Galatians 4:26 – “But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul shifts from talking about earthly Jerusalem (which represents slavery under the law) to heavenly Jerusalem, which represents freedom through faith in Jesus Christ.

He has just explained that Hagar (the slave woman) and Mount Sinai (where the law was given) represent the old covenant—a system of law-keeping that cannot save people. He compared this to earthly Jerusalem, the center of Jewish religious life, where people were still trying to earn their righteousness through the law.

Now, Paul introduces a different Jerusalem—one that is above. This is a reference to the kingdom of God, the heavenly city where true freedom is found. He calls this Jerusalem “our mother,” meaning that believers in Christ belong to this heavenly city, not to the old system of the law.

In simple terms, Paul is saying:

• The earthly Jerusalem represents those who are still in slavery to religious laws and rituals.
• The heavenly Jerusalem represents those who are set free through faith in Christ.

Just as Isaac was the child of promise and born into freedom, Christians are the children of promise and belong to the Jerusalem that is above.

Historical Context

In Paul’s time, Jerusalem was the heart of Jewish religious life. It was where the Temple stood, where the priests made sacrifices, and where the religious leaders enforced the law of Moses.

Many Jewish people believed that being part of Jerusalem meant being part of God’s chosen people. But Paul turns this idea upside down. He says that the true Jerusalem is not an earthly city—it is a spiritual one.

This was a radical idea because many Jews saw their identity as God’s people tied to their physical connection to Jerusalem and the law. But Paul is making it clear:

• God’s people are not identified by following Jewish laws.
• God’s people are those who have faith in Christ and belong to the “Jerusalem that is above.”

This echoes what Jesus told the Samaritan woman in John 4:21-24—that true worship would not be about a physical place (like Jerusalem), but about worshiping God in spirit and truth.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches us some deep spiritual truths:

1. True citizenship is in heaven, not on earth. Believers are not bound by earthly systems of religion but belong to God’s eternal kingdom (Philippians 3:20).
2. Freedom comes from grace, not from law. Earthly Jerusalem represents people who still try to earn salvation through good works. But heavenly Jerusalem represents those who trust in Christ and are set free from the burden of the law (Romans 8:2).
3. We are part of God’s spiritual family. Paul calls heavenly Jerusalem “our mother”, meaning that those who belong to Christ are part of God’s true people, just like Isaac was the true heir of Abraham.

Literary Analysis

Paul is using symbolism and contrast to make his point:

• Earthly Jerusalem represents slavery under religious rules.
• Heavenly Jerusalem represents freedom in Christ.

By calling heavenly Jerusalem “our mother”, Paul is saying that believers are like Isaac, the child of promise. We do not come from a system of rules and slavery, but from a place of grace and freedom.

This echoes Isaiah 54:1, which Paul will quote in the next verse. That passage describes God’s people rejoicing in the freedom that He provides.

Biblical Cross-References

• Philippians 3:20 – “But our citizenship is in heaven.” Believers belong to God’s kingdom, not to earthly religious systems.
• Hebrews 12:22 – “But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” This confirms that the true Jerusalem is spiritual, not physical.
• John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” The freedom Paul speaks about comes through Jesus.
• Isaiah 54:1 – A prophecy about God’s people rejoicing, which Paul connects to heavenly Jerusalem.
• Revelation 21:2 – Describes the New Jerusalem coming from heaven, showing that God’s final kingdom is not based on human effort but on His power.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder of our identity in Christ:

• We are not defined by religious rules or traditions. Some people still think they have to earn God’s love by following a set of rules. But our identity is in Christ, not in human religion.
• We are already citizens of heaven. If you belong to Christ, you are already part of God’s eternal kingdom. You do not have to wait until you die to experience this reality—you are already free in Christ (Colossians 1:13-14).
• We live under grace, not under the law. Many people struggle with guilt, feeling like they have to “do more” to be accepted by God. But Paul’s message is clear: if you are in Christ, you are already free! You don’t have to live in slavery to rules and legalism.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way He calls us into His family. Instead of leaving us in slavery to religious rules, He invites us into the freedom of His grace.

The fact that Paul calls heavenly Jerusalem “our mother” shows that God’s love is nurturing, welcoming, and freeing. He is not a distant ruler who demands perfection—He is a loving Father who adopts us into His family through Christ (Romans 8:15).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the one who makes it possible for us to belong to the heavenly Jerusalem.

• Jesus fulfilled the law, freeing us from slavery to religious rules (Matthew 5:17).
• Jesus made a way for us to be children of promise, just like Isaac (Galatians 3:26-29).
• Jesus is preparing a place for us in the heavenly Jerusalem, which will one day come to earth (John 14:2, Revelation 21:2).

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has made it possible for us to be citizens of God’s kingdom, rather than slaves to human religion.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to you that your true citizenship is in heaven?
2. Have you ever felt trapped by religious rules or traditions? How does this verse bring you freedom?
3. Why do you think so many people still try to earn God’s approval through good works?
4. How does knowing that you belong to God’s kingdom change the way you live your daily life?
5. How can you live in the freedom of the gospel rather than in spiritual slavery?