Topical Bible: The Law of God: Saints: Freed from the Curse of

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The Law of God, as revealed in the Scriptures, serves as a divine standard of righteousness and holiness. It is a reflection of God's character and His expectations for humanity. However, due to the inherent sinfulness of mankind, the Law also brings with it a curse for those who fail to uphold its perfect standards. This curse is the consequence of sin, leading to spiritual death and separation from God.

The Curse of the Law

The curse associated with the Law is primarily the result of disobedience. As stated in Deuteronomy 27:26 , "Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice." The Law demands perfect obedience, and any transgression results in a curse, as outlined in Deuteronomy 28. The Apostle Paul reiterates this in 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.'"

Christ's Redemption from the Curse

The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ, through His sacrificial death and resurrection, has redeemed believers from the curse of the Law. Galatians 3:13 declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.'" By taking upon Himself the curse that was due to humanity, Christ fulfilled the righteous requirements of the Law and provided a way for believers to be justified by faith.

Freedom for the Saints

For the saints, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, there is freedom from the curse of the Law. Romans 8:1-2 assures believers, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set you free from the law of sin and death." This freedom is not a license to sin but a liberation from the bondage and penalty of sin, enabling believers to live in the Spirit and pursue holiness.

The Role of the Law for the Redeemed

While saints are freed from the curse of the Law, the Law still serves a purpose in the life of a believer. It acts as a guide to righteous living and a mirror reflecting the holiness of God. Romans 7:12 states, "So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good." The Law, fulfilled in Christ, becomes a delight for the believer, who is empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in accordance with God's will.

The New Covenant

Under the New Covenant, the Law is written on the hearts of believers, as prophesied in Jeremiah 31:33 and fulfilled in Hebrews 8:10 : "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people." This internalization of the Law signifies a transformation that enables saints to live in obedience out of love and gratitude rather than obligation.

In summary, the saints are freed from the curse of the Law through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This freedom allows them to live in the Spirit, fulfilling the righteous requirements of the Law through the power of the Holy Spirit, and to enjoy a restored relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 3:13
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Fourth Calumny, --That the Saints of the Old Testament are ...
... "They say," says he, "that the saints in the ... grace of a sure dispensation; nor by
that law itself, holy ... Redeemer Himself, who is the one Mediator of God and man ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 12 the fourth calumnythat the.htm

Article iii: of Love and the Fulfilling of the Law.
... Here he shows that even saints ought to seek remission of sins. ... But this imperfect
righteousness of the Law is not accepted by God, unless on account of ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 6 article iii of.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... 38. Conversely a curse denounced on disobedient children ... or rather, that to go a
wandering after good works which are not prescribed by the Law of God, is an ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... In this way must the saints press onward, since, however ... same effect, our Saviour
declares, that "the law and the ... since that time the kingdom of God is preached ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm

Its Results
... concerning thepresent and immutable standing of His saints in all ... God also imparts
to him the blessed Holy Spirit ... They now "delight in the law of God after the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the doctrine of justification/10 its results.htm

The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest.
... is the temptation to abuse our trust, make our will our law, and mould all ... O happy
day of the saints' rest in glory, when, as there is one God, one Christ ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iii the excellencies of.htm

The Negative Side
... not that they pressed the Ten Commandments upon the saints as a ... Galatians were going
over to the ground of law for acceptance with God is evident ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/the negative side.htm

Rom. xv. 8
... not thou then bicker, nor perversely cling to the Law at this ... sight of the Lord is
the death of His saints." (ib ... So for this let us give thanks to God, and let ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxviii rom xv 8.htm

Meditations on the Hindrances which Keep Back a Sinner from the ...
... thy will, so far as God has freed it; for ... shall offend in one point of the law"
(wilfully) "is ... This all God's saints, whilst they lived here, knew well; when ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations on the hindrances which.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... [2] At death the saints shall be ... Many things occasion sorrow: sickness, law-suits,
treachery of friends ... And God shall wipe away all tears.' Revelation 7:17. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm