What does "the law is not based on faith" mean for believers today? Setting the Context • Galatians 3:12: “The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, ‘The man who does these things will live by them.’” • Paul is contrasting two distinct principles God has revealed: – Law: do and live. – Faith: believe and live. • The Mosaic Law is an unbending, performance-based system. Faith trusts God’s promise in Christ, receiving righteousness apart from performance (Galatians 3:22). What the Phrase Means • “Not based on faith” means the Law requires flawless obedience rather than trusting dependence. • Under the Law, blessing is earned; under faith, blessing is received. • The quotation from Leviticus 18:5 highlights that the Law’s standard is perfect, unbroken obedience—something only Jesus fulfilled (Matthew 5:17). • The Law exposes sin (Romans 3:20) and points sinners to their need for a Savior, but in itself it offers no power to believe. Contrast: Works of Law vs. Faith • Works of Law – Grounded in human effort. – Break one command, become guilty of all (James 2:10). – Brings a curse on those who fail (Galatians 3:10). • Faith in Christ – Grounded in trusting God’s promise. – Counts believers righteous apart from works (Romans 4:5-6). – Receives Christ’s redemption from the curse (Galatians 3:13). Implications for Our Daily Walk • Freedom from a performance mindset: Our standing with God rests on Christ’s finished work, not on our fluctuating record. • Motivation to obey: Because salvation is secure by faith, obedience becomes a loving response, not a desperate attempt to earn favor (John 14:15). • Assurance in trials: Confidence flows from God’s promise, not personal worthiness (Hebrews 10:22-23). • Guarding against legalism: Any system that adds human merit to justification contradicts “the law is not based on faith.” • Continued dependence: Just as we began by faith, we live by faith daily (Colossians 2:6). Further Scripture Connections • Romans 1:17 – “The righteous will live by faith.” • Habakkuk 2:4 – Old Testament root of the faith principle. • Philippians 3:9 – Righteousness not from the Law but through faith in Christ. • Hebrews 11 – God’s people across history commended for faith, not law-keeping. Takeaway Truths • The Law highlights our need; faith grabs hold of God’s provision in Christ. • Believers today abandon self-reliance and rest in Jesus’ perfect obedience. • A faith-based life overflows with gratitude, humility, and Spirit-empowered obedience. |
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