What does "cursed is everyone who does not continue" mean for believers today? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Warning Galatians 3:10—“All who rely on the works of the law are under a curse. As it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’” Understanding the Word “Curse” • In Scripture, a “curse” is God’s judicial sentence on sin, not a vague misfortune. • Deuteronomy 27:26 provides the original citation: “Cursed is he who does not put the words of this Law into practice.” • The standard is total, perpetual obedience—“continue to do everything.” Miss once, bear the curse. Why the Law Cannot Save • James 2:10—“Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” • Romans 3:23—“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” • The curse exposes our inability; it was never given as a ladder to heaven but as a mirror to reveal sin. Christ Removes the Curse • Galatians 3:13—“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21—“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” • On the cross He endured the full weight of the curse so believers bear none of it. What the Phrase Means for Believers Today • It reminds us why faith, not performance, saves. • It safeguards us from slipping into legalism—measuring worth by rule-keeping instead of Christ’s merit. • It fuels gratitude: the curse we deserved fell on Jesus. • It stabilizes assurance: because the curse is gone, condemnation is gone (Romans 8:1). Living in the Freedom Christ Purchased Practical outworkings: • Approach God confidently, not fearfully (Hebrews 4:16). • Serve from love, not to earn favor (Galatians 5:13). • Extend grace to others; Christ bore their curse possibilities too (Ephesians 4:32). • Rest in ongoing forgiveness; when we fail, we confess and are cleansed, not re-cursed (1 John 1:9). Witness to a Watching World • Model humble dependence on mercy rather than moral score-keeping. • Share the good news that the curse is lifted for all who believe (John 3:16). |
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