Bible In Poetry: Galatians 5 Poem by Dr John Celes

Freedom in Christ:

For freedom, Jesus set us free;
For righteous things you stand firmly;
Take not the yoke of slavery!

I, Paul tell you, so, mark my words,
In being circumcised, you don’t,
Allow Christ to be of value.

To every man circumcised then,
He’s bound to obey the whole law;
Although, you’re justified in law,
You are alienated from Christ Lord,
And fallen away from His grace.

By faith, we wait with eagerness
For righteousness, for the Spirit;
Circumcision has no value,
In Jesus Christ without this hope;
The only thing that counts is faith
Expressing itself in love deep.

You were running a mighty race;
Who kept you from obeying truth?
This does not come from Him that calls;
A little yeast softens the dough;
I’m sure you’ll take no other view.

The ones who cause you confusion
Will pay the penalty at last.
If I still preach circumcision,
Why am I persecuted then?
The offence of the cross is void;
Let them who agitate then go
Emasculate themselves for this.

You have been called to stay afree;
Don’t use your freedom in sins’ ways;
Serve one another with true love;
The law in whole is one command:
‘You love your neighbor as yourself.’
If you are fighting amongst you,
You will destroy one another then.

Life by the Spirit:

Live by the Holy Spirit then;
Don’t gratify your sinful thoughts;
For they are contrary to it;
They contradict one another;
You do not do what you want to;
In Spirit, you’re under no law.

The sinful acts are idolatry,
Sexual immorality;
Impurity, debauchery;
Witch-craft, discord and jealousy;
Self-ambition and fits of rage;
Dissensions, factions and orgies;
Drunkenness and the like;
I like to warn you as before,
Such people cannot inherit,
God’s kingdom if they live like this.

The Spirit’s fruits are love and peace,
Joy, patience, kindness and goodness,
Faithfulness and one’s self-control;
In Christ, we’ve crucified our sins,
Our passions and our desires;
When in the Spirit, we then live,
Let’s keep in pace with the Spirit;
Let us not be conceited then,
Envying, provoking brethren.


(7-1-2007)