“The Truth That Hurts!”

“The Truth That Hurts!”(Gal.4:12-20).
There is a historical period called “the age of the breaking of icons,” or, “Iconoclasm.” Literally iconoclasm means “image breaking.” Those who object to icon veneration are called iconoclasts. In the Ten Commandments(Ex 20:4), there is the prohibition against images.
Putting up images is idolatry, which gives credence to iconoclasm.
Iconoclasm may have happened during the time of the Byzantine empire, but somebody like Moses in the Old Testament was an iconoclast. While Aaron supported the worship of images like when he agreed with the people and made a golden calf.
In our generation, an iconoclast figuratively applies “to any individual who challenges ‘cherished beliefs or venerated institutions that they are erroneous…'”
By this figurative application, we can dare to say that Paul demonstrated in his letter to the Galatians that he was an iconoclast when he challenged the Judaizers. Legalism is a kind of cherished belief that an iconoclast cannot accept.
Judaizers almost misled the Galatian converts with Jewish legalism, insisting that conversion without circumcision was incomplete. This to Paul was “a different gospel – which is really no gospel at all.” These people were throwing the converts into confusion by “trying to pervert the gospel of Christ”(Gal.1:6).
It was as if the foolish Galatians had been bewitched! The simple gospel is Christ clearly portrayed as crucified. The converts receive the Spirit by believing what they heard; not by observing any law(Gal.3:1-5).
The goal of Paul’s ministry and those who follow his footsteps is to see that Christ is formed in the believers.
My friend, your belief in Christ the Son of God crucified for the salvation of your soul is the guarantee of your salvation. All other things and images are icons that should be broken!
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit, guide my steps away from the Judaizers and their icons. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
22/03/2025.