galatians 3 commentary

Malaps

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15-10-2024

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Galatians 3: Justification by Faith, Not Works

Paul's letter to the Galatians is a powerful defense of justification by faith alone, a core doctrine of Christianity. In Galatians 3, Paul dives deep into this concept, highlighting the tension between the Law and faith in Christ. Understanding this chapter is crucial for grasping the essence of Christian salvation.

A Focus on Justification

The question of justification, or being declared righteous in the sight of God, is central to Galatians 3. As Paul argues, "a person is justified by faith, not by works of the law" (Galatians 3:11, ESV). This statement, often called the "Sola Fide" principle, is a cornerstone of Reformation theology and resonates with many Christians today.

A Key Question: How are we declared righteous before God?

The question of how one achieves righteousness with God has plagued humanity throughout history. The Galatians, influenced by Jewish legalism, were wrestling with this very question. They believed following the Mosaic Law was the path to righteousness, but Paul challenged this notion. He reminds them that "all who rely on works of the law are under a curse" (Galatians 3:10, ESV). This is because the Law, while a helpful guide, cannot ultimately achieve what it demands: perfect obedience.

Abraham's Faith, a Model for Us

To illustrate his point, Paul turns to the example of Abraham, the father of faith (Galatians 3:6-9). Abraham was declared righteous by God before he was circumcised, a ritual of the Law. This demonstrates that faith, not works, is the basis of justification. Abraham's faith was a response to God's promise, a trust in God's faithfulness, and this was what made him righteous.

The Promise and the Curse

Paul further emphasizes the contrast between faith and the Law by exploring the implications of both. The promise, he argues, is given to those who believe, "to Abraham and his offspring the promises were made. He does not say ‘and to offsprings,’ referring to many, but to one, ‘and to your offspring,’ who is Christ" (Galatians 3:16, ESV). The promise, made to Abraham, ultimately points to Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of God's covenant.

However, the Law, being inherently incapable of achieving true righteousness, leads to a curse. Paul highlights the fact that "the law brings wrath, for ‘where there is no law, there is no transgression’" (Romans 4:15, ESV). This is because the law reveals our sinfulness, our inability to perfectly obey, and thus brings about condemnation.

Freedom in Christ

This understanding of justification by faith brings about a profound sense of freedom in Christ. As Professor Dr. David T. Schultz notes in his article “The Structure and Argument of Galatians” on Academia.edu, "Paul's argument in Galatians is not merely a theoretical discussion about justification, but a practical exhortation to live in freedom."

This freedom, however, is not a license for lawlessness, but rather a freedom from the Law's condemnation and to live in obedience to God's will out of love and gratitude. It is the freedom that comes from knowing you are accepted by God, not because of your own works, but because of the grace of Christ.

Practical Implications

Understanding Galatians 3 has practical implications for how we live our lives as Christians.

• Focus on Faith: We are saved by faith, not by works. While good deeds are important, they are a result of our faith, not a means to earning God's favor.
• Humility and Gratitude: Recognizing that we are saved by grace, not merit, cultivates humility and gratitude in our hearts.
• Freedom from Legalism: We are freed from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our own efforts. We can live with joyful obedience, not out of fear, but out of love for our Savior.

Conclusion

Galatians 3 is a foundational chapter for understanding the Christian faith. It clarifies the nature of justification, the importance of faith, and the freedom we have in Christ. By grasping these truths, we can live lives filled with gratitude, freedom, and obedience to the God who loved us first.