SCRIPTURE: GALATIANS 3
BIBLE VERSES:
“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”( Galatians 3:10-11)
“But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.” (Galatians 3:22)
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26-28)
FAITH OR OBSERVANCE OF THE LAW (vs. 1-14)
The Galatians were still observing the law in the power of the flesh. Paul cited that all nations will be blessed through Abraham because Abraham was the man of faith. Christ has redeemed us so that the blessings given to Abraham might come to all through Christ Jesus. By faith we can receive the promise of the Spirit (v. 14)
THE LAW AND THE PROMISE (vs. 15-25)
The Judaizers wanted the Galatians to go back to Moses. But we must go back to Abraham when the promised was being made. The laws remind sin and prepare the way for Christ to come and fulfill the promise. Before faith came, we were hold prisoners by the law. Now that the faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.
SONS OF GOD (vs. 26-29)
All who believe in Christ are sons of God. They are members of the family of God. As we are all one in Christ, we are heirs to the promise and inheritance.
THOUGHTS:
Paul’s argument of why we are saved by faith and not by observing the law:
- The law was temporary and only for Israel (vs. 19-20) – The law was given to the israelites while the moral law was written in Gentile’s heart. The ceremonial law (Sabbath law) was never given to the Gentiles. The law was added and not a replacement for the Abraham’s promise. God spoke personally to Abraham and fulfilled his promise to him. When Christs came, the law was superseded.
- The law convicts sin but can not save us from sin (vs. 21-22) – The law reveals sin and forces the sinner to realize the need of grace. Grace enables us to please God through faith.
- The Law prepared the way for Christ (vs. 22-29) – The Law was a guide for the Jews during their natural infancy. It kept the Jews “in line” until Christ came to reveal the Gospel.
The Judaizer insisted that the Gentiles had to become Jews in order to become Christians. Paul argued that the real children of Abraham was saved by his faith and share his blessings. Christ is the beat and only way to salvation. We cannot be saved by keeping the law We must trust in Christ.