By Faith, or by Works of the Law?

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? (A)It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly (B)portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: (C)Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by (D)hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? (E)Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by[a] the flesh? (F)Did you suffer[b] so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and (G)works miracles among you do so (H)by works of the law, or by hearing with faith—

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 3:3 Or now ending with
  2. Galatians 3:4 Or experience

The Law and Faith in Christ

Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced[a] so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it?

I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 3:4 Or Have you suffered.