“And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.”– Galatians 3:12 (KJV)
“But the law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, ‘The person who does these things will live by them.'” – Galatians 3:12 (NLT)
“But the way of faith is very different. It is a matter of doing things, not just talking about them. People who do these things will find life.”– Galatians 3:12 (MSG)
What Does Galatians 3:12 Mean?
When we read Galatians 3:12, we come across two differing concepts: faith and law. This verse speaks directly about how the law operates and its relation to faith. Paul, who wrote this letter, emphasizes that the law is not grounded in faith. Instead, it tells us that individuals must do things to live by them, which can be quite demanding. Essentially, this verse raises the question of what it means to truly live by the law versus living by faith.
The law requires action—one must adhere to it meticulously to attain righteousness. However, what Paul is clarifying here is that faith provides an entirely different approach to righteousness. When he’s discussing the law, he is referencing the old covenant that Moses received. Galatians 3:12 shows us that following the law is about performance rather than a relationship built on faith. In essence, it’s saying that the law itself cannot save us, nor does it bring us into a true relationship with God. Only faith can do that.
Galatians 3:12 Explanation and Commentary
As we dig deeper into this verse, we see Paul contrasting two very different ways of living. When we rely on the law for our righteousness, we are essentially saying that our actions and adherence to rules will earn us favor with God. But the unfortunate reality is that as humans, we are incapable of perfectly following the law due to our sinful nature. Galatians 3:12 points out the stark reality that no one can fully live by the law unless they are flawless. This is a sobering reminder for all of us.
In contrast, we have faith, which is a powerful force for our spiritual lives. Faith is more than just belief. It is trusting in God’s promises, in His goodness, and in His ability to save us through Jesus Christ. This means that instead of striving to earn God’s love and forgiveness through works, we can receive it freely by placing our faith in Jesus. This is indeed great news as it takes the pressure off of us to perform and places our trust in Christ’s work on the cross.
Through faith, we discover grace. Grace is that unearned favor from God that allows us to experience His love and acceptance regardless of our imperfect actions or shortcomings. This grace frees us from the performance trap that comes with trying to live by the law. It doesn’t mean that the law is bad. Rather, it reveals our need for a savior since we can never fulfill it entirely. Faith allows us to rest in the assurance that we are made righteous through Jesus.
Another important aspect of Galatians 3:12 is its broader theological implications. By stating that the law is not of faith, Paul is setting the groundwork for understanding the centrality of Jesus Christ in our lives. Jesus came not just to fulfill the law but to provide us with a new way to relate to God. We need to remember that our salvation does not depend on our ability to check off a list of rules but on our faith in Him, who has perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf.
Context of Galatians 3:12
To truly grasp Galatians 3:12, it’s beneficial to look at the context surrounding it. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Galatians to address the dangerous influence of certain teachers who were insisting that faith in Christ was insufficient for salvation. These teachers advocated for a return to the law, suggesting that the Galatians must adhere to Jewish customs to be truly saved.
Paul passionately counters this by reminding the Galatians of the freedom they have received through faith. He references Abraham, who lived by faith long before the law was given. Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness, showing us that faith has always been God’s chosen method for relating to humanity. The emphasis on faith over law sets the stage for understanding our relationship with God today. Paul seemed to be alarmed at the fact that these believers were slipping back into a mindset of legalism, which only leads to bondage.
As Paul continues in the chapter, he elaborates on the role of faith in receiving the promises of God. He illustrates how the law serves as a temporary measure, pointing us to our need for grace and salvation through Christ. This context enables us to see Galatians 3:12 not just as a standalone verse but as a central idea in Paul’s message about freedom in Christ and the significance of living by faith.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Galatians 3:12
When we break down Galatians 3:12, we must explore two key phrases that play a significant role in understanding the message conveyed. The first is “the law is not of faith.” This phrase communicates that reliance on the law for righteousness and a relationship with God is in direct contradiction to the principle of faith.
Living by the law means adhering to its demands as a way to be justified before God. Understanding that the law is not grounded in faith means that we cannot have a genuine relationship with God based on our ability to keep rules; it cannot be the foundation of our interactions with Him. This phrase essentially states that righteousness comes not from our works but through faith in Christ.
The second crucial part is “the man that doeth them shall live in them.” This part emphasizes the inevitable outcome of trying to live by the law—people will only find life through complete and utter observance. It points out the impossibility of achieving a perfect standing before God through our efforts. If we attempt to achieve divine favor through the law, we will face frustration and failure due to our limitations. Ultimately, the law can only lead to death and condemnation since no one can fully live up to its demands.
Thus, we are brought back to the reality of grace through faith. In doing so, we have the promise of true life—life that is full and abundant, rooted in our relationship with Christ rather than our ability to uphold the law perfectly. This breaks down barriers, allowing us to approach God boldly because our standing is no longer reliant on personal performance.
Lessons to Learn From Galatians 3:12
There are numerous valuable lessons we can take away from Galatians 3:12. The first is a clear understanding of the distinction between law and faith. We need to acknowledge that while the law has its place in guiding and instructing us, it should never serve as our means of justification or acceptance before God. We must learn to embrace faith as the foundation of our relationship with God.
This leads us to another crucial lesson: grace. When we come to Christ in faith, we receive His unmerited favor. We do not need to carry the burdens of legalism or performance. Grace allows us to breathe freely in our relationship with God, knowing we are accepted, loved, and valued despite our imperfections. It encourages us to live confidently, not out of fear or obligation but from a place of love and gratitude.
Additionally, we learn about the transformation that occurs when we place our faith in Christ. Our lives are no longer dictated by the law but are transformed by the Spirit of God. This transformative power works in us, leading us to become more like Christ. As followers of Jesus, we are called to walk in faith, reflecting His love and grace to the world around us.
Finally, Galatians 3:12 invites us to put our trust in God’s promises. It reassures us that our relationship with God is secure through faith. We can live our lives grounded in hope, knowing that we have been set free from the burden of the law. Each day, we have a chance to reaffirm our faith in God’s goodness and grace, encouraging each other along the way as we share the Good News of Christ.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of Galatians 3:12, we should remember the central message of this scripture. Relying on the law can lead to frustration and guilt, but when we turn to faith, we find grace and redemption. Paul’s teaching in this passage invites us to reflect on how we approach our relationship with God. Are we trying to earn His favor through our actions, or are we resting in the grace available to us through faith?
This is the essence of living a life of faith—a journey marked by trust, believing in the promises that God has made to us. We learn that faith is a relationship, not merely a set of rules. We are encouraged to encourage one another, sharing our experiences and walking alongside each other in our faith journeys.
As we move forward, let us grasp the true significance of faith and its transformative power. We can embrace the grace we receive and carry that for ourselves and others. If you’re eager for more insights, I invite you to explore other passages, such as 1 Samuel 20:3 and 1 Corinthians 13:13. Each verse provides wisdom and encouragement for our spiritual growth.