Galatians 3:10-22

Common English Bible

¹⁰ All those who rely on the works of the Law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone is cursed who does not keep on doing all the things that have been written in the Law scroll.^{[a] 11} But since no one is made righteous by the Law as far as God is concerned, it is clear that the righteous one will live on the basis of faith.^{[b] 12} The Law isn’t based on faith; rather, the one doing these things will live by them.^{[c] 13} Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us—because it is written, Everyone who is hung on a tree is cursed.^{[d] 14} He redeemed us so that the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, and that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

¹⁵ Brothers and sisters, I’ll use an example from human experience. No one ignores or makes additions to a validated will. ¹⁶ The promises were made to Abraham and to his descendant. It doesn’t say, “and to the descendants,” as if referring to many rather than just one. It says, “and to your descendant,” who is Christ. ¹⁷ I’m saying this: the Law, which came four hundred thirty years later, doesn’t invalidate the agreement that was previously validated by God so that it cancels the promise. ¹⁸ If the inheritance were based upon the Law, it would no longer be from the promise. But God has given it graciously to Abraham through a promise.

The Law’s origin and purpose

¹⁹ So why was the Law given? It was added because of offenses, until the descendant would come to whom the promise had been made. It was put in place through angels by the hand of a mediator. ²⁰ Now the mediator does not take one side; but God is one. ²¹ So, is the Law against the promises of God? Absolutely not! If a Law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would in fact have come from the Law. ²² But scripture locked up all things under sin, so that the promise based on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ might be given to those who have faith.