Discuss Galatians 3 Page 2


Galatians 3 KJV Bible discussions
 
  • Chris - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Thanks Frankie J for your comments. The question then is, 'how do we fulfil all the requirements of the Law?" We know that Jesus truly did so; the only One Who did it perfectly & completely. But how do we do it?

    Other questions: what is the meaning & implications of: the "New Covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away"? ( Hebrews 8:13). And "to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel"? ( Hebrews 12:24).

    When we compare the great worth of the Covenant that Christ brought us through His shed Blood, how do ever resort to any of the elements of the Old Covenant (whether the Ten Commandments or sacrificial requirements & observances)? The Old Covenant held men (Israel) in bondage leading to death - the New Covenant gave men liberty & eternal life, & to fully know & obey God by the working of the Holy Spirit in them. The contrast is exceedingly clear - maybe our minds are still caged into upholding a Law never designed to give us life.

    Galatians 3:19: "Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator." There was a time limit for the Old Law to Israel: "UNTIL THE SEED should come to whom the promise was made". And "if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law" ( Galatians 3:21).

    I see that only Jesus could fulfil the Law & by His Death, bring in the New Covenant which abrogated that Old Law. The New Covenant administered by the Holy Spirit cannot be fused together with the Old Covenant that kept men bound to a yoke of strenuous law-keeping that gave no power to overcome & experience the joy of life in the power of the Holy Spirit. To the Jew, I think this release is truly life-changing - maybe not so to Gentiles, not given that Law.
  • Chris - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Page 2.

    That question would require us to further examine the merits of the New Covenant; but briefly to your question, I don't believe that the Spirit would again resurrect a Law upon us, one which has been superseded by the New. All that is contained in the New Covenant in Christ's Blood entirely covers all that the one in Christ needs to know & practise to please God. The Decalogue could never do this & was never intended to, even as we read in Galatians 3:21, "if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law." No Law could ever instil or even be the cause of righteousness to rise within us - and so Jesus' Coming was necessary, not only for the redemption of the sinner, but that sinner would never have to adhere to a set of Laws that only led to his eternal demise. Why should we then, we who have been revived, released, & given power to live in & by the Spirit, ever need to resort to the Letter that kills?

    And you asked, "what Commandments(s) from God's 10 Commandments we are not required to follow now under the New Covenant? And why." The Decalogue is now abrogated through Christ's death, so none of the 10 Commandments with its purpose & penalties ever apply to the believer. Why? Simply because we have God Himself by His Holy Spirit in us to teach, lead, & empower us to know ALL His Commandments, which the Decalogue could never do - and was never designed to do. I always wonder, 'do believers actually understand this - really believing that the Spirit in them alone can fill us with much more than that old Law that was done away could ever do, with the advent of the New Covenant - that it is now perfectly fulfilled in Christ, Who fulfilled the Old entirely? Blessings.
  • Giannis - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Hi Bro dan

    It is true that Moses' Law asked Hebrews to observe the Sabbath.

    But as Paul says in Galatians 3:24 the Law served as a schoolmaster (although "tutor and guardian for childs" is a more accurate translation of the grk "paidagogos") which leads people to Christ. That means that many things in the Old Law served as a shadow for things to come in the New Covenant, they served as a figure for the real things to come. So circumcision of the flesh is figurative for circumcision of the Heart (new birth), sacrifice of animals were a figure fot Jesus' sacrifice ... and so on.

    Paul in Galatians 8-11 says "8. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9.But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10.Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11.I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."

    And in Collossians 2:16-17 he says, "16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days (FOR NOT HOLDING THEM): WHY NOT PAUL? BECAUSE 17.Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ"

    Remenber when the apostles gathered in Jerusalem to discuss about the gentiles following or not the Law. They came up with a conclusion. What was that conclusion? Acts 15:28-29, "28. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29. That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."

    You see brother nothing to keep from the Old Law but only the above.

    Besides Jesus said in some place that my Father works until now and so am I. God hasn't really gone to rest after the creation but works till now for the salvation of people.

    GBU
  • David0921 - 9 months ago
    The Bible (part 2)

    Luke 24:27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

    Luke 24:45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures

    John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

    Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

    Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:

    Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

    Galatians 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

    2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

    2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

    Revelation 22:18,19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

    These are just a sampling of the many verses that speak about the scriptures, the Bible, the Word of God. They should be examined both in their immediate context and the context of the entire Bible if we are to come to Truth regarding the true nature of the Bible.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Hey brother S Spencer,

    I know this has been discussed before and we have different understandings, but just have a couple of thoughts to consider, I will not go over all this prophecy just the first of 9:27.

    If I am correct, it is thought the 69th week ended when Jesus' ride into Jerusalem fulfilling Zech. 9:9. Dan. 9:26 says 69 weeks unto the Messiah, should we look over the 3.5 years from when Jesus was baptized and anointed with the Holy Spirit? Look at the multitude that met Him when He rode in, they knew who He was, He came for the lost sheep of Israel.

    The antichrist will make a covenant with Israel. We go to Dan. 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: So here we have the last week/7 years and he is said to be the antichrist.

    "He shall confirm the covenant with many", could he in this verse fit Jesus? Psalms 105:8-11 Isaiah 42:6 Isaiah 49:8 Isaiah 49:6 Romans 15:8 Galatians 3:17 Hebrews 13:20 I could list many more. The word confirm does not mean make, it shows us the covenant already existed. Confirm means to strengthen, to be stronger.

    God made a covenant with Abraham and Abraham said God would provide Himself a Lamb, Genesis 22:7-8, was Jesus this Lamb, Isaiah 53:7 John 1:29 Revelation 5:6. This covenant is with many, Zechariah 2:11 Isaiah 53:11 Matthew 20:28 Matthew 26:28 Romans 5:15,19. Jesus was sent to confirm the promise/covenant made unto Abraham, Romans 15:8. Could Jesus be this he?

    "In the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease" Sacrifice and Oblation, the first word is talking about the daily sacrifices, the Tamid, the morning and evening lamb the same time Jesus was on the cross 9 AM the first to 3 PM the last. Then the second word refers to all of the other offerings presented to the Lord.

    Do you think the sacrifice and oblation was designed by God to completely cease upon the finished work of Jesus on the cross? Hebrews 9.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Richard H Priday - 10 months ago
    Church: Beyond the five senses

    Introduction: There is a prescribed manner of conduct in the Scriptures which give us a basic guideline of how to conduct ourselves in public worship. The ceremonial aspects involve; more or less an invocation to prayer and beginning the service; songs of thanksgiving; a sermon; and communion on a set schedule. That and other events such as weddings; funerals; outreach; recreational activities go on more or less on a rather predictable pattern.

    As to how the individual interacts with the rest of the local Body present; wherever you go there tends to be a seating and greeting pattern; a mode of discussion when approaching the Pastor; deacons and anyone else with a position; and another one for the rest of the laypersons-often dictated by the proclivities of our personalities; and mutual interests or lack thereof. Ministries tend to have a rather predictable involvement; a few individuals do the majority of service oriented projects and prayer meetings; and one or two others do most of the greeting.

    A careful analysis of what is written so far will expose the fact that these activities could go on in a church where the Lord is present; to almost any other religious and perhaps non religious meeting place. The fact is; in either case we tend to familiarize ourselves with what is familiar and sort of at our comfort level. We are in danger of putting form ahead of substance; and focusing on what our natural senses dictate rather than what God is trying to say to us.

    The same could be said of the law in scriptures. It is vital to drive us to Christ; as Galatians 3:24 states but never has the power to save. We love its many facets as Psalm 119 explaines in great detail because it illuminates the design of God for a peaceful society and for a manner worthy of those calling themselves citizens of heaven. It is; of course justice and mercy which Jesus excoriated the Pharisees with in Matthew 23:23 as missing.
  • GiGi - In Reply on Acts 3 - 10 months ago
    Cheryl

    Part 2

    Jesus was a descendant of Judah through David's lineage (which was the line from which kings were to be chosen).

    So Cheryl, this is the breakdown of the line of Shem, Noah's son.

    The descendants of Japheth (Noah's son) populated the areas of southern Europe and north of Turkey. From these regions, the descendants of Japheth spread out north and east and west. Japheth's descendants were the most numerous of the three sons.

    The descendants of Ham settled in the land of Canaan, Egypt, Ethiopia, and most of the African continent. It is believed that they also settled lands around the Indian Ocean.

    So, we are not all Hebrews. People are either descended from Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Most of us are descended from more than one of these sons as intermarriage among cousins was common practice in the time of Noah's sons and descendants.

    But, to answer your question, Adam and Eve were not Hebrews. The Hebrew people came to be after the flood. The world was populated by the descendants of Noah's three sons. Anyone who was not descended from Jacob (Israel) was a Gentile, as were everyone who came before Jacob.

    Paul tells us in Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:7; 3:28-29; Ephesians 2:13-19 that in Christ we are all one in Him, neither Jew nor Greek (gentile) and are all children of Abraham due to our faith in Jesus. Together we are united in Jesus comprising "one new man" in Him, the promised Seed of Abraham to whom the covenant comes to fulfillment. Because Jesus is the true and intended final heir to the covenant made to Abraham, we in Him are made heirs to this covenant also because of our union with Christ.

    Cheryl. I do not know how much more you wish to know on this topic. Maybe you can reply to me whatever you want further explanation. I will try to help with what you are seeking in your original post and any subsequent ones.

    Even so, those of us who are in Christ are neither Jew nor Gentile
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply - 10 months ago
    This question could be handled on a case by case basis. Clearly; if we are to look at Micah 5:2-4 we see the birthplace of the Messiah and we know it was fulfilled on His first coming. There are others such as Revelation 19 in Armageddon which clearly hasn't happened yet.

    Most prophecies; however have at least a dual fulfillment or there are near and far implications in the same passage. Such is the case when Christ read from the scroll from Isaiah 61 he stopped after verse 1. Verse 2 talks about the vengeance of God which is tied into His second coming. Therefore many of His own people didn't recognize who He was because they were looking at prophecies of His Messianic Millennial reign rather than the purpose of atonement and death before the Resurrection into glory.

    This "near and far" application is one complexity; another is what applies only to covenental promises for the nation of Israel; what applies to the church alone and what has some dual application. Galatians 3:28 shows how Jew and Gentile are incorporated into the church; and verses such as Galatians 3:7 show how not all Israel are true Israel but only the remnant believers. The church basically IS the true Israel as are the subset of Abraham's seed that are believers.

    I find the best rule is to see what scriptures are mentioned in Acts in particular as applying to the church in the deepest sense of the meaning. That is the only way to understand the deepest or final meaning to certain prophecies. What we can't do is make the error of making all prophecy figurative that doesn't fit into our doctrinal picture; or dismissing the covenants that were promised to Israel. That is a subject perhaps for another commentary.

    Perhaps an individual application would be from Romans 8:30. It isn't a prophecy as traditionally labeled; but the time frame of predestination guarantees that those who are saved will eventually be glorified after sanctification. All prophecy shows God's certain plans.
  • S Spencer - 11 months ago
    Hi Giannis.

    Part 1

    In part 1 you gave me Luke 1:17 and stated, "This means that another part of John's ministry was to teach Hebrews to clean their heart by preaching them to obey God's commandments. I would have to disagree with you on that.

    No one could keep the law therefore it couldn't make you clean. Acts 15:5-10. Romans 8:3. Galatians 3:10-14.

    You also referred me to Luke 3:7-18. Notice vs 9) "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. They couldn't bare fruit! Israel was a degenerate vine.

    Jeremiah 2:20-21. Matthew 21:42-44. In contrast to that Jesus is the genuine vine. John 15:1-2.

    John was preparing the way for someone to do what the Law couldn't do. and that's Christ.

    John's baptism was to turn the Jews "The lost sheep of Israel" to Christ and yet he says there comes one who will give a baptism that exceeds his that brings us to Jesus.

    Now John says he must decrease, and Jesus must Increase. Now we have the beginning of Jesus ministry in which he came for the lost sheep of Israel. Due to blindness, they denied there king so as Paul says salvation has come to the Gentiles. That brings us to Pentecost. Here's a predominantly mostly if not all Jewish beginning of the Church. Here is where baptism of the Holyspirit begins and this is where the Spirit of God baptize Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ and water baptism is a ritual way for you to display what the Spirit of God has already done once you TRULY believed.

    So, the obedience is for you to show by display who and what you believe in. It's the faith of Christ that initiates your belief which leads to Salvation.

    See part 2.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 11 months ago
    Did Israel faithlessness void God's promises to Israel?

    Romans 3:3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

    Paul is asking if there is someone without faith, shall their lack of faith cancel out the faithfulness of God?

    Paul answers that in vs 4 God forbid:

    Israel's failures doesn't void out the promises of God.

    God's promise to send Israel the redeemer was not voided by their wilful disobedience and rejection.

    All his promises for the future of the nation will be fulfilled to his glory in spite of their unbelief. This is the unconditional covenant God made with Abraham.

    Here's a few more verses causes people to believe the Church is the new Israel.

    Galatians 3:28-29.

    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

    And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

    Romans 2:28-29

    "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

    But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

    Now these verses is not talking about an ethnic group.

    Paul gives us the subject of the matter in Romans 3:1.

    "What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?"

    Now here is where Paul was actually contrasting the Jews and the law, and the promise by faith of Jesus Christ.

    Colossians 2:11-12.

    This contrast the belief that righteousness came by the outwardly circumcised jew and the circumcision of the heart, in the spirit,

    In other words Abraham was given the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith before he was circumcised.

    Romans 4:11-13.

    So Jew and Israel is not always used synonymous in the scripture.
  • GIGI - In Reply - 11 months ago
    Good Afternoon, Jimbob,

    Galatians 3:16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ

    For me, this verse says that God went from Abraham straight to Jesus-identifying Christ as the Seed of Abraham to which the promises were made. This verse indicates that God bypassed all of the nation that came from Abraham physically to come to Christ, which is the promised Seed. If Abraham's natural seed resulted in the multiple nations that came from Ishmael and the other 6 sons Abraham had through Keturah (after Sarah died) and from Isaac (who was the child of promise), yet the prophecy said, thy "Seed", which Paul says is Christ. Therefore, it is valid to say that Jesus is true Israel-the promised Seed, not those nations who make up the many, the nation fathered by Jacob.

    I realize that the people of Israel in the OT were the God's chosen people, not because they were righteous, but according to His redemptive plan for all of mankind, which culminates in Christ, is fulfilled in Christ, and in Christ, the Israel of God continues to both Jew and Gentile by faith, not by natural lineage.

    We may differ on this Jimbob. That's ok. This thread is really long, so it may be best to begin a new thread on this topic if you wish.
  • GIGI - In Reply - 11 months ago
    Good Afternoon Jimbob and Jesse,

    You are having a good discussion here. I just want to mention this verses from Galatians 3

    16 "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ."

    7 "Know ye therefore, that they which are of fait, the same are the children of Abraham."

    8 "And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."

    28 "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye all are one in Christ Jesus."

    29 "And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed,, and heirs according to the promise."

    These verses tells us that the true Israel of God is one person, Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life as a Jew. He was the perfect Israelite, He fulfilled the commandments and ordinances of the law perfectly. Those who are in Christ, being one with Him, are then the Israel of God. This does not mean that Christ and the Christian believers replace the Jews or nation of Israel. It means that Jesus and the Church [is the terminus of the nation of Israel. Any Israelite of Jew can be included in this true Israel of God by faith in Jesus. Those who do not believe have are part of a nation which Jesus said that the kingdom would be taken from them and given to another people, which is a spiritual people (which is better than ethnic by far) in Christ, the promised Seed of Abraham.

    The reason why I bring this up is because Jesus was not just speaking to the Jews of His day. He knew that Judaism would come to an end along with the ethnic nation of Israel in the Roman seige of A.D. 70, (which He prophesied would happen in Matt. 24.

    The plan of God came to fruition in Jesus, creating a spiritual Israel from the true Israel of God, His Son Jesus Christ

    9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham."
  • ChildoftheKing - In Reply - 11 months ago
    Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave or free, nor is there male or female we are all ONE in Jesus Christ. We don't have to follow the "Jews" tradition or the "Gentiles". Follow the spirit and the Word. (The New Testament Church) Gentiles were engrafted in and it was no longer just the Jews. That's why it was at Antioch they were called Christians for the first time. Paul taught in Galatians we don't have to follow the Jewish tradition. "The New Testament Church" had people from different backgrounds being born again. The Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and righteousness. Churches are full of tradition. Jesus didn't have tradition "man made convictions/tradition" such as don't cut your hair. Woman shouldn't ware Jeans. You have to celebrate this or that. Jesus preached the Word. Easter is a pagan holiday(come from Babylon) the world celebrates many people have not been raised in church and don't know any better. Most Christians celebrate Resurrection Day and the Passover because we remember our Lord and Savior and all he did at Calvary. (Is chapter53)
  • TammyC - In Reply - 1 year ago
    I hope this helps:

    Acts 2:38 - Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

    1 Peter 3:21 - The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

    Mark 16:16 - He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

    Galatians 3:27 - For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

    Acts 22:16 - And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

    Romans 6:4 - Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Six things determined upon Daniel's people and the holy city.

    Part 2

    To finish the transgression

    To finish; to withhold something from someone. transgression "transgress," to overpass as any rule prescribed as the limit of duty, to break or violate, as a law, civil or moral, the act of transgressing, rebellion, revolt, offend, that a penalty for the transgression a payment is due for the offense. Debt and transgressions, that they/we cannot pay, and the animal sacrifices fall short.

    The only way anyone can stand before a just and holy God is if somebody is worthy and spotless to pay the debt. And the only one who has earned the right to pay that debt is the Messiah the Son of God and we have justification through Christ alone.

    Psalm 32:1 Psalm 89:32 Psalm 103:11-12 Isaiah 43:25 Isaiah 53:5-8 Isaiah 53:11 Galatians 3:19 Ephesians 2:4-5 Hebrews 9:15-18

    Jesus with a perfect life gave up his body to death; he fulfilled the first covenant of sacrificial law. His sacrifice is the redemption of the transgressions and the fulfillment of the first covenant of sacrificial law.

    He became sin for us, and with his blood made the new covenant being the only mediator of the New Testament that we through faith in Jesus Christ receive the promise of eternal inheritance. Offered first to the house of Israel for He came first only for the lost sheep of Israel then was offered to the rest of the world.

    See Part 3
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 1 year ago
    ISRAEL MY ELECT.

    Isaiah 45:4.

    Part 1.

    Romans 2:25-29.

    Colossians 3:11-12

    and Galatians 3:27-39

    These scriptures can trip you up when we use them for doctrine when talking about NATIONAL ISRAEL.

    Some day God will open the eyes of Israel to show them that all their services was pointing them through the same door that the Gentiles goes through to get to the father. "CHRIST".

    There will be two folds that will come together under one shepherd. There's no advantage to either fold. That's what Colossians 3:11-12 and Galatians 3:27-39 is saying. Angels, People, The Church and Israel is called elect in the Bible.

    Israel and the Church has different origins and has a different path and destiny.

    ( Don't mistake that for having a different path for salvation.)

    They have a separate purpose. When Jesus speaks of Israel as his elect in Matthew 24. he speaks of Israel as a nation. National Israel.

    The Church isn't National Israel or "The new Israel. Is the Church Jacob also?

    They're both are Chosen or elected by God to do the will of God for different purposes.

    The bible makes references to both National Israel and the remnant.

    Paul makes that distinction in Romans when he says all Israel is not Israel and when he mentions Kinsman of the flesh. Paul hammers away at this in Romans chapters 9,10 and 11.

    Daniel 12:1 Speaks of National Israel.

    "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the ( CHILDREN OF THY PEOPLE ): and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time (THY PEOPLE) shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.

    "Daniels people is not the Church"

    See key verses Daniel 9:24-27 in

    Part 2.
  • Chris - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Page 2.

    A very telling verse is Romans 10:9: "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." In this chapter the apostle writes about the weakness & finality of the Old Law & the righteousness of the Law that becomes us by the working of the Spirit ( Romans 10:4). If re-birth occurs at the resurrection or later, then there is no Holy Spirit given to indwell believers - it can't be as we're still unregenerate. If no Holy Spirit, we are then subject to the Law or laws we wish to obey, to obtain our righteousness. The Jews tried to obey the Commandments - they failed - the Law was given to show them their sin & need of a Savior ( Romans 3:20; Galatians 3:19).

    Every other religion of the world teaches that man has to do his best to please his god, & even after all that, there's no certainty of a 'happy future'. I know this more certainly of Islam, where a Muslim can never know if God has been pleased with his life. He might have all the boxes ticked in accepting & applying the six Articles of his faith & five Pillars of Islam, even going on Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca), but that dreaded angel overlooking his left shoulder weighing up his bad deeds, being more than the good ones weighed over the other shoulder. The concerned Muslim must dread the day of his death because he doesn't know which way his path to eternity will go. Now is that any different from the Christian who says that only at death can there be any certainty? We might have the worth of Jesus' Sacrifice & the true justice of God in our minds, but have we done enough, obeyed enough, to know an abundant entrance. The message of the Cross is one that's wholly based on God's Grace through Faith in Christ's Work & nothing of our efforts. For if we applied our works, even obedience to the Laws, to guarantee acceptability, then it is no more of Grace, but of our efforts ( Romans 11:6). See Page 3.
  • T Levis - In Reply on Acts 11 - 1 year ago
    Acts 11,

    Acts 11:2 Peter, was come up to Jerusalem._._. Acts 11:13, the man in Joppa, sent men to call for Peter, it doesn't seem to mention the name of the man, nor the other men Peter ministered to. Acts 11:17, Peter talking explained the Gentile was also given the Holy Spirit & Salvation, not just Jewish people. Galatians 3:28, Romans 1:16,

    Luke 24, Peter was one of the 1st witnesses to see the empty

    tomb. Luke 24:12, John 21, Jesus meets with Peter after resurrection again & tells him If you love Me feed My lambs.

    Acts 2, shows Peter speak boldly in front of thousands Acts 2:14-47,

    Hopefully these are helpful
  • Chris - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Joshua288, you are giving two different Scriptures here & they're different.

    2 Corinthians 3:6: "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life." If you have read further in this chapter, Paul writes about, "ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious...". This is what he is referring to: the letter of the Law was never designed to give Israel life (freedom of guilt, of penalty, of death & separation from God). The Law was given by God for many reasons, but ultimately we read what Paul wrote in Galatians 3:10-24, mainly that the Law never justified anyone, it couldn't because none could keep it perfectly. But the Law was given to show men their sinfulness & to draw him back to God, Who would one day save men (not by the keeping of the Law), but by having faith in Jesus His Son. So the letter of the Law will kill us sending us to hell, if we're dependent on it to save us. But the Spirit, the Holy Spirit gives the believer life now & into eternity, by virtue of Jesus' Death & Resurrection, & our believing this great act of Love. The letter of the Law could never do this. The Law was temporary, until Jesus came.

    Then you quoted John 5:39, "Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." In this chapter, Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders who were wanting to kill Him ( John 5:18). Then Jesus speaks to them concerning what He was doing there & then about His Coming as the Son of God (vv18-24). He tells these leaders that 'they don't have God's Word in them because they refuse to believe in Jesus' (v38). And then He tells them, "Search the Scriptures", or 'you are diligently searching through the Scriptures, believing that eternal life is found in it' (this is from the original Greek). 'But these very Scriptures you read, bear witness of Me.' They failed to see Jesus' Coming in them.
  • Adam - In Reply on Psalms 19 - 1 year ago
    Good morning Jerry. These verses come to mind:

    James 2:9

    Romans 2:11

    James 2:1-26

    Deuteronomy 10:17

    Galatians 3:28

    Acts 10:34

    It says all should be treated the same with no favoritism. A certain political group virtue signals that some of a certain skin color were enslaved by some rich people in their own political group about 150-250 years ago. But all those people are dead. No one they're referring to are alive to give any such reparations back to, except they assume that by giving it to descendants then somehow something is made right? You can't change the past and it seems wrong to steal from one group to pay others who were never enslaved. It also seems wrong to show favoritism and act like if you have a certain skin shade that you deserve more sympathy or more money or pandering. What we see on TV is a circus. The Japanese and Germans enslaved and killed people only 81 years ago, but people somehow aren't demanding money for that, but for something twice as long ago. Meanwhile, there are child slaves coming across the southern border trafficked from cartels and other criminals but people aren't as upset about that either. There are also people enslaved right now in China, countries in Africa and other places that don't have people as upset about either. They are alive, and are imprisoned. There are even people in the US itself imprisoned as slaves who had no trial and just happened to be at the politically wrong place at the wrong time, and they are still alive too. What I see is amazing hypocrisy about money and privilege and victimhood as a form of self-worship as if somehow one who was never a slave was harmed, rather than actually helping current slaves alive now. God bless.
  • Chris - In Reply on Matthew 3 - 1 year ago
    Page 2.

    Fourthly, the Ten Commandments were given to Israel & were binding upon them. Some of their objectives were:

    a. to reveal the Holiness of the Eternal God to His people, Israel: Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7-8.

    b. to set Israel apart as distinct from all the other nations: Exodus 19:5.

    c. to reveal man's sinfulness: Galatians 3:19. Although the Law is "holy, just & good ( Romans 7:12), it did not provide salvation for the nation of Israel; and it cannot provide salvation to anyone who wants to or tries to keep the Law. No one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin ( Romans 3:20; Acts 13:38-39).

    d. to show to humanity that not one person can fully keep the Law but everyone falls short of God's Standard of Holiness. Realizing that, should cause us to cast ourselves upon a Merciful God for His Forgiveness. When Jesus came, He fulfilled the requirements of the Law completely and by His death fully paid the penalty for their breaking it ( Galatians 3:24; Romans 10:4). Therefore, by His Obedience, He was qualified to be the accepted Sacrifice for all mankind, for all of our sins ( Hebrews 10:10-12). If Jesus failed in fully keeping the Law, He would have been disqualified as a Savior - all mankind would be forever stuck in the quagmire of their sins & hell would be the destiny. But He was raised from the dead to show His Father's acceptance, our justification & deliverance ( Romans 4:23-25).

    I hope you can see Ani, that even though there was nothing wrong with the Law, even keeping the Sabbath by Israel, anyone who puts themselves under the Law (i.e. to find forgiveness or acceptance by God by it), is doomed to fail. Our Rest - continual rest (Sabbath) is now found in Jesus & not in Law-keeping & we can only be subject now to the Holy Spirit who enables us to fulfil both the spirit of the Law & finding the true rest in Christ Jesus ( 2 Corinthians 3:6-9; Romans 8:1-4).
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Galatians 3:7 certainly could be an answer to your question. It isn't merely the physical descendants of Abraham who are true children of God ( Romans 9:7-10). God has a remnant that He saves from both the Old and New Dispensations ( 1 Kings 19); Matthew 7:21).

    Keep in mind also the difference between physically being preserved for a time and spiritual deliverance. These are both realities for the children of God in reverse order. In New Testament times as with Old many are called but few chosen ( Matt. 22:14). There are other verses showing how some experience some of the benefits of being in God's presence ( Hebrews 6:4) are still not ultimately saved. The parable of the sower and the seed illustrate this fact showing how the seed of truth must eventually not only take root but produce fruit. God enables that His Spirit reproduces good fruit in our lives as evidence that it is indwelling; not merely an external event. Hence all true believers are "sealed" until the Day of Redemption ( Ephesians 4:30).

    In God's Providence there are some; such as the 1/3 that are preserved "going through the fire" ( Zechariah 13:9) who appear to make it physically through the Tribulation to repopulate the earth in the Millennium. That will include the handful of Gentiles that make it; although man is said in general to be "rarer than the gold of Ophir" who makes it through that way ( Isaiah 13:12).

    Thus; these verses and a multitude of others makes it imperative that we "test ourselves to see if we are in the faith". ( 2 Corinthians 13:5). I personally believe that through God's sanctification process we all must get beyond our initial excitement over being a new believer as well as the trials of persecution AND temptations of the world to be "tested and approved" as true believers as part of the process of chastisement as God's adopted children. ( Romans 12:2; etc). The end of all those called and chosen in Him is glorification (read all of Romans 8:30).

    Hope this helps.
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply - 1 year ago
    More on covenants

    When we look at the covenants of old specifically made for God's called out people who would eventually become the nation of Israel there was still nothing which man was required to do as far as signing a document on their end. There were certain regulations for those who wished to join the Jewish faith and there were severe restrictions when it came to foreigners and others with approaching the inner sanctuary of worship. God's patience certainly can be seen as they went quickly to idolatry the first time Moses went up into the mount; so the tablets of stone with the 10 commandments were dashed into pieces by Moses. After "cleaning house" as it were and pleading with God not to destroy all of those who crossed over from the Exodus Moses had to go through another 40 days of fasting and repeat the procedure.

    As I have mentioned previously; the only covenant that was rendered obsolete was the old law when the new one of grace was established. ( Heb. 8:13). My backdrop in this subject delineates the distinction between obligations of His creation at large and case specific conditions for God's people. We need to be careful here as well; because in the case of Cain and Abel we see murder as something requiring justice well before any law was established. Things unique to Israel were things such as the Sabbath Day which was in force for those living in the land itself. That could bring a punishment as severe as a death penalty for those gathering sticks on the Sabbath; with some other things cutting people off from the camp. In other words there is some intersection of universal law with the specific rules for Israel. A final point here is that there are also covenants made between God and man. In Galatians 3:15 we see that covenants between men cannot be annulled or added to once ratified.

    This is what makes marriage something in that category. Man makes a covenant with God "until death do us part." Clearly vows are a serious matter
  • Chris - In Reply on Genesis 2 - 1 year ago
    Hi Benjamin. In Habakkuk 2:4, the subject is the "just" person, the one who is righteous & lives carefully before God; as opposed to the one described in that verse & following verses (here, the Babylonians are intended): one who is haughty, given to drink, uses unethical practises, & with an unsatiable appetite. So in Habakkuk, and looking up the Hebrew for that verse, it seems that the righteous one will live his life with stedfastness & faithfulness, unlike the proud & haughty who is self-centered, lusting for more wealth, power & kingdoms (as were the Babylonians).

    Then in Galatians 3:11, I believe the focus is on the Faith that is acceptable by God which is not law-dependent. When the Law was given to Israel, they had to obey it to the letter, coupled with various sacrifices offered to cover them whenever they failed - and fail they did. But when Jesus came, the Law that only led to the Jew's condemnation & death, was cast aside, simply because the Sacrifice of Jesus was God's Sacrifice & Gift to us and not man's sacrifice to God for pardon. The shed Blood of Jesus that required the sinner to accept & believe (i.e. coming to God in faith), could never be mixed in with the Law that had no saving power & could never give life ( Galatians 3:21,22).

    Therefore, when the Apostle Paul in Galatians 3:11 quotes from Habakkuk 2:4, I feel that he is highlighting the main point of that verse - that of the righteous living by the faith that is in him, and not specifically about the origin of that faith, even as he referred to Abraham's faith (that was apart from the Law).
  • Richard H Priday - 1 year ago
    Men and women: Roles and eternal rewards (cont).

    Okay take 2...

    We see from Galatians 3:28 in the last post that we are one in Christ. There are certain things such as slavery mentioned in the rest of the verse that supposedly are outlawed almost worldwide (but that continue unabated nonetheless). Thus; when we see Revelation 13:16-18 we see slaves still being mentioned; along with every type person in society (in that case LOST people taking the Mark of the Beast); and in Rev. 13:7 we see every trible; tongue and language who is represented in heaven (saved folk).

    I have probably stated before that there are some women who I consider of superior intellect. An example is Amy Van Gerpen at Tracking Bible Prophecy. Her teaching on Revelation is now complete; each chapter being jam packed with page after page of scripture cross references. She is not claiming any authority to teach as a Pastor; and goes to church with her husband. It is in my estimation unsurpassed for detail and theologically accurate.

    Sadly though even if we could take an "impartial" approach to women teaching in the church on the pulpit when you look at the women who are prominent or simply calling themselves "public speakers" they often take up a role of authority and I am not aware of any at this point who don't have major theological and/or doctrinal error. Of course as far as prosperity preachers in general I can't say much better. So there is perhaps a predilection for such apostasy and deception to continue with women in these roles ( 1 Tim. 2:12). I have also discussed what roles women can have; and their strength that tends to be with prayer and at times discernment. Also I probably brought up how women were to cover their heads while prophesying or in prayer (ostensively in a public setting) so there are tines things are said; and of course this excludes private settings to some extent.

    Kings and priests in Revelation 5:10 could include women as far as I see.
  • S Spencer - 1 year ago
    THE GOSPEL WAS PREACHED TO ABRAHAM?

    When was the gospel preached to Abraham as mentioned in Galatians 3:8 ?

    It what way did God perform the covenant with Abraham?

    In what way did he respond when it was counted for him for righteousness?

    Goodnight and God bless.
  • Dlrich7964 - In Reply on Psalms 138 - 1 year ago
    ( Matt 22:1-14) The invitations were sent out by a father arranging a wedding feast for his son (as Heavenly Father for His Son). The gospel (invitation) was given to Jews first (God's chosen people) but was made light of and rejected by them. So then wedding invitations (the gospel) went to others in the highways and hedges (gospel was preached to the Gentiles), and the wedding hall was filled. The wedding garment is our garment of salvation ( Isa 61:10) received through Christ. The man who is not wearing his wedding garment had not received salvation and is as the one in Matt 7:21-23 who pretended to be saved, but Jesus said, "I NEVER knew you."

    Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'

    Many received the invitation to salvation, but only a few of God's chosen received it. (Many called, few chosen.)

    Galatians 3:27 (KJV) For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (put on wedding garments).

    2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV) Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your calling and election sure.
  • Giannis - In Reply on 2 Corinthians 9 - 1 year ago
    Hello Todd.

    Well said. Jesus has become a curse for us all on the cross ( Galatians 3:13), so now every believer that is covered with His Blood is protected. In fact there are no curses at all (from God) in the world even for unbelievers since we live in the age of Grace, not Law.

    Now about tenths, Paul in 1 Cor 16:2 says "Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come". So there isn't a fixed amount of money that we should give to the church, ie tenths, but a much as we wish to give, if we have anything to give.

    GBU
  • Adam - In Reply - 1 year ago
    There's a lot of misconceptions here- I'm not sure if you actually believe this or if you're just trying to incite a reaction from people. When I read the Bible I don't see skin color mentioned as much as you mention it, so why do you assume that's so important? The Bible is against discriminating against people as it says in Galatians 3:28, but here you're discriminating against people. Blaming them for how God made them? If someone claims people with one pigment are superior to others with a different pigment, that's racism. That's not exactly following the verse to love your neighbor. The Jews were God's chosen people- chosen for a special purpose- but God doesn't show favoritism Romans 2:11. The punishment and reward for good and evil are the same for "everyone" as it says in v9 and 10. God bless.
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply on Judges 17 - 1 year ago
    I agree with the comment on the intention of the cross. The Catholics; in particular like to venerate the cross as an image of perpetual suffering as though Christ is still suffering; rather than it being finished at Calvary. They also somehow thing they can suffer as Christ did because of the whole concept of the "stigmata" or so called marks of those suffering wounds as Christ did.

    Viewed as the scripture stated in the book of Numbers 21:8-9; there was a foreshadowing of Christ on the cross taking on the curse to heal the people. Galatians 3:13 repeats the verse in Deuteronomy 21 about anyone being "cursed" who hangs on a tree.

    The bigger problem is the depictions of Christ on the cross or any other imagery as He is God in the flesh; i.e. part of the Godhead. The O.T. made it clear that we were not to make an image of anything to represent God.

    We also need to realize that the Resurrection accomplished the victory over death; which was also needed so that Christ could be the first of the firstfruits; so to speak. He now is acting as our High Priest in heaven as the Book of Hebrews indicates; "ever interceding for us". ( Heb. 7:25). Christ is part of the eternal Godhead. Hence; He had to overcome even death. The victory occured at the moment he died when He said "it is finished". As soon as He passed from this earth; His soul went to the underworld to preach to those souls in Sheol; and to set the captives free. He created the heaven and earth hence hell had no suffering or hold on Him as some suggest. The souls of the rightous were freed from Sheol; and in fact many came out of their graves and appeared to the many after He rose from the dead. They would have been Resurrected to heaven at that time as part of the firstfruits as I see it; but it was only some that rose; others will be yet future.

    As long as the whole counsel of scripture guides us a cross I believe is ok; it is when we idolize the image we get into trouble.

    Agape.


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