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Galatians 4:4-5

4            But when the fullness of time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law,

5            that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption

Why Was Jesus Present?

Over the next three parts, I want us to be curious about this question: Why did Jesus comes when He did? Paul mentions here that Jesus came when the fullness of time occurred. Jesus came through a human birth, born under the law of humanity at that time. He was born under this law, so he could save those that were under the law. Those that are saved, would have a relationship with God as one of His children.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What does the fullness of time mean to you in this passage? How can we recognize this in our time today?

Jesus Came at Just the Right Time

The fullness of times shows that God organized historical, cultural, and religious conditions to be perfect before Christ came to earth. What was perfect about this moment was that the Roman Empire had a common language (Greek), a system of roads to travel on, and relative peace. All of this led to the ease of the Gospel spreading. God sent Jesus to earth, solidifying both the messianic prophecy found in Isaiah and the divine mission found in John. Jesus being born of a woman fulfills the prophecy found back in Genesis 3:15. Jesus was born into a Jewish family and lived under Mosaic Law. This qualified Jesus to be the perfect sacrifice for sin, as He was without flaw. His life under the law allowed Him to redeem those under the law, as He followed its requirements and took tis curse.

Fulfilling the Law

Jesus was born under the law to redeem those under the law. It can be a confusing concept to wrap our minds around. Someone that was born under the law represents all of us. Someone that would have to follow the same laws and principles that we have. With Jesus, He came to show us how to follow this law perfectly and to rescue us from the penalties from not following the law. It doesn’t release us from following the law altogether. It’s releasing us from the punishment of the law. Jesus came to be the ultimate sacrifice that accomplishes the goal of the sacrificial system. The death of Christ allowed all of humanity to be forgiven of our sin and given the opportunity to live a right relationship with God. When we believe that Christ died for the forgiveness of our sins, we begin our relationship with God. This is the ultimate decision, but there’s still a daily forgiveness that we make go after. Each day is a chance to become more like Christ. When we miss that mark, we do need to ask for forgiveness. We repent of the behavior that pushed us away from being christ-like and turn to be more like Christ. This is what it means for Christ to fulfill the law. The law of Christ is our ruleset, our law, our foundation – a law based on freedom and grace, not legalism. When we start to embrace that, we start to understand why Christ was sent at this time.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: How do you see the Old Testament laws connect to the law of Christ and His fulfillment?

Redemption into Family

In a biblical context, redemption is about buying back or liberating someone from bondage. This redemption came through Christ’s sacrificial death, which frees Christians from the curse and demands of the Mosaic Law. The Law was given to Israel as a covenant, which set them apart as God’s people. It also showed humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness through our works. The Law served as a preview of Christ. Jesus, by fulfilling the Law, redeems those who were under its jurisdiction, offering freedom from its penalties and requirements.

Adoptions in the Roman world was a legal act that granted an adopted child the full rights and privileges of a biological child, including inheritance rights. From a spirutal perspective, adoption signifies Christians new identity and relationship with God through Christ. It’s not just a change in status, but a transformation into the family of God, with all the associated rights and responsibilities. This adoption assures our place in God’s family.

Free to Follow the Law

Our freedom in Christ comes with the responsibility to live according to the Spirit. Like I mentioned, since Christ fulfilled the law, it doesn’t absolve us from following the law. What do I mean by that? Christ came to show us the proper way of following what the law entails and to do it through grace and freedom. A lot Christians can get caught up in the legalism of the law. To try and force those rules as if they were the rules of the United States. The freedom we have through Christ is the ability to do everything that He created us to do within the confines of His guidance and principles. When we reflect on what we say and do, we must ask ourselves: “Is this something that Christ would say or do?” When we start to learn more and more is and is not of God, the stronger our relationship with God becomes, and the brighter our His light reflects in us to show others.

REFLECTION CHECKPOINT: What is one thing that you are ready to change about your relationship with Christ in upcoming year?

Next part: Humility and Hope || Curious About Christmas || Part 7