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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 3:11-14
11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith." 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Paul proved to the churches in Galatia that whoever builds himself on the Law of Moses gains nothing but curse, destruction, and condemnation. Those who profess to be religious; those who practice severe self-discipline deceive themselves, for neither observance of feasts, nor circumcision, nor certain prayers, nor pilgrimage, nor almsgiving may be helpful to you, since your sins are rising and complaining against you, and their voice is inextinguishable.
Probably the Galatians wondered: “Then, what would remain to us, if we did not worship God by his holy law?” And the Apostle of the Gentiles answered: “The just shall live by faith. Righteousness is realized through faith in the grace of God. He who believes lives, for the new life of God dwells in man only through taking hold of Jesus and his redemptive work. We read in the law the promise that he who observes all the commandments without exception lives; but since nobody can do that, therefore we are all condemned under the curse.
There is nothing good in us. However, the law moves us to self-action, and encourages us to rely on our human power that we suppose ourselves to be good, though we are criminals, corrupt, and going astray.
In this manner, the Pharisees, scribes, and lawyers appeared at the time of Jesus. They neither believed in him, nor repented, for they regarded themselves as particularly favored, righteous, and infinitely better than the others. Yet, the believer does not rely on himself, but he confesses his dissoluteness begging of the Lord grace and forgiveness. The true faith delivers from self-reliance, and admits unrighteousness of man and his dire need for salvation.
After this elaborate presentation of the principles of faith and law, Paul felt as if his church members thought in their minds that if the curse of God were still putting pressure on us, then how could we be saved by mere faith? The apostle rejoiced, and guided his beloved to the Crucified, for the cross was to the Romans the infamous and accursed tree, reserved for slaves, foreigners, and vilest criminals, and could not be inflicted on a Roman citizen.
Since Jesus was hanged on the infamous tree, and the Righteous and Holy One appeared as a cursed criminal, we have hope that the Merciful One bore our reproach, put the curse away from us, and justified us by his atoning death. Be aware, O my soul, that the Holy One has become a curse for us! How great is the love of the Son of Man for us! He chose condemnation and anger that we might enjoy the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.
What is the content of this promise? It is the dwelling of the Holy Spirit in the believer, and the fellowship of God with men. The Holy Spirit dwells in him who truly believes in Christ. All men and religions that do not believe in the Son of God neither know, nor feel the Sprit of the Lord, nor bring his fruits, for it is only in Christ that we can receive his Holy Spirit.
PRAYER: Thank you O Lord Jesus, because you died for us on the infamous tree, and chose to take our place that we might live freely in righteousness and holiness. Thanks for your great love. Please deliver us completely from our self-reliance, and any other human reliance that we may honor you with perfect faith, and live from your power.
QUESTION:
- How were we redeemed from the curse of the law?