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Obedecer la ley o confiar en Jesucristo

¡Ay, gálatas, qué tontos son ustedes! ¡Hasta parece que estuvieran embrujados! Yo mismo les di una explicación clara de cómo murió Jesucristo en la cruz. Sólo quiero que me digan una cosa: Cuando recibieron el Espíritu de Dios ¿fue por obedecer la ley, o por aceptar la buena noticia? ¡Claro que fue por aceptar la buena noticia! Y si esto fue así, ¿por qué no quieren entender? Si para comenzar esta nueva vida necesitaron la ayuda del Espíritu de Dios, ¿por qué ahora quieren terminarla mediante sus propios esfuerzos? ¿Tantos sufrimientos, para nada? ¡Aunque no creo que no hayan servido de nada! Dios no les ha dado el Espíritu, ni ha hecho milagros entre ustedes, sólo porque ustedes obedecen la ley. ¡No! Lo hace porque ustedes aceptaron el mensaje de la buena noticia.

El ejemplo de Abraham

Dios aceptó a Abraham porque él confió en Dios. Sepan, entonces, que los verdaderos descendientes de Abraham son todos los que confían en Dios. Desde mucho antes, la Biblia decía que Dios también iba a aceptar a los que no son judíos, siempre y cuando pusieran su confianza en Jesucristo. Por eso Dios le dio a Abraham esta buena noticia: «Gracias a ti, bendeciré a todas las naciones.» Así que Dios bendecirá, por medio de Abraham, a todos los que confían en él como Abraham lo hizo.

10 Pero corren un grave peligro los que buscan agradar a Dios obedeciendo la ley, porque la Biblia dice: «Maldito sea el que no obedezca todo lo que la ley ordena.» 11 Nadie puede agradar a Dios sólo obedeciendo la ley, pues la Biblia dice: «Los que Dios ha aceptado, y que confían en él, vivirán para siempre.»

12 Pero para tener vida eterna por medio de la ley no haría falta confiar en Dios; sólo habría que obedecer la ley. Por eso dice la Biblia: «El que obedece la ley se salvará por su obediencia.» 13 Pero Cristo prefirió recibir por nosotros la maldición que cae sobre el que no obedece la ley. De ese modo nos salvó. Porque la Biblia dice: «Dios maldecirá a cualquiera que muera colgado de un madero.» 14 Por eso, la bendición que Dios prometió darle a Abraham es también para los que no son judíos. Así que, si confiamos en Cristo, recibiremos el Espíritu que Dios nos ha prometido.

La ley y la promesa

15 Hermanos míos, les voy a dar un ejemplo que cualquiera puede entender. Cuando una persona hace un pacto con otra, y lo firma, nadie puede anularlo ni agregarle nada. 16 Ahora bien, las promesas que Dios le hizo a Abraham eran para él y para su descendiente. La Biblia no dice que las promesas eran para «sus descendientes», sino para «su descendencia», la cual es Cristo. 17 Lo que quiero decir es esto: la promesa de Dios no puede cambiarla, ni dejarla sin valor, una ley que Dios dio cuatrocientos treinta años después. 18 Porque si Dios diera lo que prometió sólo a quien obedece la ley, entonces ya no lo daría para cumplir su promesa. Pero lo cierto es que, cuando Dios le aseguró a Abraham que le daría lo prometido, no le pidió nada a cambio.

19 Entonces, ¿para qué sirve la ley? Pues después de hacerle su promesa a Abraham, Dios nos dio la ley para mostrarnos lo que estábamos haciendo mal. Pero esa ley serviría sólo hasta que viniera el descendiente de Abraham, a quien Dios le hizo la promesa. Dios le dio la ley a Moisés por medio de los ángeles, para que él nos la diera a nosotros. 20 Pero cuando Dios le hizo la promesa a Abraham, no usó mensajeros, sino que se la hizo personalmente.

¿Para qué sirvió la ley?

21 Esto no significa que la ley esté en contra de las promesas de Dios. ¡De ninguna manera! Porque si la ley pudiera darnos vida eterna, entonces Dios nos hubiera aceptado por obedecerla. 22 La Biblia dice que el pecado nos domina a todos, de modo que el regalo que Dios prometió es para los que confían en Jesucristo. 23 Antes de eso, la ley fue como una cárcel, donde estuvimos encerrados hasta que vimos que podíamos confiar en Cristo. 24 La ley fue como un maestro que nos guió y llevó hasta Cristo, para que Dios nos aceptara por confiar en él. 25 Pero ahora que ha llegado el tiempo en que podemos confiar en Jesucristo, no hace falta que la ley nos guíe y nos enseñe.

26 Ustedes han confiado en Jesucristo, y por eso todos ustedes son hijos de Dios. 27 Porque cuando fueron bautizados, también quedaron unidos a Cristo, y ahora actúan como él. 28 Así que no importa si son judíos o no lo son, si son esclavos o libres, o si son hombres o mujeres. Si están unidos a Jesucristo, todos son iguales. 29 Y si están unidos a Cristo, entonces son miembros de la gran familia de Abraham, y tienen derecho a recibir las promesas que Dios le hizo.

O senseless Galatians, who bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua was publicly shown forth as having been TALUI AL HAETZ (hanging on the tree, DEVARIM 21:23).

This one thing only I want to learn from you: did you receive the Ruach HaKodesh by means of chukim of the Torah (laws of Torah) or by means of the hearing of emunah?

You lack seichel; having begun in the Ruach HaKodesh, will you now be perfected in the basar?

Did you suffer so many things lashav (in vain)?‖if it really was lashav.

So then, Hashem who is supplying to you the Ruach HaKodesh and producing nifla’ot (miracles) among you, by what means does He do it, by chukim of the Torah or by the hearing of emunah?

Just as Avraham Avinu HE’EMIN BA’HASHEM VAYACHSHEVEHA LO TZDAKAH ("believed Hashem and it [his faith] was accounted to him for righteousness" BERESHIS 15:6),

Know then, that the Bnei HaEmunah, these ones are the Bnei Avraham Avinu!

And the Kitvei HaKodesh, having foreseen that Hashem would yatzdik (justify) the Goyim by emunah, preached the Besuras HaGeulah beforehand to Avraham Avinu, saying "VENIVRECHU VO KOL GOYEI HA’ARETZ ("All the families, peoples of the earth will be blessed in you" BERESHIS 18:18; 12:3).

For this reason, the ones of emunah receive the bracha (blessing) with Avraham Avinu hama’amin (the believer).

10 For as many as are (seeking "YITZDAK IM HASHEM") by chukim of the Torah are under a kelalah (curse); for it has been written, ARUR ASHER LO YAKIM ES DIVREI HATORAH HAZOT LA’ASOT OTAM ("Cursed is everyone who does not uphold, abide by all the words of this Torah to do them, to carry them out" DEVARIM 27:26; cf Ya 2:10).

11 Now it is clear that not one person is YITZDAK IM HASHEM ("justified with G-d") by the Torah, because V’TZADDIK BE’EMUNATO YICHEYEH ("the righteous by his faith will live" CHABAKUK 2:4).

12 But the Torah is not of emunah, but the man YA’ASEH OTAM VACHAI ("who does these things will live" by them VAYIKRA 18:5).

13 Moshiach redeemed us from the kelalah (curse) of the Torah, having become a kelalah (curse) on behalf of us, because it has been written, KILELAT HASHEM is on NIVLATO TALUI AL HAETZ ("Curse of G-d is on the NEVELAH (body, corpse) being hanged on the tree" DEVARIM 21:23),

14 In order that to the Goyim the Bracha of Avraham Avinu might come by Moshiach Yehoshua, that the havtachah (promise) of the Ruach haKodesh we might receive through emunah.

15 Achim B’Moshiach, I speak according to human dimyon (analogy). Even a brit (covenant) having been confirmed by Bnei Adam no one sets aside or adds to it.

16 Now to Avraham Avinu were spoken the havtachot (promises) and to his ZERA ("seed" BERESHIS 22:18). He does not say V’LIZERAEHCHAH ("and to your seeds"), as concerning many, but as concerning one, "and to the ZERA of you", and that ZERA is Moshiach.

17 And this I say: a brit (covenant), which was previously confirmed by Hashem, cannot be annulled so as to abolish the havtachah (promise) by the Mattan Torah‖which was given arba me’ot usheloshim shanah [four hundred and thirty years later SHEMOT 12:40]).

18 For if the nachalah (inheritance) is based on Torah, it is no longer based on havtachah (promise); but Hashem has given the nachalah to Avraham Avinu by havtachah (promise).

19 Why then the Mattan Torah (Giving of the Torah)? The Torah was added because of peysha’im, until the ZERA (Moshiach) should come to whom the havtachah had been made (BERESHIS 22:18). Now the Torah was administered through malachim (DEVARIM 33:2; TEHILLIM 68:18) by the hand of a metavech (VAYIKRA 26:46; BAMIDBAR 36:13).

20 Now the metavech is not for only one, but Elohim hu echad (DEVARIM 6:4).

21 Is the Torah, mimeila (consequently, as a result), against the havtachot (promises) of Hashem? Chas v’Shalom (G-d forbid!)! For if Torah had been given that had the ko’ach (power) to affect hitkhadshut (regeneration), then to be YITZDAK IM HASHEM ("justified with G-d") would indeed have been based on chukim of the Torah.

22 But the Kitvei HaKodesh consigned all things under HaChet (Sin) [Ro 3:9], that the havtachah (promise) might be given by emunah in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua to the ma’aminim.

23 But before Emunah came, we were being held in custody, being confined and guarded for the about-to-be- revealed Emunah.

24 This is the result: the Torah functioned as our omenet (governess) to lead us to Moshiach, that by emunah we might be YITZDAK IM HASHEM.

25 But Emunah having come, we are no longer under an omenet (governess).

26 For through emunah in Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Yehoshua, you are all yeladim of Elohim.

27 For as many as have had a tevilah into Moshiach have clothed yourselves with Moshiach.

28 There is not Yehudi nor Yevani (Greek), there is not eved (servant) nor Ben Chorin (freedman), there is not zachar (male) nor nekevah (female), for you are all echad in Moshiach Yehoshua.

29 And, if you belong to Moshiach (YESHAYAH 53:10), then you are of the ZERA of Avraham Avinu, you are yoreshim (heirs) according to the havtachah (promise).

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?

Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Faith or Works of the Law

You foolish(A) Galatians!(B) Who has bewitched you?(C) Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.(D) I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit(E) by the works of the law,(F) or by believing what you heard?(G) Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[a] Have you experienced[b] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles(H) among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?(I) So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[c](J)

Understand, then, that those who have faith(K) are children of Abraham.(L) Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[d](M) So those who rely on faith(N) are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.(O)

10 For all who rely on the works of the law(P) are under a curse,(Q) as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[e](R) 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God,(S) because “the righteous will live by faith.”[f](T) 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[g](U) 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law(V) by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[h](W) 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,(X) so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.(Y)

The Law and the Promise

15 Brothers and sisters,(Z) let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.(AA) Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”[i](AB) meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years(AC) later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise;(AD) but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions(AE) until the Seed(AF) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels(AG) and entrusted to a mediator.(AH) 20 A mediator,(AI) however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!(AJ) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.(AK) 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,(AL) so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God

23 Before the coming of this faith,[j] we were held in custody(AM) under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.(AN) 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came(AO) that we might be justified by faith.(AP) 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.(AQ)

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God(AR) through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ(AS) have clothed yourselves with Christ.(AT) 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,(AU) nor is there male and female,(AV) for you are all one in Christ Jesus.(AW) 29 If you belong to Christ,(AX) then you are Abraham’s seed,(AY) and heirs(AZ) according to the promise.(BA)

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 3:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
  2. Galatians 3:4 Or suffered
  3. Galatians 3:6 Gen. 15:6
  4. Galatians 3:8 Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18
  5. Galatians 3:10 Deut. 27:26
  6. Galatians 3:11 Hab. 2:4
  7. Galatians 3:12 Lev. 18:5
  8. Galatians 3:13 Deut. 21:23
  9. Galatians 3:16 Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 24:7
  10. Galatians 3:23 Or through the faithfulness of Jesus … 23 Before faith came