The Curse of the Law

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”). Galatians 3:13

This verse has been widely used to suggest that the law of God no longer applies to believers in Jesus. It would also suggests that God’s law is a curse and propagates the idea that we can not keep God’s law. 

But is that really what this verse means? Or is it another example of a verse being plucked out of context and it’s original meaning replaced with a meaning that is completely opposite? 

Is God’s law a curse? Let’s look at some of the verses describing God’s law. 

The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7

God’s laws are pure, eternal, just. Psalm 19:9

All your commands are true. Psalm 119:151

Profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

So what is Paul talking about? 

For this we have to let the Bible interpret the Bible and go to the source material from which Paul is pulling, namely the Old Testament.  

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a cursethe blessing if you obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you today; the curse if you disobey the commands of the Lord your God and turn from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.

Paul was a Torah Scholar. He didn’t pull stuff out of thin air and write it down. His letters and instruction are sourced from the Old Testament to which he was thoroughly versed. We know that sin is breaking God’s commandments (1 John 3:4) and we know that the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). Therefore the curse of the law is death as a result of disobedience. 

So what does keeping God’s law do? The purpose of God’s law is to point out sin, and  instruct us in righteousness. It blesses us when we keep it. It’s not for our salvation, and never was, it is simply instructions on how to “love God, and love our neighbor”.

What about Galatians 3:10 “For 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.” 

This means that for those relying on God’s law for “salvation” are under a curse because nobody measures up to God’s perfect standard even if they could “keep the letter of the law”. This is because simply keeping God’s commandments isn’t enough. It must be preceded by a changed heart and a new Spirit which is something only God can do inside of us. It's a work of HIS grace and mercy in our lives, changing our heart of stone, to a heart of flesh. 

Ezekiel 36:25-27 says: I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.

For those still thinking "we can't keep God's law, nobody can" I would point you to Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.  Which is perfectly in line with what we have have already seen that the Bible Teaches. The Spirit of God that Jesus gave us leads us to keep God's commandments where we could not before we were still dead in our sins and an enemy of God. We have now been given the desire and the power to do what is pleasing to God. Philippians 2:12-13,  Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

God has not left us to our own devices, he has given us help. And we so need it. To think that God has not spoken in every area of our lives from what we eat, to what we celebrate is in error. He is a God who demands our all. We are to pick our cross and follow after Jesus after all. Living sacrifices is what the Bible says. 

Let that sink in.