February 13, 2006

“For all who rely on the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for the “Righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”—so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:10-14

Sometimes as Christians it is hard for us to remember what our life before Christ was like. If we accepted Christ as a child we may have a hard time remembering the years or months preceding our eyes being opened to how wonderful Christ is and the hope that we can find in him. As Paul continues his letter to the churches of Galatia, we find in its midst these incredible verses. These verses allow us to see how desperate and totally lost we are without Christ, and over the next few days I would like for us to spend some time remembering…remembering what life without Christ is like.

All people fall into one of two categories. People are trying either to prove themselves acceptable to God through their works or good deeds, or they are trusting in Christ through faith alone and not relying on their good works to earn acceptance by God. In verse 10 Paul teaches us that everyone who is relying on their works or good deeds is “under a curse.” Paul understands, as we should, that we can never possibly fulfill every commandment of the law all the time and the moment we break one of those commandments we sin and are thus separated from God.

These are powerful words! To be under a curse means that we are deserving of the judgment of God. But you may ask, “Why?” We find the answer to that in God’s character. God is a just God. And because He is a just God He cannot forever turn His back on sin. He must bring judgment upon the sinner. Without Christ we are under a curse deserving of the judgment of God because of our sinfulness.

But the good news is that because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we no longer have to be under a curse (see Galatians 3:13). We see that Christ became a curse for us in order to remove us from under a curse. And through faith we no longer receive the judgment of God, rather we receive the blessing of God as sons and daughters of the Almighty!

Today, take a few moments and reflect on what it means to be under a curse. But also take a few moments and thank Christ for the sacrifice that was made for you when Christ became a curse for us by dying on a cross for our sins!