The just shall live by faith

But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. – Galatians 3:11

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In the first few verses of Chapter 3 in the epistle to the Galatians, the apostle Paul is sternly warning the Galatians against adding the law of Moses to the Gospel. Twice he calls their acts foolish. Paul is using strong language. Faith versus keeping the law of Moses seems to be the crucial issue here. 

Paul uses the example of Abraham’s faith and faithfulness. Abraham, who lived long before the law was given, was justified by God by faith. Abraham believed in God, and it was counted to him as righteousness (Galatians 3:6). Paul reminds them that the legacy of Abraham was not obedience to law or works of the flesh; it was faith in God.

The apostle Paul clearly states that ‘’no man is justified by the law’’. Paul is referring here to the Law of Moses. Paul points out that the law is not of (or from) faith (Galatians 3:12). The law was about works to demonstrate the need for faith.

Paul explains that “the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 3:22). Our Lord Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law (Moses’ law). The Messiah has come and has redeemed us from obeying the hundreds of laws from the old covenant.

Let's have faith in our Redeemer Jesus Christ.

Reflection on Galatians 3:1-14 by Hanne