"Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?" Galatians 4:8-9 (NIV)
The Apostle Paul is preaching to the Galatians regarding justification by faith, explaining both the theological and the practical ramifications of the doctrine. After reminding them about Abraham, the promise of the covenant, and the purpose of the law, Paul points out the futility of ritualism and worshiping idols. His question to them was, do you really want to go back to being as you were before knew God?
Salvation bring with it a great responsibility, because we are children of a Holy God, we are expected to live holy. We are blessed, and to whom much is given, much is required. (Luke 12:48) Once we have a personal relationship with God, how can we turn our back on Him and reject all that He is and all that He has done. We do not want to be like Lot's wife who looked back longingly towards Sodom and Gomorrah, after being warned not to, and was turned into a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:17 & 26) Once we accept Christ there is not turning back. Jesus said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62) One cannot do a good job with the plow and plow straight while looking back behind himself. Where we have been is not as important as where we are going.
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