In Galatians chapter 3, we are invited to look back at the history of our faith and understand that our relationship with God is built on the promise given to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ, not on our own ability to keep the law. Paul reminds us that the key to our salvation is faith—just as Abraham believed God and was credited with righteousness, so too are we justified by our trust in Jesus. This chapter challenges us to see that the law, though holy and good in itself, was never intended to be the means by which we attain God's favor; rather, it was given as a temporary guardian until the coming of Christ.
Paul begins by addressing the Galatian believers, asking us to consider whether we are truly walking in the Spirit or if we are trying to be justified by our own efforts under the law. He explains that if we relied on human works, the grace of God would be lost. This message hits home for us because it reassures us that our standing before God is not based on our performance. Instead, it is entirely a gift of grace—a grace that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, just as it was for Abraham. We learn that the promise made to Abraham was not dependent on the works of the law; it was given on the basis of his belief. That promise, Paul reminds us, extends to all who believe, whether they are Jew or Gentile.
Paul goes on to quote Scripture, emphasizing that the blessings given to Abraham were intended to be for everyone. He reminds us that “Blessed be the man who trusts in the Lord,” a truth that holds regardless of our background. The key point Paul makes is that the inheritance promised to Abraham comes through faith. For us, this means that our salvation is secure when we put our trust in God’s promise, not when we try to earn His favor by obeying the law. In reflecting on this, we can see that our faith in Jesus liberates us from the endless cycle of trying to measure up to standards that are impossible for any of us to fully achieve on our own.
Furthermore, Paul explains that the law was given 430 years after God made His promise to Abraham. This timing is significant because it shows that the law did not originate the promise, but rather it was added later to guide people until Christ came. The law was like a tutor, teaching us about sin and our need for redemption. For us, this means that while the law exposes our shortcomings, it also points us toward the grace that we receive through faith. The law’s role was to make us aware of our need for a Savior, and in that awareness, we find the wonderful truth that Jesus has already paid the price for our sins.
Paul also addresses the issue of the curse that comes from disobedience to the law. He reminds us that Scripture says, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things written in the Book of the Law.” But thanks be to God, Christ has redeemed us from this curse by becoming a curse for us, so that the blessing of Abraham might come to us through faith. This powerful truth underscores that our freedom in Christ comes not from our ability to perfectly obey the law, but from the redemptive work of Jesus. When we understand that Jesus has taken on our curse, we can live with gratitude and joy, knowing that our righteousness is not earned—it is a gift bestowed upon us because of His sacrifice.
Moreover, Paul makes it clear that the promise of God is based on faith and is an everlasting covenant. The inheritance of the promise is secured for those who belong to Christ, and it cannot be nullified by our failure to uphold the law. In our own lives, this means that our identity is not defined by our ability to keep every rule, but by our relationship with Jesus. We are children of the promise, heirs to the blessings that were promised to Abraham. This perspective frees us from the heavy burden of legalism and encourages us to live in the liberty of the gospel.
Paul further explains that the Spirit, given to us by faith, testifies to the promise of God. We are not justified by our works but by our trust in God’s Word. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that our spiritual transformation is an ongoing process—one that is continually powered by the Holy Spirit working in us. This transformation is not achieved by human effort alone, but by surrendering to the grace that flows from our relationship with Christ.
In summary, Galatians chapter 3 calls us to recognize that our justification before God comes solely through faith—faith that connects us to the promise given to Abraham and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The law served its purpose as a guide to reveal our need for salvation, but now that the promise has been realized in Christ, we live under a new covenant of grace. This grace transforms us from within, uniting us as one family of believers regardless of our background, and freeing us from the impossible task of earning God’s favor through our own efforts. As we journey in faith, let us embrace the freedom and assurance that comes from trusting in the eternal promise of God—a promise that brings us hope, unites us in love, and transforms our lives for His glory.