Why is it significant that the blessing comes "through Christ Jesus"? The Blessing Explained: What Paul Is Talking About - Galatians 3:14: “He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” - “The blessing promised to Abraham” (Genesis 12:2-3) includes: • Justification by faith (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3) • Fellowship with God • Worldwide scope: “all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Genesis 12:3) Christ as the Only Channel Why must it come “through Christ Jesus”? - He is the promised Seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16) - He fulfilled the Law perfectly, qualifying to bear its curse (Galatians 3:13) - Only His substitutionary death opens the way for sinners to receive the covenant promises (2 Corinthians 1:20) From Curse to Blessing - Galatians 3:13: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us.” - Without Christ, the Law’s curse blocks the blessing. Through Him, the curse is lifted, making room for the blessing to flow. Wide-Open Door for the Nations - “To the Gentiles in Christ Jesus” means the blessing is no longer limited by ethnicity. - Acts 3:25-26 ties the Abrahamic promise to Christ’s resurrection mission to “turn every one of you from your wicked ways.” - Ephesians 2:12-13 shows Gentiles brought near “by the blood of Christ.” Spirit-Powered Fulfillment - Galatians 3:14 links the blessing with “the promise of the Spirit.” - Ezekiel 36:26-27 promised a new heart and Spirit; Christ sends that Spirit (John 14:16-17). - The Spirit applies Christ’s work, indwells believers, and empowers holy living (Romans 8:2-4). Guaranteed by Covenant Blood - Luke 22:20: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.” - Hebrews 9:15 declares Him “Mediator of a new covenant,” ensuring the promised inheritance. - Because the covenant rests on His finished work, the blessing is secure and irrevocable. Faith, Not Works - Galatians 3:9: “So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” - Christ’s sufficiency focuses us on trusting, not striving. - Romans 3:22 affirms “righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.” Living the Reality - Stand in freedom: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). - Rely on the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:25). - Share the good news—since the blessing flows through Christ alone, every person needs Him. |
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