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GALATIANS - I Have Been Crucified With Christ
Studies in the Letter of Paul to the Galatians
PART 3: THE LAW OF MOSES AND THE GOSPEL, THEIR INTENTION AND THEIR RESULTS (Galatians 3:1 – 4:31)
2. Christ delivered us from the curse of the Law and brought the blessing of Abraham on all nations (Galatians 3:6-14)
GALATIANS 3:6-10
6 just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them."
Abraham was sinful, as all men. Yet, when he heard the promise of God, he believed it and trusted it, even in the things, which appeared illogical and impossible. He trusted God and believed his promise, and God blessed him, not because of his goodness, but because of his faith in God’s faithfulness and he credited his living, obedient trust to him as righteousness.
This is why neither the Jews, nor the seed of Ishmael are true children of Abraham, but those who believe in Christ, all around the world, are the family of Abraham, for they build themselves on the love of God, and rely on his word rather than their minds, experiences, and dreams. Abraham is the father and example of believers. He who follows his example is considered of his seed, and receives the righteousness of God, not for his sterling conduct, but for the trust of his heart in the Savior.
By his indication of Abraham, the father of believers, Paul took from the deceivers their argument that the Galatians lacked an important blessing, being not the seed of the father of the promise; and he proved the contrary that only the believers are the children of Abraham.
When God chose Abraham and blessed him, he did not only mean the children of Abraham according to the flesh, but all the nations, for his call from the first instance was determined to bless all the peoples. Therefore, there is no room for racial prejudice by taking hold of Abraham.
He, who seeks to please God through his own godliness, falls under the curse of the law, for the judgment of God, damns all those who do not strictly obey every letter of the commandments. He, who seeks his salvation because of his godliness according to the law, certainly fails. Remember that the professors of religion were and are still the enemies of Christ because they suppose that they do not need to repent. They crucified Christ in their godliness, not knowing that they were corrupt sinners. The greatest obstacle against the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in the heart and his continuous work in us is considering ourselves something important, and supposing that we are accepted to God as we are. He who appreciates himself is superficial. He knows neither God in his truth, nor the law in his strictness, for the bondage of the law brings only the wrath of God. The reason for this decisive judgment is the holiness of God himself, for he says: “Be holy, because I am holy”. Therefore, any unintentional ignorance of any of the commandments deserves destruction. By his law, God demands of us nothing less than perfection. He who is not perfected in holiness, love, truthfulness, and purity is cursed.
PRAYER: O holy God, You are most high, perfect, holy, and true; while I am but a dunghill filled with evil in thought, word, and deed. Do not condemn me according to your law and holiness, but have mercy on me according to your lovingkindness. I confess my corruption before you, and believe in your love for the broken penitent. God, be merciful to me, a sinner.
QUESTION:
- Who are the children of Abraham? Why?