Free From The Curse of the Law

Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

An example of being born under a slave woman or free woman had just been given in chapter four.

Paul used Hagar, who gave birth to Ishmael, as an example of the Law.  Hagar was a slave who was made pregnant when Sarah convinced Abraham to try to bring about the promise of God by the flesh.

Hagar and Ishmael held Sarah and Isaac in contempt when Isaac the true promise had come, and Sarah saw them scoffing at her and Isaac and demanded that Abraham put them out, declaring that the bondwoman and her son would share in the inheritance of her promised son Isaac.  Abraham had to put Hagar and her son out of the camp, sending them away as if to die in the wilderness. Why?  Because they were persecuting the promised son!  That is why verse 1 of chapter 5 begins as it does.

The Law and Grace do not mix.  They are not meant to mix.  The New Covenant is not given to improve on the Old Covenant and complete it; it replaces it.  Believers are not meant to be under the Law.

Biblically, to be under the Law is to be under a curse.

Galatians 3:10 For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”

Failure to keep the Law brought curses, not blessings.  But now, in Christ, we are made righteous and heirs to the promises!

Jesus became a curse for us so that we could be free from the curse of the Law!

Galatians 3:13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

No one receives the Promised Holy Spirit by means of keeping the Law.  He is received by faith.

Galatians 3:2 This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?

To go back under the Law for any reason is to put your trust in the flesh.  It is faith in one’s own strength and ability.

Galatians 3:5   Therefore, He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

By faith in Christ Jesus, we have been set free from the curse of the Law.  I encourage you to live in this freedom every day and refuse to be brought back under the very thing that was once a curse to you.