Galatians 3: Justification by Faith, Not Law

Read Galatians Chapter 3

Introduction: The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a calling for the early Christians to hold fast to the gospel of grace. In Galatians 3, Paul points out that faith, not the Law, is the means of justification before God. He brings up the life of Abraham, the Law’s purpose, and the unity found in Christ to persuade the Galatians to remain steadfast in their faith. Paul’s arguments are as relevant today as they were in his time, reminding us that faith in Christ alone brings salvation.

I. Faith vs. the Law (Galatians 3:1-5)
Paul begins the chapter by questioning the Galatians’ understanding, asking if they received the Spirit by observing the Law or by believing what they heard. He uses their experience as an example that miracles among them come through faith, not the Law. This brings to mind Romans 4:5, where it is stated that one’s faith is counted as righteousness, not works. Also in Ephesians 2:8-9, the Bible further backs up this truth, it says that salvation is through faith and not from ourselves—it is the gift of God.

II. Abraham’s Example (Galatians 3:6-9)
In these verses, Paul points to Abraham, who believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. This shows that it is those of faith who are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith (Genesis 15:6). We see in Romans 4:16-17, the Bible says that the promise comes by faith, so it may be by grace. Furthermore James 2:23 acknowledges Abraham’s faith and how scripture was fulfilled that called him a friend of God.

III. The Curse of the Law (Galatians 3:10-14)
In these verses, Paul asserts that those who rely on the Law are under a curse, as perfection is required under it. Christ redeemed us from the Law’s curse by becoming a curse for us (Deuteronomy 27:26). This truth can also be read in Romans 3:20, which clarifies that no one will be declared righteous by the Law, we are all justified by our faith in what Jesus has done for all the world. Also in  2 Corinthians 5:21, the Bible speaks on how Christ became sin for us to become righteous.

IV. The Law and the Promise (Galatians 3:15-18)
These verses speak about how the Law does not invalidate a covenant previously established by God, Paul expounds on the fact that the promise to Abraham came before the Law. Thus, the inheritance is based on the promise and not on the Law. We can see in Romans 4:13-14, the Bible supports this by stating that the promise to Abraham comes through the righteousness of faith, not through the Law.

V. The Purpose of the Law (Galatians 3:19-25)
These verses talk about, why then the Law? It was added because of transgressions until Christ came. The Law was a guardian until Christ, so that we might be justified by faith. This concept is spoken about in Romans 7:7, where Paul speaks of the law revealing the knowledge of sin, it couldn’t save anyone, only show them that they are sinners (transgressors). Also in 1 Timothy 1:8-9, the Bible states, the Law is good if used properly, knowing it is for the lawless.

VI. Unity in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29)
In the final verses, Paul preaches that all who have faith are children of God through Christ, reborn of spirit at the time they accept Jesus as their savior, and there is no distinction between Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female in Christ. This unity of all peoples and nations is pointed out in 1 Corinthians 12:13, where it states that by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, the body of Christ. And in Colossians 3:11, which declares that in Christ there is no division.

Conclusion: In Galatians 3, Paul passionately preaches that faith is the sole means of justification, not the Law. By referring to Abraham’s faith, the curse of the Law, and the unity of believers in Christ, he presents a strong case for the transformative power of faith. This chapter calls on believers to reflect on the grace of God and the freedom it brings. Paul’s words in this chapter has inspired believers all over the world to embrace the truth that in Christ, we are all one, justified by faith and heirs according to the promise.