How can understanding Galatians 3:20 deepen our faith in God's promises? Grasping the Context Paul contrasts the law, given through intermediaries, with the promise, given directly to Abraham. The law involved God, angels, and Moses; the promise involved only God—highlighting its unbreakable, grace-based nature. Galatians 3:20 “A mediator is unnecessary for just one party; but God is One.” Why Mention a Mediator? • A mediator signals multiple parties negotiating terms. • Sinai’s law had a mediator because it was a two-sided covenant conditioned on Israel’s obedience. • The Abrahamic promise needed no mediator; God alone initiated and guaranteed it. • “God is One” underscores His undivided, unchanging character—He never contradicts or reneges on His word. How This Truth Deepens Our Faith • Assurance: Our salvation rests on God’s solitary, sovereign promise, not on our fluctuating performance. • Stability: God’s oneness means He cannot be divided against Himself; what He vowed, He will fulfill. • Freedom: The promise is pure grace—received by faith, not maintained by law-keeping—freeing us from fear of failure. • Confidence: If God alone shoulders the covenant, nothing external can nullify it (Romans 8:31-39). • Gratitude-fueled Obedience: Security in the promise motivates loving obedience rather than anxious striving. Scriptures That Echo the Point • Genesis 15:18 – God alone passes through the covenant pieces, binding Himself. • Hebrews 6:13-18 – He swears by Himself so that “we who have fled to take hold of the hope” have strong encouragement. • Deuteronomy 6:4 – “The LORD our God, the LORD is One,” grounding Israel’s trust. • 1 Timothy 2:5 – One God, one Mediator, Christ Jesus, confirming God’s single-handed rescue plan. • 2 Corinthians 1:20 – “All the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” • Romans 4:16 – The promise rests on grace, guaranteeing it to all Abraham’s offspring. • Galatians 3:26-29 – In Christ, believers become heirs of that promise. Living Out the Assurance • When doubts hit, rehearse God’s unilateral promise instead of measuring your worthiness. • Shift from self-effort to trust; obedience flows from security, not insecurity (Philippians 2:13). • Anchor prayers in promises already guaranteed by “the God who cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). • Promote unity in Christ; because God is One, His family is one (Galatians 3:28). • Share the gospel boldly—what God began by Himself He will finish by Himself (Philippians 1:6). |
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