10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
15 To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Paul presents a set of logical arguments based on quotes from the Old Testament to show that the law is unable to save us.
- Everyone who does not do everything in the law is cursed (Deut 27:26)
- No one is justified before God by the law because “the righteous shall live by faith” (Hab 2:4)
- To live by the law is not to live by faith but, “the one who does them shall live by them” (Lev 18:5)
- Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because “cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” (Deut 21:23)
So while the law is unable to save but instead brings us under curse, Christ became that curse for us so that we might receive the promised blessing of Abraham through Jesus Christ and receive the promised Spirit through faith.
If you are tempted to live better in order to please God, to try harder, or sin less, or do anything that might make things better between you and God, remember this: the only way to be better is to be perfect. You cannot do that. Anything less that perfection puts you under the curse. Thankfully Jesus did everything. All we need do is rest in Him.
“He became sin, who knew no sin, that we might become His righteousness” (2 Cor 5:21)