Faith, Not the Law: Paul’s Argument Explained (Galatians 3) | John Peter Lange

Deep Dive into A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Galatians by John Peter Lange - Galatians 3The commentary on Galatians 3 explores the apostle Paul’s argument against the Galatians' turn toward Judaistic legalism after having embraced the gospel of Christ. Paul calls the Galatians "foolish" and asks who "bewitched" them, given that Jesus Christ crucified was vividly "set forth before their eyes" through his preaching. The astonishing apostasy is senseless because they had already received the Holy Ghost not through the "works of the law," but "by the hearing of faith". Paul asks if they, having begun their Christian life "with the Spirit," intend to achieve "completion" through the "flesh," which he notes is the opposite of the Spirit. The reception of the Spirit is viewed as proof that justification comes by faith.Paul strengthens his case by demonstrating that salvation is attained solely through faith, drawing on the example of Abraham, who "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness". Therefore, those "of faith" are the spiritual "children of Abraham" and are blessed with him, fulfilling the promise that "all nations shall be blessed" in Abraham. Those who rely on "works of the law" are instead "under a curse," as the law requires continuous adherence to all its commands. Since no person is justified "in the sight of God" by the law, Christ redeemed people, primarily the Jews who were under the law, from this curse by "becoming a curse for us" through His crucifixion. This act ensured that the "blessing of Abraham" would come to the Gentiles and that all believers would "receive the promise of the Spirit through faith".The law was not intended to set aside the prior covenant of promise, which was confirmed by God and rested on grace. Instead, the law was "added because of the transgressions," serving a temporary, provisional role "till the seed should come," who is Christ. The law, which could not "give life" or bring justification, functioned as a "schoolmaster" to hold people "shut up under the law," making them conscious of sin and driving them toward "the faith which should afterwards be revealed" in Christ. Once "faith is come," believers are no longer under this schoolmaster, as they become "all sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus". Through baptism, believers have "put on Christ," which signifies their entry into the filial relationship with God and the abolishment of distinctions like "Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female," because "ye are all one in Christ Jesus". Thus, those who are Christ’s are "Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise".Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730