Galatians 3

Summary

 

Galatians 3 emphasizes the central theme of justification by faith, contrasts faith with the works of the law, and highlights the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham in Christ. The chapter concludes by stressing the unity of believers in Christ, irrespective of their background.

 

1. Justification by Faith, not Works of the Law (Galatians 3:1-9): Paul questions the Galatians, reminding them that they received the Spirit through faith, not by observing the law. He points to Abraham as an example of justification by faith, not by works.

2. The Curse of the Law (Galatians 3:10-14): Paul emphasizes that those under the law are under a curse, as no one can perfectly keep the law. Christ redeems believers from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for them through his death on the cross.

3. The Promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:15-18): Paul explains that the promise to Abraham and his offspring is fulfilled in Christ, not in the law. The law, given later, does not nullify the promise but serves a temporary purpose.

4. Purpose of the Law (Galatians 3:19-29): Paul explains that the law was added because of transgressions until the coming of the promised seed, who is Christ. Believers are no longer under the custody of the law but are justified by faith in Christ. All believers, regardless of their background, are united in Christ, becoming heirs of the promise made to Abraham.

 

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