How does Galatians 3:13 explain the concept of redemption through Christ's sacrifice? Text “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.’ ” (Galatians 3:13) Historical Setting Galatia’s assemblies were being persuaded to adopt circumcision and Mosaic works. Paul answers that justification has always rested on faith (3:6-9). Verse 13 explains why: only Christ, not human effort, can lift the law’s covenant curse pronounced in Deuteronomy 27–30. The Curse of the Law Deuteronomy 27:26 (quoted in Galatians 3:10) declares that failure in any point invokes covenantal malediction. Because “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23), the curse is universal. Levitical sacrifices only foreshadowed relief (Hebrews 10:1-4). Substitutionary Atonement Paul cites Deuteronomy 21:23: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” Under Torah a criminal’s corpse was displayed as evidence of divine judgment but removed before sunset so the land would not be defiled. By voluntary crucifixion Christ steps into that place, absorbing the curse so believers never face it (Isaiah 53:5-6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24). Kinsman-Redeemer Motif Redemption language echoes the go’el (kinsman-redeemer) of Leviticus 25 and Ruth 3-4. The redeemer had to be: (1) related, (2) able, and (3) willing. The incarnation supplies kinship (Hebrews 2:14), divine nature supplies ability, and love supplies willingness (John 10:18). Marketplace Imagery In Greco-Roman manumission, a slave’s freedom was purchased in the temple registry. Paul’s verb exēgorasen mirrors that transaction: Christ pays in His blood (1 Peter 1:18-19), records it in heaven’s court (Colossians 2:14), and grants irreversible liberty (Galatians 5:1). Covenantal Fulfillment • Abrahamic Promise – Blessing to Gentiles (Galatians 3:14). • Passover – Substitutionary lamb (Exodus 12; 1 Corinthians 5:7). • Day of Atonement – Scapegoat bearing sin outside the camp (Leviticus 16; Hebrews 13:11-12). • New Covenant – Internal law and total forgiveness (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Luke 22:20). Resurrection Verification Redemption’s validity hinges on the Resurrection (Romans 4:25). Minimal-facts data—early 1 Corinthians 15 creed (within five years of the cross), multiple independent appearances, empty tomb attested by enemies—show Christ’s victory is historically grounded, not mythic. Unique Among Worldviews No other religion presents God Himself bearing the penalty His own justice requires while offering righteousness as a gift apart from works (Romans 3:21-26). Performance-based systems leave the curse intact. Practical Outcomes 1. Assurance—Penalty removed, no condemnation (Romans 8:1). 2. Adoption—Believers receive the Spirit of sonship (Galatians 4:4-7). 3. Mission—Redeemed people bless nations, fulfilling Genesis 12:3. Evangelistic Invitation The transaction awaits personal acceptance by repentant faith (Acts 3:19). “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36) |
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