“For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them’”
Paul now turns to an argument that shows how inconsistent it is to think that we can keep the law for salvation or sanctification. Having shown what faith in the finished work of Christ can do, Paul now turns to what the law cannot do. Not only does keeping the law fail to give salvation, but it brings God’s curse upon the person who attempts to keep it.
For as many as are of the works of the law
Legalists in Paul’s day insisted that a person must keep the law to be saved or sanctified. Paul now takes their thesis and shows how untenable it is.
The word “of” in the phrase “works of the law” means origin or source. Legalists were under the delusion that they could measure up to the law.
are under the curse;
The word “curse” comes from two words: down and curse. God pronounces a “curse” on those who try to establish a relationship with Him by works. He does this because Christ already took our “curse” for us. When we try to add to His suffering for sins by suffering for sins ourselves, we doom ourselves to God’s judgment. We cannot pay for that which Christ already paid. If we do, we live under a curse from God.
The law of God has teeth in it – the law pronounces a “curse” on those who try to keep it for salvation and sanctification. There is a penalty to pay for the slightest infraction. No one is exempt from this penalty.
Dishonest people think they are an exception to the rule. There are many ways to get around human law, but there is no way to circumvent God’s law. God’s law is God’s standard. It sets forth what God will and will not accept. He will not accept 99.9% of the law. He demands perfection.
Principle:
Keeping the law for salvation puts a curse on us.
Application:
If we try to keep a good batting average with the Ten Commandments, God places us under the curse. This is an awful shock to religious do-gooders.
If we need a delicate operation, we do not go to our local butcher. We go to a skilled surgeon. If we need salvation, we do not go to the law because it will pronounce a curse on us. We go to the cross that frees us from our sins.
?fantastic article sir. The cross is truly the answer. The law cannot save us though the law is holy. Tq so much for an outstanding exegesis!
Sam, thanks for the blessing.
May God continue to bless you for such great and scholarly work!
Yes by grace we are saved through faith. This does not do away with God’s law as if it was done away with then there is no need for God’s grace. The Ten Commandments are important to obey as this shows our love for Christ. Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1John 2:3-5.
Roger, begin to study 1 Jn 2:3-5 here: https://versebyversecommentary.com/1-john/1-john-23/ Also, go to this series of studies in Colossians: https://versebyversecommentary.com/colossians/colossians-220/ Finally, there are three categories of law in the OT: 1) civil law for the nation Israel, 2) ceremonial law such as the sacrifices and 3) the moral law (the moral law stands extant in the economy of grace); the other two have been fulfilled in Christ and are no longer extant. The moral law of God is eternal.