Imagine being part of a community that once felt the vibrant presence of Christ, only to be led astray by confusing teachings about the law. In Galatians 3, Paul passionately confronts the Galatians, urging them to remember the truth they once embraced.
The Reading: Galatians 3
World English Bible1 Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you as crucified?
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2 I just want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
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3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?
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4 Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain?
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5 He therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and does miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
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6 Even as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.”
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7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham.
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8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you all the nations will be blessed.”
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9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.
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10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.”
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11 Now that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, “The righteous will live by faith.”
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12 The law is not of faith, but, “The man who does them will live by them.”
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13 Christ 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,”
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14 that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
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15 Brothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void, or adds to it.
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16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his offspring. He doesn’t say, “To descendants”, as of many, but as of one, “To your offspring”, which is Christ.
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17 Now I say this: A covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which came four hundred thirty years after, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect.
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18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise.
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19 Then why is there the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.
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20 Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one.
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21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law.
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22 But the Scriptures imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
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23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
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24 So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
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25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
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26 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.
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27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
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28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
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29 If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise.
![Belem, Lisbon, Portugal DESCRIPTION The Jerónimos Monastery or Hieronymites Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Portuguese pronunciation: [muʃˈtɐjɾu ðuʃ ʒɨˈɾɔnimuʃ]), is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome near the Tagus river in the parish of Belém, in the Lisbon Municipality, Portugal.](https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/sancta-91eb1.firebasestorage.app/o/blog-images%2Fscripture%2F90610364.webp?alt=media&token=2a64174b-dc18-448b-92f4-cce1f042c9a7)
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
In Galatians 3, Paul addresses the Galatians with a mix of frustration and love. He starts by asking them how they could turn away from the simple truth of the Gospel they initially accepted. He emphasizes that they received the Holy Spirit not through following the law but through their faith.
The Importance of Faith
Paul reminds them of Abraham, who was justified by faith long before the law existed. He tells them that those who believe are children of Abraham, sharing in God's promises. The chapter then contrasts the law and faith, highlighting that trying to live by the law can bring curses, while faith brings blessings.
The Role of the Law
Paul explains that the law was introduced due to human transgressions and served as a guide until Christ came. He clarifies that the law cannot grant life; instead, it reveals our shortcomings. Now that faith has arrived, believers are no longer bound by the law but are considered children of God through their faith in Christ.
Unity in Christ
Finally, Paul celebrates the unity believers have in Christ. He points out that in Christ, distinctions like Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female no longer matter. Everyone who belongs to Christ is part of Abraham's family and inherits God's promises.
Why It Matters
Embracing Faith Over Works
Paul's message in Galatians 3 is crucial today. It reminds us that faith, not rules, is what connects us to God. This concept liberates us from striving to earn God's approval, showing that true relationship comes through believing in Christ.
The Unity of Believers
Additionally, Paul's assertion of unity among believers is powerful. In a world often divided by labels and categories, the church is called to reflect the inclusivity of Christ.
Finding Community
If you're seeking a way to deepen your faith and connect with others, Sancta can help you find a church near you. Building a community that embraces these truths can inspire and uplift our journeys.
Ultimately, Galatians 3 encourages us to live freely in the faith we have and to recognize our identity as cherished children of God.
Coming Up Next: Galatians 4
As we transition to Galatians 4, Paul will delve even deeper into what it means to live as heirs of God's promise. The next part of our journey promises to unveil the profound implications of our new identity in Christ.