10 For all who depend on the Law [seeking justification and salvation by obedience to the Law and the observance of rituals] are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed (condemned to destruction) is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, so as to practice them.” 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified [that is, declared free of the guilt of sin and its penalty, and placed in right standing] before God by the Law, for “The righteous (the just, the upright) shall live by faith.”

12 But the Law does not rest on or require faith [it has nothing to do with faith], but [instead, the Law] says, “He who practices them [the things prescribed by the Law] shall live by them [instead of faith].” 13 Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”— 14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might also come to the Gentiles, so that we would all receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:10-14 (AMP) 中文

Pure Gospel of Jesus

This letter from Paul to Christ followers living in the area of Galatia is all about the means of salvation. The Judiazer’s were spreading a false gospel which was the true gospel plus works (through the keeping of the Law – esp. circumcision). Paul sharply corrects this false teaching (that even affected the apostle Peter). We’re now in the theology section of the letter.

Blessed like Abraham

Paul finished the last section saying, “those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham”. But what blessing? Certainly his readers (and us) won’t have descendents like the sand of the sea. Nor will all the nations be blessed by our seed. 

The blessing in v14 is righteousness through Christ. Remember from yesterday, God worked through Abraham’s faith and credited it to him (an accounting term) as righteousness: righteousness by faith. (Genesis 15:6). Right with God. Sins cleansed and forgiven. Justified by faith.This blessing is not just for Jews but also Gentiles. 

Cursed instead

Actually, not only are they who obey the law not blessed (since they are not true children of Abraham), they are actually cursed. Why? They try to obey the law. Paul shows clearly, from the law, that they are cursed when they rely on works of the law for righteousness. “The Law is similar to a chain: One must forge every single link securely or it will not support the person who clings to it for salvation (cf. 5:3; James 2:10).” (planobiblechapel.org) “The righteous shall live by faith” is not just a NT idea; this quote is from the OT, Habakkuk 2:4.

Christ’s work

Since Jesus upheld all the Law (He never sinned – Hebrews 4:15) he didn’t need to die, to be separated from the holy Father (not referring to the Pope). Yet He became sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21); He became a curse for us so we could receive His righteousness. The end result is the promise of the Spirit through faith, which Paul referred to in v2-5. The Spirit is the manifestation of the gracious give of salvation, being born again, born of the Spirit (John 3:3-7).

RЯeflection

• Have you been born again, born of the Spirit? Have you confessed your sin against God, your inability to rectify the situation and believed, in Christ’s sacrifice in faith as the only way of salvation? If not, click here.
• As a follower of Christ, it is always good to preach the gospel to ourselves, to remind ourselves and other believers of the free gift of salvation by faith alone. Who can you share the gospel with today?