Galatians 3:10-15

¹⁰ “For all who are of works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law, to do them.’ ¹¹ Now, that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, ‘the righteous one will live by faith.’¹²However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, ‘The person who performs them will live by them.’ 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’— ¹⁴ in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. ¹⁵ Brothers and sisters, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it.”

Verse 10: Paul emphasizes that relying on the works of the law for righteousness brings about a curse. The law demands perfect obedience, and no one can fulfill it completely. Therefore, those who depend on the law for their righteousness find themselves under a curse.

Verse 11: Paul makes it clear that justification before God does not come through the law. Instead, it comes through faith. The righteous, those who are declared righteous by God, live by faith in the finished work of Christ. Any violation of this is a violation of God’s gospel.

Verse 12: Paul highlights the contrast between the law and faith. The law operates on the principle of works and self-effort, while faith operates on the principle of trust and dependence on God’s grace. The law demands perfect obedience for life, but faith recognizes that no one can fulfill the law’s requirements completely.

Verse 13: Paul reveals the incredible truth of Christ’s redemptive work. Jesus took upon himself the curse of the law by being crucified on the cross. In doing so, He paid the price for our sins and freed us from the curse of the law.

Verse 14: Paul explains that through Christ’s redemption, the blessing promised to Abraham extends to the Gentiles. This blessing includes the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which is received by faith. It is through faith in Christ that we receive the promised blessings of God.

Verse 15: Paul uses a relatable example to illustrate his point. Just as a human covenant cannot be altered or added to once it is established, the covenant of grace through faith in Christ cannot be changed or supplemented by the works of the law.