Since our opponents will not let it stand that only faith in Christ
justifies, we will not yield to them. On the question of justification we
must remain adamant, or else we shall lose the truth of the Gospel. It is a
matter of life and death. It involves the death of the Son of God, who died
for the sins of the world. If we surrender faith in Christ, as the only thing
that can justify us, the death and resurrection of Jesus are without meaning;
that Christ is the Savior of the world would be a myth. God would be a liar,
because He would not have fulfilled His promises. Our stubbornness is right,
because we want to preserve the liberty which we have in Christ. Only by
preserving our liberty shall we be able to retain the truth of the Gospel
inviolate.

Some will object that the Law is divine and holy. Let it be divine and holy.
The Law has no right to tell me that I must be justified by it. The Law has
the right to tell me that I should love God and my neighbor, that I should
live in chastity, temperance, patience, etc. The Law has no right to tell me
how I may be delivered from sin, death, and hell. It is the Gospel's business
to tell me that. I must listen to the Gospel. It tells me, not what I must
do, but what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has done for me.

To conclude, Paul refused to circumcise Titus for the reason that the false
apostles wanted to compel him to circumcise Titus. Paul refused to accede to
their demands. If they had asked it on the plea of brotherly love, Paul would
not have denied them. But because they demanded it on the ground that it was
necessary for salvation, Paul defied them, and prevailed. Titus was not
circumcised.


VERSE 6. But of those who seemed to be somewhat, whatsoever they
were, it maketh no matter to me.