Galatians Study Part Eight: 3:15-20
NLT: “Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement, so it is in this case. 16 God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child”—and that, of course, means Christ. 17 This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise. 18 For if the inheritance could be received by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God’s promise. But God graciously gave it to Abraham as a promise.
“19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. 20 Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham.”
NASB: “Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. 17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.
“19 Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one.”
Paul, in continuing his letter to the Galatians, shows the difference between the law and the promise given to Abraham in order to show that they are not under the law. You may want to read Hebrews 8 through 10:25 along with these passages.
Take note of verse 15, where he shares that when a covenant is made, you cannot add to it. It cannot be set aside. Paul is showing that the covenant was made with Abraham long before the law was put into effect. Because it cannot be set aside, nor added to, the law never changed the promise/covenant between God and Abraham.
The purpose of the law was to show people their sins. It was temporary until the Messiah would come and redeem us from the curse of the law.
Though this was all in the past, those causing confusion and perverting the gospel were insistent that at least some aspects of the law must be kept in order to be saved. This was removing the Galatians from a walk with God by faith.
Let’s also take note of verse 18 about the inheritance, “For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise.” Consider that believers are given an inheritance and keep in mind that this inheritance is based upon a promise.
Ephesians 1:11: In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will,
Colossians 1:11-12: strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light.
Hebrews 9:13-16: For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. 16 For where a covenant is, there must of necessity be the death of the one who made it.
1 Peter 1:3-5: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Ephesians 1:13-14: In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory.
Remember when Paul asked the Galatians if they received the Spirit by observing the law or by believing what they heard?
********
Shop at our Amazon store! As an Amazon Influencer, this website earns from qualifying purchases.
