Galatians 3:10-14 (WEL) For all those who trust in the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue to do everything that is written in the book of the law.” [Deuteronomy 27:26] 11 Now that no one is justified in God’s sight by the law is clearly evident, for, “The just shall live by faith.” [Habakkuk 2:4] 12 The law is not of faith, but “The man who does them will live by them.” [Leviticus 18:5] 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, when he was made a curse for us, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,” [Deuteronomy 21:23] 14 So that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.
V10 For all those who trust in the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue to do everything that is written in the book of the law.” [Deuteronomy 27:26]
No one can be saved from God’s wrath by keeping Mosaic Law. Every sin has a death penalty, even eating a piece of fruit (Genesis 3). It is impossible to keep the Law in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. If breaking the law requires the death penalty, how can anyone be saved? Only the Lord Jesus, as our substitute Passover Lamb, could accomplish this.
An application can be made that anything thought necessary to faith will not save.
V11 Now that no one is justified in God’s sight by the law is clearly evident, for, “The just shall live by faith.” [Habakkuk 2:4]
The Gospel is always the same—faith in God alone. We must believe in God. When Adam sinned, he didn’t believe God would know his sin; thus, Adam thought he wouldn’t die. Adam disobeyed and brought God’s wrath on his shoulders. Adam’s works failed; it was just a fistful of fig leaves.
V12 The law is not of faith, but “The man who does them will live by them.” [Leviticus 18:5]
The law is based on me doing what is right. Faith is believing in God like Abraham.
One is based on me; the other is based on God Himself. God’s condition is to believe. Every person needs to repent from pride (I’m good) to humility (I’m evil). Every person needs to believe from believing in myself to believing in God’s message—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
V13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, when he was made a curse for us, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,” [Deuteronomy 21:23]
Jesus Christ is the redeemer, not me. Nothing other can do anything for me. A person has to come to the conviction that only Jesus is the Savior. The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin; He initiates (John 16:8), and the Holy Spirit opens people’s hearts and minds to understand (Acts 16:14) or else no one will be saved.
V14 So that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, and that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.
The Judaizers taught from the Old Testament so does Paul who shows that salvation is only by faith.
Abraham was saved by faith, and he was blessed. I need to be saved by faith in the same way. The words and the position may be different, but the faith is the same. No faith in Jesus Christ to forgive my sins? Then, there is no salvation. Faith in Jesus Christ alone to forgive my sins? Then, there is salvation. When people place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:12), then the Holy Spirit recreates us and indwells us. Then, He begins to sanctify us, refining us, pruning us into the image (character) of Jesus Christ.
We learn:
- Faith alone was taught early in human history.
- Abraham is the first great example of plainly stating faith alone in God alone saves.
Questions:
- What did you do to earn your salvation?
- Can you defend the Biblical position of faith alone in Jesus alone saves?