The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, makes a compelling argument about salvation, faith, and the purpose of the Law. Using multiple Old Testament references, he clarifies why salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ rather than through works of the Law. Let’s explore Galatians 3:10-26 and uncover its profound implications for believers today.
The Law Cannot Save (Galatians 3:10-12)
Paul begins by quoting Deuteronomy 27:26:
“Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” (Galatians 3:10)
This passage highlights the fundamental problem with relying on the Law for salvation—it demands complete and perfect obedience. The Israelites, before entering the Promised Land, agreed to follow God’s Law, and they understood that failure to do so would result in a curse. The Law was not a system of grace; it was a strict standard that required absolute compliance. If someone failed in one aspect, they failed entirely.
Paul then points to Habakkuk 2:4 to contrast the Law with faith:
“The righteous shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11)
This means that righteousness, or being right with God, has always been through faith, not by works. Abraham was counted righteous because of his faith (Genesis 15:6), and even after the Law was given, faith remained the key to a restored relationship with God. The Law and faith operate differently—one demands perfection, the other requires trust in God’s promise.
In verse 12, Paul reinforces this distinction by referencing Leviticus:
“The one who does them shall live by them.” (Galatians 3:12)
In other words, if you choose to live by the Law, you must obey it completely. But no one can do this perfectly, making salvation through the Law impossible.
Christ Redeems Us from the Curse (Galatians 3:13-14)
Recognizing humanity’s inability to fulfill the Law, Paul presents the solution:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” (Galatians 3:13)
This refers to Deuteronomy 21:23, which states that anyone hanged on a tree is cursed. Jesus took our place, bearing the curse that we deserved because of our inability to uphold the Law. His sacrifice allows us to receive the blessing of Abraham—salvation through faith.
Through Christ, the Holy Spirit is given to all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles. Salvation is no longer about ethnic identity or legal observance but about faith in Jesus Christ.
The Unchanging Promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:15-18)
Paul then uses a human analogy about covenants. Once an agreement is made, it cannot be altered unilaterally. God made a promise to Abraham and his “offspring” (singular), referring specifically to Christ (Galatians 3:16). Since this promise predates the Law by 430 years, the Law does not nullify it.
If righteousness could come through the Law, then God’s promise to Abraham would be meaningless. But because the promise was based on faith, it remains valid regardless of the Law.
Why Was the Law Given? (Galatians 3:19-26)
If salvation has always been by faith, then why was the Law given? Paul explains that it was added because of transgressions—to reveal sin until Christ came (Galatians 3:19). The Law was never meant to grant life; rather, it functioned as a guardian, guiding people until the time of faith in Christ (Galatians 3:24).
The Law serves three purposes:
- Revealing Sin – The Law makes us aware of our sinfulness and inability to meet God’s standard.
- Pointing to Christ – It shows our need for a Savior and prepares us for faith in Jesus.
- Acting as a Guardian – Before Christ, the Law guided and disciplined Israel, much like a tutor instructing a child.
But now that faith has come, believers are no longer under the guardianship of the Law. Instead, they are children of God through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:25-26).
Does This Mean We Can Live However We Want?
Since salvation is by faith, does obedience to God still matter? Some might ask, “If we’re not under the Law, can we live however we please?”
Jesus Himself answered this by teaching that faith produces love and obedience. He commanded His followers to love one another, serve others, and live righteously—not to earn salvation but as evidence of their transformed hearts (John 13:34-35).
Paul contrasts the false teaching that obedience earns salvation with the truth that genuine faith results in obedience. The Law forces compliance externally, but faith in Jesus brings inner transformation by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 10:12-17 – The New Covenant
The writer of Hebrews confirms this truth:
“I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds.” (Hebrews 10:16)
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are set free from the Law’s curse and empowered to live righteously by the Spirit.
Conclusion
Galatians 3:10-26 powerfully explains that righteousness comes by faith, not by works of the Law. The Law reveals our sin and need for a Savior, but Jesus Christ fulfills the Law and offers salvation through faith. As believers, we are not bound by the Law but led by the Spirit, living lives that reflect the love and righteousness of Christ.
Faith in Jesus is not just about freedom from the Law’s demands—it is an invitation to a transformed life, walking in obedience and love through the power of the Holy Spirit.
