The Curse: Galatians 3:10-14
“10) For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” 11) Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” 12) However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall 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 might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:10-14
It was a profound moment when I understood the implication of Deuteronomy 27:26 as quoted by Paul in verse 10. Anyone who fails to keep the whole Law comes under a curse. Breaking one point of the Law is sin. It is like a chain, if one link is broken, the whole chain is broken. One sin results in people falling short and missing the mark. All have sinned and are under the curse. (Romans 3:23) Therefore the system of the Law brings condemnation and death to all people. (Romans 6:23)
However, Jesus lived a perfect life. He kept every command and ordinance of the Law. He was righteous and accepted by God. But when He was crucified, the sins of humanity were placed upon Him. He became a curse for us, as it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 21:22-23) In this way, Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the Law. He became a curse for us and our substitute payment for sin. He was judged in our place. He became the curse that cancelled our curse.
The end result was that Jesus became the way of salvation for all who put faith in Him. The work of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for the whole world opened the door for the blessing of Abraham to come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. (See Galatians 3:14)
The Gospel is amazing. It is the great equalizer for all people to have hope of salvation. It is not based on our performance, it is based on the performance of Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection.
But this is not an excuse to live a reckless and sinful life. The Holy Spirit converts and changes all true believers. The Law was on the outside demanding absolute conformity. The Holy Spirit works from the inside cleansing and changing people. Righteousness by the Law is dependent on my self effort and good works as measured by the Law. Righteousness by faith is dependent on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and the sanctifying work of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Righteousness by the Law brings death, but righteousness by faith imparts new life. (Study 2 Corinthians chapter three)
But there is a catch, the blessings of Jesus Christ are only imparted to those who place saving faith in Him. He died for all, but not all receive Him. But all who receive Him through faith are born-again and become children of God. (See John 1:10-13)
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
