What generated salvation in the believers?
The work of the Holy Spirit generated salvation in the believers, and it did so because of their faith. They began in the Spirit, not by works of the Law. Faith—taking God at His Word—was the means, while the Spirit accomplished the saving work.
Les teaches that in verse 3, the question is whether those who began in the Spirit are now made perfect, or right with God, by the flesh. The flesh is a reference to the Law, which was weak and beggarly. The Holy Spirit’s work generated salvation because of their faith. Faith is taking God at His Word: God said it, we believe it, and God recognizes it. Hearing involves no work; faith comes by hearing. The believer recognizes that Christ died and rose again and believes it. Scripture says it is by faith, not the works of the Law. The Spirit is received by the hearing of faith, not by the works of the Law.
More Questions
How did the Holy Spirit generate salvation in the Galatians?
The Holy Spirit's work generated salvation for the Galatians because of their faith.