The Inherent Danger in the Law. Galatians 3:10-12.
Dear Household of Faith,
Having shown that God’s intention right from the beginning was that people would be justified by faith, as was Abraham, Paul now demonstrates the risk that those who depend on the law expose themselves to.
Peril (v. 10). Anyone who chooses law over faith is under a curse! You see, the law demands perfect obedience. In the words of James, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). Since no one except Jesus has kept the law perfectly, we all stand guilty before God. It is sheer madness to keep trying to gain justification through the law because it is impossible. One only succeeds in bringing the wrath of God on oneself, for failure to keep the whole law. This is what the Galatians were being lured into!
Plan (v. 11). God’s intention right from the beginning was that people would put their trust in him. Adam and Eve failed because they did not trust God’s word. The fruit they ate was not poisoned but their thoughts were. Paul quotes from an Old Testament prophet, “the just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4), again to drive home the point that God has no “Plan B” – faith is it. All else is worthless drama.
Poles (v. 12). The law and faith are in contradiction, like opposing poles. There is simply no way to sneak the law into a life of faith. You either live by faith, or you live by the law. If you choose to live by the law, Paul cites another Old Testament scripture for you, “the man who does them shall live by them” (Leviticus 18:5). This means that you will be justified by keeping the law, failing which, you will be judged by the same standard.
To understand the reasoning here, imagine that you are standing before the judgment seat. When your life is reviewed, it is proven beyond doubt that you are guilty, because you broke some of God’s commandments. If you are depending on the law, your goose is cooked, you will go to hell for sure. But if you are depending on faith, all you need to do is point to Jesus and say, I put my trust in you.
You paid for my sins. And you will be welcomed to the place Jesus went to prepare for us (John 14:2-3).
So what will it be for you, faith or the law? You cannot be in both. Choose your path and live by it.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.