Galatians 3:10-14 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Clearly, no one who relies on the law is justified before God because “the righteous will live by faith.” The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the law's curse by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us so that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.
Many people are just not without some small shadow of a doubt
regarding their eternal destination. They think they got saved but can't
remember when they gave their heart to Jesus. They love Christ Jesus, pray
daily, and read the Bible often but are still not entirely convinced that
heaven would be their home if they died today. Some try to gain the favor of
God by giving significant sums of money or doing other good deeds. Somehow,
they miss Paul's concept spelled out so clearly (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Paul fought this misconception throughout his
ministry, most especially the people of Galatia, who believed they should still
observe some of the Old Testament Law systems. However, the apostle Paul
pointed out to them that all Christians to come because Jesus redeemed us from
the Law by dying on the Cross (Galatians 3:13 a).
This movement in the early church derived
from Jews that had converted to Christianity that believed that the Gentiles
that were Christians should maintain specific points of the Law. They believed
in the necessity of adhering to the Mosaic Law or particular matters of the Law
such as circumcision, Sabbath observance, or observance of the Passover.
They were referred to in those days as
"Judaizers"; today, they are known as "legalists," but the
idea is still the same. This widely held misconception stems from not knowing
the truth of the Word of God. To see the difference between Grace and The Law,
you must first understand both. This misunderstanding of the Word is a mixing
of the two, Law and Grace. Today many follow traditions, with no one
questioning why they adhere to these traditions.
The Law, however, is very narrow as compared
to Grace. In the Law, it says, "You shall not commit
adultery" (Exodus 20:14). Christ
Jesus broadened that when he said that if a person lusts for another person,
they have already committed adultery (Matthew 5:28).
The
Law states that you shall not kill; Jesus said if you are angry with your
brother or sister, you are just as guilty (Matthew 5:22).
The sixth commandment does not merely state
that one should not murder; God meant for us to avoid the hatred that leads to
murder. The act of murder is an only outward
The teachers of the Law in the Days of Jesus
dealt only with the external act; Jesus showed that God's concern was more
deep-seated. Refraining from murder does not constitute a person righteous in
the sight of God. Improper anger renders one subject to judgment at God's
Heavenly Court since no human court is competent enough to try a case of inward
rage.
If you believe this and have accepted Christ
as your Lord and Savior, rest in the finished work Jesus did on the Cross and
give thanks with a grateful heart. Do not follow the common misconception that
you must earn God's Favor. On the contrary, salvation is a free gift given to
an unworthy sinner; it is not something we can earn or deserve.
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