Read Galatians 3.
Here is the dilemma. Judaizers were accusing Jews who believed in Jesus
of forsaking their heritage in Abraham. Then, they said to the Gentiles
that simple belief in Jesus was not enough. All needed to obey the Old
Testament Law. The churches in Galatia became confused and acquiesced to
these false teachers. Paul called the Galatians "foolish" and
"bewitched" at how they had become fascinated by this false
representation of the truth.
Trying to mix or add to simple faith in Jesus for eternal life will never
work.
1. The questions. (vv.1-6)
First, Paul asked a series of penetrating questions. The answers all
point to the fact it was the grace of God that saved them by faith and not by
works of any kind.
2. The promise. (vv.7-9)
In Genesis 12, God made an unconditional covenant with Abraham and his
descendants. The Lord said, "In you shall all the nations be
blessed." Gentiles were included in the blessing of being able to
know and serve God by faith in Him.
3. The curse. (vv.10-14)
The Law never saved anyone. It only held up a perfect standard that no
one could attain. Condemnation and a curse came with it. At the
crucifixion, our curse and condemnation were nailed to the cross, "so that
we might receive the promised Spirit through faith."
4. The history. (vv.15-18)
To prove how ridiculous the claims of the Judaizers were, Abraham never obeyed
the Law! He never saw or heard of the Law. He lived 430 years
before the Law was given. Instead, God gave a promise that Abraham believed
and received. He did nothing to earn it.
5. The Law. (vv.19-24)
The Law became an "intermediary" step in God's plan for the world.
It was always temporary. Paul referred to it as a
"guardian", like one who would oversee the welfare of a child until
the time of maturity. This temporary time ended when Jesus came,
"until the offspring should come" (v.19), "until the coming
faith should be revealed" (v.23), "until Christ came" (v.25),
"we are no longer under a guardian" (v.25).
As a result, Jews who believe in Jesus do not lose their heritage as
God's chosen people. Gentiles do not have to become Jewish to complete
their faith in Jesus. The good news is this, regardless of who we are or
our backgrounds (v.28), we can enter in and enjoy the blessing of Abraham:
"so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who
believe" (v.22).
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