Galatians 3:10 Trust in Christ, For Those Who Seek to Live by the Law are Under a Curse

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, to perform them.”

The Law was not given to be a way to attain righteousness before God. Rather, it was given for the purpose of revealing to us our sinfulness (Romans 7:7-13). God showed mankind, through the Jews at Sinai, that we are unable to keep His holy standard. No one ever, with the exception of Jesus, has kept the Law of God. Therefore, all have proven they are under sin. Since mankind is under sin, no one is able to perform the deeds of the Law without stumbling. Thus, those who attempt to keep the Law and to live in obedience to it, rather than accepting God’s gift of righteousness in Christ Jesus, fall under a curse.

However, do not be mistaken. Paul is clear that the Law in itself is good and is not to be blamed for our sinfulness. The Law is a blessing, not a curse. “Did that which is good become a cause of death for me? May it never be! Rather it was sin, in order that it might be shown to be sin by effecting my death through that which is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful” (Romans 7:13). The Law, in showing us our sinfulness, points beyond itself to Christ as both the fulfillment of the Law for us and for the forgiveness of our inadequacy in keeping the Law. Thus, brothers and sisters, do not look to the Law for your righteousness and your acceptance before God. You are not accepted with God by keeping the Law. You can never measure up to God’s standard in the Law by being “of the works of the Law.” If you could, Christ’s death would have been in vain; for if one could keep the Law, so could all.

It is because of this inadequacy that those who seek to live by the works of the Law are under a curse. If you attempt to live by the Law, you must live by the whole Law. To break one Law is to break the whole Law of God. You become guilty of all (James 2:10-11). Thus you are rightfully condemned by God as a sinner; and you will receive the just punishment for your transgressions and disobedience (cf. Hebrews 2:2). You are cursed by God, Mr. (or Miss/Mrs.) Seeks-to-Live-by-the-Law, because the Law testifies against you that you are a sinner and that you have not kept every precept of the Law. It condemns you because you have committed intergalactic treason against your Creator and Master. The Just Judge of the universe will never allow you to get away with this. It is for this reason that you must turn to Christ and trust fully in Him. You cannot attain the righteous requirement of God on your own doing.