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"For it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are
written in the book of the law to do them."
These exacting terms if taken point by point, leave man hopelessly undone, but not
only is this so, there is a second argument gathered from the same source:
"But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just
shall live by faith."
This second argument is strengthened by the observation:
"The law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them,"
and the whole reduced to impotence in the presence of the cross of Christ:
"Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it
is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree!"
And so by way of redeeming love the apostle returns to Abraham's faith and blessing
saying:
"That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that
we might received the promise of the Spirit through faith" (Gal. 3: 10-14).
The chain of reasoning adopted by the apostle commences and concludes with the
reception or promise of the Spirit, the intervening links being:
(1)
The unreasonableness of concluding that having begun in the Spirit one could
be perfected by the flesh.
(2)
The sufferings endured at conversion being all in vain if this were to be so.
(3)
The example of Abraham.
(4)
The character of all his sons.
(5)
The preaching of the gospel by the O.T. Scriptures.
(6)
The foredoomed nature of all attempts at seeking a righteousness by the works
of the law.
Some of the arguments we have considered, some await out attention; all must
influence our judgment and understanding and should deepen our regard for the grace
that has been brought to us by our Saviour Jesus Christ.