In the early church, there were Jewish Christians called Judaizers who were not willing to leave the past behind. They believed that the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament were to be practiced in the church. Paul wrote to these Christians to explain that a relationship with God comes through Jesus alone, not Jesus plus the Old Testament laws.
Galatians 3:19
Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.
Paul formed his argument by taking the readers back to Abraham. He reminded them that the covenant God gave Abraham was spoken “to Abraham and to his seed.” Paul said, “Scripture does not say ‘and to seeds,’ meaning many people, but ‘and to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is Christ” (Galatians 3:16 NIV). He reminded the Judaizers that the purpose of the law was to lead us to Christ “that we might be justified by faith” (Galatians 3:24).
Do you feel like you are required to work your way to God? Do you feel you must add to Christ’s work by your good works? Paul was clear, “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian” (Galatians 3:25). The Seed was the Messiah the Jewish people had been waiting for! He is the One who can transform our lives!
Father,
Jesus is the Seed, the Messiah, the One we have been waiting for. Thank you for the transforming power of life in Christ.
In his name. Amen.
This truth is perfect and direct to explain the Gospel to unbelievers as well as convict and strengthen the faith of the believers.
Amen!