Galatians 3:13

Galatians 3:13 says, Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: Paul said that Jesus redeemed us from the curse of the law by taking on that curse, once and for always, by His crucifixion.  Christ died not only for the sins of those who would come after Him, but also for the sins of all who put their faith in God before Christ came.  There was never a time when people were redeemed by the law of God.  Verse fourteen adds, That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.  Paul said that Christ died that the blessing of Abraham could come to the Gentiles as well.  This was the point of contention with some of those in Galatia.  They were attempting to make following the law a condition of salvation, and not just faith in Christ.  Verse fifteen continues, Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.  Paul said that he spoke what he as a man knew to be the truth, but that no one could disprove or add to what he was saying. If we are speaking the truth of God, no one can prove us wrong.  Verse sixteen states, Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.  Paul said that the promise to Abraham was not that his many seed, or children, would bring salvation to the world.  God's promise to Abraham referred to a particular seed, or descendant, and that was Jesus Christ.  None of Abraham's descendants had been saved simply by their birth into his family, but those who put their faith in the coming Savior were.  Salvation has always been and always will be based on faith in Christ alone.  Verse seventeen adds, And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.  Verse eighteen continues, For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise.  Paul said that the law could not disannul the promise of Christ.  This promise was made to Abraham long before the law was given, so the law could not be a necessity for redemption or salvation.  Verse nineteen says, Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.  Paul asked why anyone should serve the law then.  He answered that the law was given because of our transgressions or sins, to show people the will of God until the coming of Christ.  Verse twenty adds, Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.  Paul tells us that the promise of God to Abraham was not dependent on anyone but God Himself.  Those who come to God do not come through the law, but through faith in Christ, the One seed of Abraham through whom the promise was fulfilled.