Paul rebukes the Galatians for beginning by the Spirit, and then attempting to revert to the flesh (Galatians 3:1-5). The Spirit initiates the Christian life.
Paul makes it clear later in Galatians that the whole Christian life is life in the Spirit. We “walk” by the Spirit, and “stay in ranks” with the Spirit, and bear the fruits of the Spirit. The Spirit directs the Christian’s life.
And, Paul’s rebuke in Galatians 3 implies that the Spirit is the telos of the Christian life. His specific rebuke is that the Galatians who began by the Spirit now seek “perfection” (epiteleo) by the flesh. The Spirit leads the believer to his end, full stature and maturity in Christ.
Beginning, middle, end: It’s all by the Spirit. The Spirit is the Alpha Spirit and the Omega Spirit, and the Spirit who accompanies every step.
What is true in the microcosm is true in the macrocosm: The Spirit is the hovering Spirit of creation, and the one who calls “Come, Lord Jesus.”
From beginning to end, the life of the Christian and the life of the world are Pentecostal.
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