“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’”

which are written in the book of the law,

This phrase refers to the entire Pentateuch (the five books of Moses, the first five books of the Bible). If a person chooses salvation by the law, he must keep all 613 laws of the Pentateuch. It comes as a shock to many people that there are more than 10 laws in the Bible.

to do them.

If we place ourselves under the law, we place ourselves in an untenable situation. If we do not obey the law, then it hangs over us like the sword of Damocles. If we chose the law as the way of salvation, we must keep it 100% because God is absolutely perfect. The law describes the nature of God.

Unless we recognize ourselves as bankrupt toward God, we will not fall at the feet of the cross for forgiveness.

Principle:

God’s standard for keeping the law is perfection.

Application:

Those who insist on keeping the law for salvation or sanctification place themselves under God’s curse. No one can keep the law. Look at your life; you are living proof.

Four things in this verse discourage any legalist: