How does Galatians 3:18 connect with the promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3? Galatians 3:18—What Paul Says “For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise.” (Galatians 3:18) Key Words to Notice • Inheritance – the totality of God’s blessing, ultimately salvation in Christ • Law – the Mosaic covenant that came 430 years after Abraham (Galatians 3:17) • Promise – God’s sworn word that He alone would secure the blessing Tracing the Promise Back to Genesis 12:3 “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you; and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3) • The promise centers on universal blessing through Abraham. • No conditions are attached; God simply declares what He will do. • That blessing is later affirmed and expanded (Genesis 15:5-6; 22:18). How Galatians 3:18 Links to Genesis 12:3 1. Same Blessing, Same Source • Genesis 12:3 promises global blessing “in” Abraham. • Galatians 3:18 says that blessing (the inheritance) is still secured by promise, not by law-keeping. 2. Unconditional vs. Conditional • Promise (Genesis 12) = God’s unilateral oath. • Law (Exodus 19-24) = conditional covenant requiring obedience. • Paul argues: if inheritance came by law, the original unconditional promise would be voided—impossible, because God “freely granted it.” 3. Time Sequence Matters • Promise first (Genesis 12). • Law later (Galatians 3:17). • Therefore the later law cannot annul or alter the earlier promise. Supporting Passages That Tighten the Connection • Galatians 3:8 – “The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: ‘All nations will be blessed through you.’” • Galatians 3:16 – “The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed… meaning One, who is Christ.” • Romans 4:13 – “The promise to Abraham… was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.” • Hebrews 6:13-14 – God swore by Himself, confirming the certainty of the promise. Why Paul Brings Up the Law • Some in Galatia taught that Gentile believers must keep the Mosaic law to receive full blessing. • Paul counters: law can diagnose sin (Galatians 3:19-24) but cannot dispense inheritance; only the promise can. • If inheritance were law-based, human performance would replace divine grace, contradicting Genesis 12:3. Connecting the Dots to Christ • “Seed… who is Christ” (Galatians 3:16) fulfills Genesis 12:3; the nations are blessed in Him. • By faith-union with Christ, believers become “heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). • Thus Galatians 3:18 defends the sufficiency of Christ’s finished work, protecting the original promise. Living the Promise Today • Rest – our inheritance is God’s free gift, secured by Christ, not by our rule-keeping. • Faith – like Abraham (Genesis 15:6), we simply believe God’s word and are counted righteous. • Mission – because the promise is for “all the families of the earth,” we share the gospel so others join the inheritance. |
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