GALATIANS 3

ALL BELIEVERS ARE ADOPTED INTO GOD’S FAMILY

Paul questions the people of Galatia, asking them how they received the presence of the Holy Spirit. Knowing that they received God’s Spirit through faith alone, Paul emphasizes that they cannot earn God’s nearness through works of the law. Paul reflects on Abraham, whom God made righteous because of his faith alone. Abraham’s faith, not his actions, is what God used as the means to bless all nations through the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 12).

Paul references Deuteronomy 21:23, which says that anyone who is put to death by being hung on a tree is cursed by God. Paul acknowledges that Jesus took the curse for humanity to make atonement for the sins of those who love God. Jesus was the blessing that came from the lineage of Abraham, who offers eternal life to all who believe.

Explaining the purpose of the law, Paul shows how the law has exposed the sin of the Israelite people. Throughout history, the people vowed to follow God, but were unable to keep their promises. Before faith in Jesus, the people were burdened by the law as their only means for righteousness. Now that Jesus has fulfilled the law, salvation is available through faith in Jesus alone.

Paul proclaims that all people are unified by Jesus and there is no division among heritage, gender, or status. Whoever believes in Christ has been adopted into the family of Abraham and given the inheritance of eternal life.