Practically, for the Galatians, if we all enjoy the right of sons, then there is no need for Gentile believers to be circumcised. If the inheritance is ours through faith in Christ, then it is ours. We do not need to add works of the flesh. We do not need to submit to the demands of the old covenant law.
Additionally, and this is where the application comes into the present, the right of sonship means that we are not allowed to create barriers to fellowship. We cannot have two separate communion tables – one for black and one for white. We cannot demand that parents remove their children from worship services. We cannot speak only to those who are of the same social class or share our home language. We may not divide on account of our differences and preferences – the church is the gathering of those who believe in Jesus Christ – it must be catholic, all Christians must be welcome.
Unity in Christ does not, however, mean there are no distinctions. Distinctions of ethnicity and sex, social distinctions of class and privilege, exist. We are not blind to them. Some Christians are rich and some are poor. Some of us are black and some of us are white. Male and female, these are the realities of life in God’s creation and we cannot avoid them or pretend that they do not exist.
Also when it comes to roles, whether in marriage or ministry, we must not think that the different responsibilities given to men and women speak to a lack of equality. Philosophically, our culture and time struggles to understand how men and women can be equal partners with different roles. We think that equality must mean uniformity, but according to Scripture, that is not the case. As Paul himself makes clear in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12, the church is one body with many members. We do not all have the same role and duties, but we are all needed and we can all contribute our time and energy to the cause of Christ. Distinctions in role are not necessarily distinctions in status.
26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.