How does Galatians 3:10 relate to the message in Deuteronomy 27:26? Opening the Texts Deuteronomy 27:26: “Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.” Galatians 3:10: “All who rely on works of the law are under a curse, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’” A Shared Warning: The Curse for Incomplete Obedience • Both verses pronounce the same curse—failure to keep the whole law brings divine judgment. • Deuteronomy records the covenant stipulation given through Moses. • Galatians shows Paul quoting that stipulation verbatim to expose human inability to meet the law’s demands. Why Paul Reaches Back to Moses • By citing Deuteronomy, Paul ties the New Testament problem (self-reliance on law-keeping) to an Old Testament verdict already delivered. • The phrase “everything written” in Galatians stresses total, continual obedience—nothing less. • Paul’s use of the verse proves that the curse has always been attached to imperfect obedience, not just since Christ’s advent. The Impossibility of Partial Compliance • James 2:10 echoes the same principle: “Whoever keeps the whole law yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” • Romans 3:20 affirms, “No one will be justified in His sight by works of the law.” • The law is like a flawless mirror; one crack means the entire mirror is broken. From Curse to Cross • Galatians 3:13 immediately follows: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21 explains how: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” • The curse announced in Deuteronomy and repeated in Galatians is satisfied, not set aside, through Jesus’ substitutionary death. Practical Takeaways • Relying on personal performance invites the very curse Deuteronomy warns about. • Resting in Christ’s finished work removes the curse and grants righteousness by faith (Galatians 3:11; Habakkuk 2:4). • Gratitude, not guilt, now motivates obedience (Romans 8:1–4). • Fellowship with God is secured by faith, not fluctuating by daily success or failure. One-Sentence Summary Deuteronomy 27:26 establishes that incomplete obedience brings a curse, and Galatians 3:10 uses that truth to show why every sinner needs Christ’s redeeming sacrifice rather than self-reliant law-keeping. |
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