Christ redeemed us from the use of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” He redeemed us in order that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Galatians 3:13-14
The early Judaic Christians wanted to make the gentile believers heirs of Abraham by following Mosaic Law, strict adherence to a kosher diet, celebration of festivals and circumcision. The problem with this connection to Abraham and Moses is that they were generations apart. God entered into a covenant with Abraham so that all nations (humanity) will be blessed. Moses delivered the descendants of Abraham out of slavery. In freedom they became the Jewish nation with laws to set them apart and guide them. Throughout all this time, God still planned for a Savior, from the nation, to come and rescue all men from the finality of death and separation from God.
Laws are a tricky thing. We understand them to be defined boundaries designed to keep us safe and working together for the greater good. However, in the hands of men, laws become something entirely different. Laws evolved into restrictions that totally suffocated the freedoms they were intended to protect. Paul is wading through this quagmire of traditional legalism and leading the way to complete and total freedom in salvation.
Christ took on our sin, the curse that doomed us all to eternal death. By dying and living once again, He paid the price so that Abraham’s blessing is available to each of us. The blessing? We are family and we get everything the Father has to give, specifically complete freedom from sin, sorrow and death.
Love,
Gretchen