CHAPTER THREE

INTRODUCTION: In chapter two, Paul answered those who were teaching legalism and anti-nomianism. In verse 16, he clearly states that we are saved solely by faith and not by works. In verse 19, he says that once we are saved, we are then to live for God. If we do not, we are not lost again but we are in danger of God's chastisement. Hebrews 10:26-31. This, Paul taught the Corinthians in I Corinthians 11:30-31. We must not believe that we can willfully sin and get away with it. Galatians 6:7-9.

In Chapter 3, Paul answers the Galatianism doctrine and continues his arguments in favor of salvation by grace wholly and completely apart from works.

vs. 1--Jesus, when preached to these folks by Paul, was vividly set forth to them as crucified for their sins. Some were in the church teaching that once saved by accepting Christ, believers must then live by the law in order to stay saved. These false teachers were bewitching them.

vs. 2-Paul submits a question. "Were you saved by works or by faith in Christ?"

vs.3-It is foolish to believe that God would save you by faith and then demand that you live perfectly. The God who saves is also able and willing, and promises to save forever. Phillipians 1:6; John 3:16; Rom. 8:1a.

vs. 4-These Christians had suffered for their stand of being saved by grace. Suffered at the hands of Judaizers and now for them to go back to living under the law, Paul reminds them that their suffering was in vain if they do so.

vs. 5-The miracle of the new birth was brought about by the Holy Spirit in His regenerating work and not by the law.

vs. 6- Paul here uses Abraham as an example of salvation by Faith. cf. Romans chapter 4. Abraham believed God. Genesis 15:6. He believed God, not in God. James 2: 19. He believed what God said about a long promised, supernaturally born son, Isaac. When he believed God, he was saved for eternity. Romans 3:21,22; 4: 1-8, 18-25.

vs. 8- The gospel was the same to Abraham as it is to us. It was a Gospel of Grace. Titus 3:5-7.

vs. 7-9- When we, by faith, accept God's Word about Jesus, His long promised, supernaturally born Son and receive Him as our Saviour, we are saved, just like Abraham.

vs.10-The law condemns man as a sinner. Note the words "continueth not in all things written in law." One would have to be perfect in order to escape the condemnation of the law. James 2:10; Romans. 3:23; 6:23.

vs. 11-12- If one expects to be saved by law and kept by law, he is doomed. People who are saved, are saved by faith and thereafter they live by faith.

vs. 13- Paul was always preaching Christ, II Corinthians 4:5. Christ took our condemnation, the penalty due us as law-breakers, died on the cross and thereby paid for our soul's salvation. I Corinthians 5:21.

vs. 14- Two results of Christ's death are stated here. (1.) That gentiles could be brought into covenant relations with God and brought under the Abrahamic Covenant of Grace and (2) that the Holy Spirit would be given to believers forever. John 4:16-18; Ephesians 1:13-14.

vs. 15- God's covenant with Abraham was not an agreement that was conditional on the word of two parties, but God stated the covenant and confirmed it Himself. It is a covenant between two parties but it is conditional upon God to keep His word and is not conditional at all on man's part. .

vs. 16-Christ is the seed of Abraham and all those who trust Him as Saviour are included in the same covenant of Grace. Luke 3:34. The Genealogy of Jesus.

vs. 17-18- The Covenant of Grace given to Abraham and his seed was given and confirmed 430 years before the law was given on Sinai. The giving of the law did not annul the covenant of Grace. The inheritance God promised Abraham (the land of Canaan) was not conditional on the law but was an un-conditional promise. Thus our inheritance as believers is an unconditional promise.

vs. 19-Why the Law? Three things stated about the law. 1. It had a beginning-- It was added to something already in existence. eg. The covenant of Grace. 2. It had a purpose- "because of transgressions" or to reveal the true nature of sin. 3. It had an end. "Til the seed (Christ) should come. The law did not take the place of grace, it was not mixed with Grace, it did not supplant the Grace of God but it was placed alongside of the covenant. The law's purpose was to show Israel how sinful they were and to make sin legally wrong. Romans.5:20. The transgression of the Ten Commandments was morally wrong before Sinai. After Sinai they were legally wrong.

vs. 20- The mediator or go between was Moses.

vs. 21-No one can be saved by living up to the law, for if this were possible then God would be a debtor to that person Romans. 4:2 & 4.

vs.22-All are sinners. John. 7:19. Now we are all saved(Jews and Gentiles) by faith in Christ.

vs. 23-"But before faith (this Christian age) came", we Jews were unaware of what would take place later. That is, that all would be able to come under the Grace Covenant.

vs. 24-The law was a schoolteacher to teach us of our need of Christ, to show us that sin is exceedingly sinful, and that we are under condemnation.

vs. 25-Now the law is ended. Since the law is ended there is no point to teach that though saved by grace you now must live by the law.

vs. 26-We are brought into God's family when saved. Romans 8:14-17.