How should Galatians 3:20 influence our approach to God's law and grace? Galatians 3:20 in Focus “A mediator is unnecessary for only one party; but God is one.” (Galatians 3:20) Mediator: What Paul Is Pointing Out - A mediator stands between two sides. Moses filled that role at Sinai (Exodus 19–20). - A mediated covenant implies conditions and negotiation. - God’s promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:16–18; Genesis 15:17-18) was unilateral—no negotiation, just gracious commitment. Law and Promise: Distinct Purposes - The Law: delivered through angels and Moses (Galatians 3:19); highlights sin and demands obedience (Romans 3:20). - The Promise: spoken directly by God; rests entirely on His faithfulness (Romans 4:16). - Both come from the same holy God, yet they operate in different spheres: the Law exposes need, the Promise supplies grace (Galatians 3:21-22). Grace Illuminated by God’s Oneness - Paul echoes Deuteronomy 6:4: “The LORD is one.” God’s character is consistent; He doesn’t pit Law against Promise. - The one God who set the Law’s standard also fulfills His gracious promise in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20). What This Means for Our Approach to the Law - Regard the Law as “holy, righteous, and good” (Romans 7:12). - Let it function as a tutor driving us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). - Refuse to treat it as a ladder to earn standing with God (James 2:10). Christ: The Better Mediator - “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5) - Jesus mediates a superior covenant in His own blood (Hebrews 8:6; 9:15). - God’s oneness guarantees that grace offered through Christ perfectly satisfies every demand the Law exposed. Living This Out - Depend on Christ’s finished work, not personal performance. - When the Law uncovers sin, flee to grace (1 John 1:9). - Rejoice in the unchanging God who keeps His word from Abraham to today. - Extend the same grace to others; don’t add hurdles God never required (Ephesians 4:32). - Stay grateful: every requirement nailed to the cross with Christ is fulfilled for us (Colossians 2:13-14). Summary Galatians 3:20 teaches that the Law, coming through a mediator, reveals need, while the Promise—rooted in the one, unchanging God—delivers grace without negotiation. We honor the Law’s purpose yet rest securely in the grace secured by Christ alone. |
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