BREAKING THE CHAINS OF LEGALISM:
A Study of Galatians 3:1-18
Faith is not simply possessing a belief in something - it is the foundation of belonging to God. Paul’s letter to the Galatians addresses the tension between faith and law. In Galatians 3:1-18, Paul explains to the believers in the region of Galatia that their identity and salvation come not through observing the law, but through the same faith that justified Abraham - thus, making all who have faith true children of God. This passage emphasizes that both justification and the inheritance of God’s promises come through faith alone, not adherence to the law. Paul argues that true sons of Abraham, and thereby the heirs of God’s promises, are those who live plainly by faith. This message signifies that our faith is all-inclusive - transcending cultural, political, and religious boundaries and establishing that justification is rooted in faith alone. This presentation is an attempt to communicate Paul’s message by examining the historical background, observing the text in its context, interpreting it verse-by-verse, correlating it to our contemporary paradigm, and personally applying it to my own life.
The law demands perfect obedience, which is completely unattainable. Consequently, it condemns all who rely on it. A righteous life is exemplified through one’s faith. One who operates on works earns righteousness through obligatory deeds, while one who lives by faith rests on trusting in God. Jesus took on the curse of the law by being crucified, redeeming believers from its penalty and bringing them into God’s blessing. “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God,” (2 Cor. 5:21 CSB). The concept of “redeemed” in Galatians refers to one purchasing a slave with full intentions to immediately set them free. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death,” (Rom. 8:1-2 CSB).Through faith in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles are united in Abraham’s blessing by receiving the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s message to the Galatians about faith versus works remains relevant in this day and age. Just as the believers in Galatia were tempted to rely on human effort and religious legalism, modern-day believers around the world often struggle with adding such requirements to the grace which has been received. The example of Abraham’s faith still shows that righteousness comes from trusting wholly in God and His Word, not by religious rituals and traditions or adhering to some moral code of ethics. The timeless truth that Jesus Christ’s self-sacrifice redeems people from the curse of the law provides freedom and assurance in every era of history. God’s promise to bestow eternal blessings upon Abraham and his seed, which is fulfilled in Christ, transcends the law and invites all people to embrace salvation through faith in Jesus plus nothing.
#faithalone #galatians #biblestudy