the world’s false definitions of marriage and its false notions of what makes a “modern” marriage. Trust God’s word to lead you in your marriage (1 Pet. 3:1-7; Eph. 5:22-33).

(3) Having and rearing children. Children are a blessing from God, not an inconvenience on life’s journey of self-indulgence (Ps. 127:3; 128:1-6). New parents “have not passed this way before,” and the wise will seek counsel from God’s word and experienced parents (Prov. 11:14; Titus 2:4). Being a parent is not accomplished in a day, but a lifetime. Steady consistency is key. God’s word shows you how to travel this way you have not yet passed (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6; Heb. 12:5-11).

(4) Death. We have not yet passed the way of death, but we will (Heb. 9:27). The Lord God will lead us safely home through Jordan’s waves. Let us trust and follow Him (John 14:1-6; 2 Cor. 5:1; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Many are the ways we have not yet passed. God will lead us safely through them all. 

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