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.”

Under a curse: Paul is making it clear that no person can keep the law (see also Romans 3:19-20). This shows the futility of human works to gain God’s presence. No religious system can achieve righteousness or union with God. 

The righteous one will live: Whereas the law causes a curse to be on humanity, faith in Jesus brings about righteousness for the believer (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). The Gospel is the answer to the law and therefore is not compatible with it. 

Curse for us: Christ died under the law (Galatians 4:4) and consequently took on the punishment that we deserved under the law. This was the promise God made to Abraham. All who believe in Jesus receive the Spirit. 

No one sets it aside: Paul wants his readers to know that the Old Covenant did not change the promise. The promise is still the binding contract from God. The law simply exists as a tool to reveal that what humanity needs is the promise of salvation in Christ. This promise is ultimately a contact between God and Christ (see Hebrews 6:16). It is, therefore, an eternal contract and cannot be changed.