Bible Study: Galatians 3- Faith, Promise, and the Fulfillment of the Law

The Law and the Promise

Welcome back to our Bible Study of Galatians! Today, we delve into one of the most foundational chapters in Galatians—chapter 3—where Paul masterfully explains the relationship between law and promise, emphasizing that salvation is rooted in faith in Christ, not in human effort or rituals.

A Recap of the Journey So Far

If you've been following along, you know that Galatians opens with Paul’s firm warning: even if an angel from heaven preaches a different gospel, let them be under God's curse (Galatians 1:8). Then, in chapter 2, Paul confronts hypocrisy and underscores that righteousness comes through faith, not works of the law (Galatians 2:16). Now, in chapter 3, Paul takes it a step further to clarify the purpose of the law and how faith in Jesus is the true path to salvation.

Starting with Confusion — Foolish Galatians

Paul begins chapter 3 with a strong rebuke:

“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” (Galatians 3:1)

He asks them to recall their initial experience: they received the Spirit not by works but by hearing and trusting the message of faith. This rhetorical question is an invitation to remember that they began their spiritual journey by faith—so why are they now turning back to legalism?

The Spirit Comes by Faith

In verses 2-5, Paul presses home the point:

“Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by believing what you heard?” (Galatians 3:2)

The Spirit, which empowers and transforms us, is given through faith, not effort. It’s a gift, not a reward for following rules. This truth is critical—our walk with God begins and continues through trusting Him, not through trying to earn His approval.

Old Testament Foundations: Abraham and the Promise

Paul then draws on Abraham’s story to reinforce his point. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Galatians 3:6 quoting Genesis 15:6 ). Importantly, this happened before the Law was given on Mount Sinai—long before the specifics of circumcision and ritual observances.

Paul emphasizes:

“The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham,” (Galatians 3:8)

This is revolutionary because it shows that salvation by faith was God’s plan from the very beginning. The law, given later, was never meant to be a means of justification but an accompanying guide.

Law or Promise?

Paul makes a clear distinction:

“All who rely on observing the law are under a curse,” (Galatians 3:10) because “’Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’” (Galatians 3:10, quoting Deuteronomy 27:26).

But the good news is this:

“The righteous will live by faith,” (Galatians 3:11, quoting Habakkuk 2:4).

And that faith connects us directly to the promise made to Abraham—that through his offspring, all nations would be blessed.

The Law Served Its Purpose

Why then was the law given?

Verses 19-25 explain that the law was added to address transgressions until Christ came. It acted like a guardian or a tutor—pointing us to our need for a Savior. Once faith in Christ has arrived, we are no longer under that guardian. Now, through faith, we are children of God—clothed with Christ, freely inheriting His promises.

Unity in Christ

The chapter concludes with one of the most liberating truths in Scripture:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

This affirms that our identity in Christ transcends all earthly divisions. In Him, we are heirs of the promise made to Abraham, adopted into God's family through faith.

Closing Thought

As you meditate on this chapter today, I pray that the Holy Spirit would deepen your understanding of the grace of God. May you be encouraged to live confidently, free from the burden of legalism or self-reliance, trusting fully in His divine promise of salvation.

Thank you for walking through Galatians 3 with me. I look forward to exploring chapter 4 next time — talking about inheritance, the spirit of sonship, and the fullness of God’s promise. Until then, stay rooted in faith, and walk in the liberty that Christ has given you.

God bless you, and see you in the next post!