[3:1-14] Paul addresses his readers as foolish [people who do not use their mind] Galatians! He is basically asking them, “What has gotten into you? What are you thinking?” He reminds them that the death of Jesus Christ was their way to salvation and that it was made clear to them from the beginning. He reminds them that the salvation they received did not come from keeping the law; it came by faith in Jesus Christ and by receiving the Spirit of God. He questions them, “Why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort?”
Paul wants the Galatians to remember the liberty that they received in Christ Jesus. He tells them of Abrahams righteousness that was obtained by faith in Christ [Genesis 15:6]. He speaks of the Abrahamic Covenant found in Genesis 22:17-18 that is based on Abrahams faith; reminding them that saving faith leads to works of faith [not legalism, which is adding by works to what Christ has already done].
The law reveals how impossible it is to obtain salvation by works alone. Mankind cannot keep the law 24 hours a day. Galatians 3:11 states, “So it is clear that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law. For the Scriptures say, ‘It is through faith that a righteous person has a life’” [Habakkuk 2:4]. Whenever Jesus hung on the cross, He rescued us from the curse of the law. He took our sin upon Himself and in return blessed anyone who would believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ offers [by faith] the same blessing that He offered Abraham – the promised blessing of the Holy Spirit!
