Galatians 3

Galatians 3 delves into the contrast between the law and faith. Paul argues that the Galatians, having started their Christian life in the Spirit, should not attempt to perfect it through the flesh—meaning the law. He emphasizes the superiority of faith over the law and highlights the universal promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The chapter explores how the law was a temporary guardian until Christ, and through faith in Him, all are sons of God and Abraham's heirs.

Galatians 3:1-5 (NKJV)
1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?
2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?
4 Have you suffered so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?
5 Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Paul addresses the Galatians with strong language, calling them "foolish" for turning away from the truth they once embraced. He points out that Christ's sacrifice was vividly portrayed to them, emphasizing that they clearly understood the centrality of the cross. Paul’s primary concern is that they began their Christian journey by receiving the Holy Spirit through faith in Christ but were now trying to attain spiritual growth and righteousness through their own works of the law. He challenges them to reflect on whether their spiritual experience, including the blessings and miracles they had witnessed, came by faith or by legalistic observance. This shift from faith to works undermined the very foundation of their relationship with God, as true righteousness and sanctification can only be achieved through continued trust in Christ's atoning sacrifice. Paul’s message underscores the futility of human effort in achieving salvation and calls believers to remain steadfast in faith, recognizing that spiritual victory and transformation are the work of the Holy Spirit, not human achievement.

Galatians 3:6-9 (NKJV)
6 Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.”
9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

Paul uses Abraham’s example to illustrate that righteousness comes through faith, not the law. This was true even before the law existed. He explains that the true children of Abraham are those who follow his example of faith, not just those who are his physical descendants.

Galatians 3:10-12 (NKJV)
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”
11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”
12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”

This passage highlights the impossibility of achieving righteousness through the works of the law. Paul explains that anyone who relies on the law for justification is under a curse because the law requires perfect and continual obedience—failing in even one point results in condemnation. Quoting from the Old Testament, Paul shows that righteousness cannot come from the law, as "the just shall live by faith." He contrasts faith with the law, emphasizing that the law operates on the principle of "doing" to achieve righteousness, while faith depends on trusting in God’s promises. Therefore, Paul makes it clear that the law was never meant to be a means of salvation but to point out humanity’s need for faith in God's provision for redemption. Salvation, he insists, comes by faith, not by human effort or legalistic obedience.

Galatians 3:13-14 (NKJV)
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),
14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

This passage explains that Christ redeemed humanity from the curse of the law by taking upon Himself the full penalty of sin—death and separation from God—so that believers could receive the blessings of justification by faith. The "curse of the law" refers to the consequence of sin, which is separation from God and eternal death (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23). Christ, who was sinless and perfectly obedient to the law, became "a curse for us" by willingly enduring the cross, where He felt the crushing weight of the world’s sin and the withdrawal of His Father's presence. In this moment of unimaginable suffering, Christ’s love remained steadfast, as He chose to trust the Father even when He felt forsaken, as reflected in His cry: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46).

Ellen White, in The Desire of Ages, explains the depth of Christ's sacrifice, stating that at the cross, Christ feared that humanity’s sin was so overwhelming that it would separate Him from the Father forever. She writes: “He could not see through the portals of the tomb. Hope did not present to Him His coming forth from the grave a conqueror. He feared that sin was so offensive to God that Their separation was to be eternal” (The Desire of Ages, p. 753). Yet, despite this overwhelming fear, Christ surrendered completely, saying, “Not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42), demonstrating His selfless love.

This act of perfect obedience and selflessness destroyed the curse because Christ endured what no created being could: the full penalty of sin without any selfishness or self-preservation rising within Him. In contrast to humanity’s natural inclination to avoid suffering and seek self-preservation, Christ's unwavering faith and love showed that He was willing to die eternally if that was the cost of saving humanity. By this, He secured the promise of the Spirit and the blessings of Abraham for all who believe in Him, granting them His victorious, selfless nature. Therefore, Galatians 3:13-14 reveals that Christ’s selfless sacrifice opened the way for believers to be redeemed, justified, and transformed by His grace through faith.

Galatians 3:15-16 (NKJV)
15 Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.
16 Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.

Paul explains that, just as a human covenant cannot be annulled or changed once confirmed, God’s covenant with Abraham is even more permanent and unchangeable. The promise was made to Abraham and his "Seed"—a term that can mean either singular or plural in Hebrew (zera). While the Jews traditionally interpreted "seed" as referring to the collective descendants of Abraham (the nation of Israel), Paul clarifies that the promise points to one specific "Seed," which is Christ. By referencing Genesis 22:18 (NKJV)—"In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed"—Paul emphasizes that the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to bless all nations was not through Israel as a nation, but through Christ. This shows that God's plan of salvation has always been based on faith and grace, fulfilled in Jesus, rather than on physical lineage or adherence to the law.

Galatians 3:17-18 (NKJV)
17 And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was ratified by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.
18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Paul emphasizes that the Mosaic law, the written law given at Mount Sinai, did not cancel or replace the covenant of grace made with Abraham 430 years earlier. The promise to Abraham was based on faith in God's unchangeable word, not on works of the law. The Mosaic law, introduced later, served a different purpose in God’s plan—it was given to reveal sin and point people toward their need for a Savior, not as a means of salvation. Some might argue that the moral law, such as the Ten Commandments, was given before Sinai, but this is not accurate. What existed before Sinai were moral principles passed down orally, teaching right and wrong, as seen when Cain was judged for murder (Genesis 4). Paul’s point is that neither these moral teachings nor the written Mosaic law were part of the promise given to Abraham. The promise was based solely on faith in God's grace. As stated in Genesis 15:6 (NKJV): “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” This shows that Abraham was declared righteous by faith, not by law. The giving of the Mosaic law did not override or change the promise of salvation by grace through faith. The inheritance of God's blessings has always depended on His grace and faith in His promise, fulfilled in Christ, rather than on law-keeping, whether passed down through tradition or written at Sinai.

Galatians 3:19 (NKJV)
19 What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.

This verse explains that the law was given “because of transgressions”—to reveal the seriousness of sin, to restrain wrongdoing, and to guide humanity until the coming of the promised Seed, Jesus Christ. The law was not intended as a means of salvation but as a temporary measure to highlight the need for a Savior. It was “appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator,” showing that the law was delivered with great solemnity and authority. Scriptures like Deuteronomy 33:2, Psalm 68:17, Acts 7:53, and Hebrews 2:2 confirm that angels played a significant role in the giving of the law at Mount Sinai. Moses served as the mediator between God and the Israelites, acting as a go-between during this event. However, unlike the law, which involved intermediaries, God's covenant with Abraham was direct and unconditional, pointing to the superiority of the promise fulfilled in Christ. This contrast shows that the law served to prepare people for Christ, emphasizing the necessity of grace and salvation through faith alone.

Galatians 3:20 (NKJV)
20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.

The phrase "a mediator does not mediate for one only" means that a mediator is needed when there are two parties involved, highlighting that the law was a covenant that required agreement between God and Israel, with Moses acting as the go-between. This emphasizes that the giving of the law at Sinai involved conditions—God gave the commandments, and the people agreed to obey. In contrast, when God made His promise to Abraham, no mediator was necessary because it was a direct, unilateral promise. God alone took responsibility for fulfilling it, making it a covenant based solely on His faithfulness. The statement "God is one" underscores that His covenant of grace is unified, direct, and independent of human conditions or mediators. Therefore, while the law relied on human obedience through mediation, the promise of salvation through Christ is a direct act of God's grace, fulfilled by His own will and purpose.

Galatians 3:21-22 (NKJV)
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.
22 But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Paul asks if the law is against God’s promises and immediately answers, "Certainly not!" The law is not in opposition to the promises but serves a different purpose. If righteousness could have been obtained through the law, there would be no need for God's promise. However, the law cannot give life; instead, it reveals humanity’s sinfulness and helplessness. Scripture declares that all are under sin, making it clear that no one can achieve righteousness through their own efforts. This "confinement" under sin was intended to lead people to rely on God's promise of salvation, which is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the law shows the need for grace and points to faith in Christ as the only way to receive the promise of eternal life.

Galatians 3:23-25 (NKJV)
23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.
24 Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

This passage explains that before faith in Christ was revealed, the entire system of the law—both moral and ceremonial—acted as a tutor to guide and guard us, defining right and wrong, often without explanations, and pointing us to our need for a Savior. This ministry of the law restrained sin and highlighted humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness on their own. However, when Christ came, we were no longer under the law’s role as an external guardian. As 2 Corinthians 3:6, 17 (NKJV) states, "the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life... where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." This liberty is not freedom to disobey but freedom to live righteously through Christ living within us. The Spirit aligns our hearts with God's moral law—the Ten Commandments—not by compulsion but by love and inward transformation. As 1 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV) reminds us, "the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless." Therefore, under the new covenant, Christ's Spirit leads us to live in harmony with God's will, fulfilling the law not as an obligation but as a natural outflow of a transformed life.

Let’s take an example by applying this to the seventh-day Sabbath. We do not keep the Sabbath merely because the fourth commandment says so, but because we understand that the seventh day is the only day in the week that God blessed, sanctified, and set apart for holy purposes, as stated in Genesis 2:3. When God blesses something, that blessing carries real significance—there is a tangible benefit attached to what He blesses. Since God blessed the seventh day, those 24 hours are uniquely blessed, offering both spiritual and physical benefits intended for our well-being. Jesus affirmed this in Mark 2:27 (NKJV), saying, "The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath," showing that the Sabbath is a divine gift created for humanity’s restoration.

Once we understand this truth, the Spirit of Christ within us naturally moves us to keep the seventh day holy—not out of obligation or fear, but out of love for God and a desire to honor His will. Instead of seeing the Sabbath as a burden, we experience it as a joyful celebration of rest, renewal, and communion with God. By keeping the Sabbath, we partake in the blessings of peace and restoration He placed in that holy time, delighting in the gift of rest as an expression of our love and trust in Him.


Galatians 3:26-29 (NKJV)
26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

This passage emphasizes that through faith in Christ, believers become children of God and are united in Him, regardless of their background or status. This passage highlights that baptism symbolizes putting on Christ, signifying a new identity where earthly distinctions—such as Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female—no longer divide or define one’s value in the family of God. Instead, all who are in Christ are equal heirs to the promises made to Abraham, inheriting the blessings of salvation and the hope of eternal life. This unity is not about erasing diversity but about transcending human divisions through a shared spiritual identity in Christ. Faith in Him, rather than adherence to the law for justification, is what makes us heirs according to the promise. This means that anyone, regardless of their past or background, can become part of God's covenant family through faith in Jesus, receiving His righteousness and becoming one with Him and His people.