Paul by revelation, now being a former Jewish leader and lawyer shares the difference of faith by grace and the required self works, to show ones obedience to a now mute Law of human performance, required of the Jews. And the intent of the Law which did not happen because of human blindness in the weakness of mans flesh. For the righteous live by GOD's faith just as did Jesus with whom man shares the flesh.
Galatians 3:10-14, 15-18 "For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written (in Deuteronomy 27:26), "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for (Habakkuk 2:4, 3:17-19; Hebrews 10:38), "The just shall live by faith." And the Law is not of faith: but (from Leviticus 18:5), "The man that doeth them shall live in them." Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us: for it is written (in Deuteronomy 21:23), "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:" That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the Law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (KJV)
Galatians 3:10-14, 15-18 "For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written (in Deuteronomy 27:26), "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for (Habakkuk 2:4, 3:17-19; Hebrews 10:38) "The righteous shall live by faith." But the Law is not of faith, rather (from Leviticus 18:5) "The one who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written (in Deuteronomy 21:23), "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, "And to offsprings," referring to many, but referring to one, "And to your offspring," who is Christ. This is what I mean: the Law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. For if the inheritance comes by the Law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise." (ESV)
Galatians 3:10-14, 15-18 "In clear contrast to faith, the Law is the authority of the curse. As it is written in Deuteronomy 27:26, "Everyone who fails to perform the detailed requirements of this Law, even in the least, is condemned." Habakkuk confirms this conclusively that righteousness by GOD's faith in the only basis to life; this terminates any possible justification before GOD based on moral behavior in Habakkuk 2:4 and 3:17-19. Law and faith have nothing in common! Law measures a person's doing and experience as defining their life. (While, Faith measures GOD's doing in redeeming his design in us, as defining our lives.) Christ redeemed us from the curse as consequence of our failure to keep the Law. In his cross he concentrated the total curse of the human race upon himself. In his abandoning himself to death, he absorbed and dissolved the horror of the curse in his own person. By this scripture declares that anyone hung on a tree embodies the curse in Deuteronomy 21:23. This act of Christ released [1]the blessing of Abraham upon the [2]Gentiles! Now we are free to receive [1]the blessing of the Spirit. ([1]Righteousness by GOD's faith in the achievement of Christ, and not as a reward for our behavior is evident. In the obedience of Christ Deuteronomy 28 is out-dated! {Romans 5:19, Ephesians 1:3] [2]The mass of non-Jewish nations.)
We are familiar with the fact that in civil affairs a testament, once endorsed, is authoritative and cannot be tampered with at a later date. It is on the record that the promise (of the blessing of righteousness by GOD's faith) Isaac, the child of promise and not of the flesh mirrors the Messiah. This is my reasoning: GOD endorsed the covenant of promise in Christ 430 years before the Law was even given. The Law did not later replace this promise! (GOD's means of justification of humanity would always be by faith in his promises and never by their own ability to keep moral laws. Becomes so blatantly obvious!) The Law and the promise are not compatible; the one system nullifies the other. GOD gifted to Abraham with his heir-ship by promise (and not by reward for his behavior.) (The Mirror)
In our next visit the LORD willing we shall take this all up yet again. To exhaust the arguments about the faith verses nullifying Law of condemnation. Until then may the LORD GOD who is our faith and righteousness bless you and yours by his revelation.
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