Faith and rule-keeping as a means to relate to God are in direct opposition to each other. They are mutually exclusive. If we choose the rule route, we have to do it 100% or else!
“So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.’ But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘the just shall live by faith.’ Yet the law is not of faith, but ‘the man who does them shall live by them.’” (Galatians 3:9-12)1
I love the wording that Paul used when he says “those who are of faith are blessed with BELIEVING Abraham.” It’s like a title added to his name. I could say, “Hi, I’m BELIEVING Tricia and I am blessed!” Those who are OF FAITH are blessed. However, those who are OF THE WORKS of the law are under the curse. Paul didn’t say we are cursed because we break the law. He said those “OF the law” are under a curse.
Paul said that “the man who does them shall live by them.” We know that the covenant of law has been fulfilled in Christ and does not apply to us in any way. Yet, even though I am a Christian, my life will reflect what I believe about the place of the law in my life. If we believe we are under the law, we will believe we are under a curse. Every lie of satan we believe has ramifications in this life.
Have faith and believe this truth:
“Christ has 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’), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” (Galatians 3:13-14)
(from pages 256-258 of Unveiling Jesus)
Want more from Tricia Gunn? Check out excerpts from the Unveiling Jesus 20-part series!
Unveiling Jesus, by Tricia Gunn, is a verse by verse study of the pure gospel of grace. It’s an amazing journey of love, identity, and freedom in Christ.
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1All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission.
