That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:14 WEB
In chapter three verses ten through thirteen of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he references four Old Testament scriptures in succession to illustrate that salvation comes by faith and not works of the law. This argument culminates in verse fourteen. Here, Paul shows that Christ freed the faithful from the curse of the law by paying for our sins on the cross. Jesus redeemed mankind from sin allowing Jews and Gentiles alike to inherit the blessing of Abraham and the promise of the Spirit by faith.
The bible teaches that all who violate even one of God’s laws are under a curse. As we read in Deuteronomy 27:26, “‘Cursed is he who doesn’t uphold the words of this law by doing them. WEB” By substituting his righteous sinless life for our own, Jesus suffered the penalty, the curse, for our sins on the cross. In other words, Christ became cursed in our place to free Jews and Gentiles alike from the curse imparted by sin. That curse is eternal separation from God.
The Blessing of Abraham
What is the blessing of Abraham? We read of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3 which says, “I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who treats you with contempt. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you. WEB” Israel is the great nation founded by the descendants of Abraham. It is through Jesus, a descendant of Abraham, that all people are blessed. Through faith in Christ, Gentiles become adopted members of God’s holy family.
Power From the Holy Spirit
Finally, what is the promise of the Spirit? The promise of the Spirit comes from Christ as recorded by Luke in the Book of Acts. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth. WEB” It is by faith that we receive Christ and the blessing of membership in the family of God. Also, it is by faith that we receive the promise of the Spirit empowering us to share the truth of the gospel with the world. In terms of salvation, the law is powerless to save anyone. It is only through faith in Christ that we are set free from sin by the grace of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for making me a part of your holy family. Thank you for the promise of the Spirit in support of sharing the good news of Christ. Guide my steps with your holy word. Open the ears of the unbelieving. Give me wisdom to spread the truth of salvation through faith in Christ. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Loving as Brothers
