Leslie M. John
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”O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?” (Galatians 3:1)
Apostle Paul admonishes Galatians in no uncertain terms for believing in works that they thought should be associated with salvation. The word he used is 'bewitched'. He asked them as to who has cast a spell over their understanding or enchantment, or fascinated them about their belief that law would save them and works were associated with their salvation. He called them 'fools' (Galatians 3:1) because he was not happy with them for holding such belief that law and works could save them.
The word 'fools' used here does not demean them that they lack wisdom and prudence, but he demeans their misunderstanding that they must do something under the law to God as compensation to what he has done for them. The meaning of 'fool' here was similar to what Jesus meant in Matthew 7:26.
The whole chapter of Galatians 3 deals with the subject of law versus grace. Paul not only questions them if there is anyone in the world, who is perfect in flesh, but also provides answers to his questions that no one could be saved by the law and works. He goes on to say that only faith in Jesus Christ, who redeemed us from the curse of the law could save any body. Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him as righteousness. Paul says that the children, who are of faith in Christ, are the children of Abraham.
The Scriptures foresaw that God would justify the heathen through faith, and made available to us, the Word, through preaching, and made available this preaching even before the proclamation of the gospel unto Abraham that in him shall all nations be blessed. Obviously, this indicates that those, who are of faith in Christ, are blessed with Abraham who was a man of faith.
Apostle goes on, further saying that those who think that they are still under the works of the law subject themselves to be under the curse. It is written in Galatians Chapter 3 that whoever continues to believe in becoming perfect by obedience to the commandments written in the law is cursed. No one can be justified before God under the law. The just shall live by faith and it is certain that the law is not of faith, but whosoever, tries to believe that law would save them would live by them, and would be under the curse.
Lord Jesus indeed came to save his own, but when they rejected him, salvation was made available to Gentiles. No doubt this was in the plan of God, and this mystery was revealed in Romans 11:6-11 and 25. Jesus came into this world to provide a way out from these stringent laws. Jesus is the way, the truth and the light and by faith in him a person is saved by grace. Jesus was hung on the cross and bore our sins to redeem us from the curse. It is written that ‘cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree’ and Jesus became curse for us. He came into this world so that the blessing of Abraham would be available for Gentiles through him, so that the gentiles also may receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
”Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham”. (Galatians 3:6-7)