Under a Curse

Scripture Reading: Psalm 83; Isaiah 15-19; Galatians 3

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law and do them.” Galatians 3:10

I was out walking recently and passed by a few men dressed and groomed in a way in which they were easily identified as followers of Islam. They are under the delusion that wearing certain clothing, praying at specific times and in specific ways, having a regulated diet, and other regimented ways of living are putting them on the path to eternal life.

They aren’t alone in this delusion. (I’m calling it a delusion because Paul says in Galatians 3:1 that the people of Galatia were “bewitched”). People who believe and follow Mormonism, Judaism, Hinduism, etc., are all in the same boat. They all, in their own way, are relying on certain works to secure salvation under whatever terms they call that.

And this error can even creep into the Christian church. That is what Paul is writing to warn the Galatian believers about.

To rely on works is to place yourself under a curse. If you rely on works of the law, you better do all of them and you better do them perfectly. You have to keep them 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the whole of your life.

Of course, we haven’t and we can’t. And that is the point. We have all sinned, as Paul wrote in Romans, and fallen short of the glory of God. What are we to do? Righteousness comes by faith not by works of the law.

Rely on Christ, His death and resurrection, and not on your works, and you will be saved.