Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—

No Other Gospel

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!

I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”

know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard?

So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.”

The Law and the Promise

Brothers and sisters, 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.

The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ.

A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.

These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar.

Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.

That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.

I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty.

Life by the Spirit

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,

for each one should carry their own load.

Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.