Primary Scripture
Galatians 3:13 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:
Plain explanation
Messiah redeemed us from the curse pronounced by the law, not from the righteous law itself.
Common assumption
Redeemed from the curse of the law means redeemed from the law itself.
Scripture-defined meaning
Galatians 3:13 says Messiah redeemed us from the curse of the law, not from the law's righteous instruction. He bore the penalty so the redeemed could live to YAHUAH.
Confirming witnesses
- Immediate explanation: Galatians 3:10-12,14,21
The immediate contrast is between the curse for transgression and the promised blessing received through Messiah, while the law is not against the promises. - Lexical usage: Deuteronomy 21:22-23
Paul's tree-curse language comes from the Torah penalty Messiah bore. - Prophetic purpose: Isaiah 53:5-6
The prophet foretells Messiah bearing the wounds and iniquity of His people. - Apostolic confirmation: Romans 6:18
Paul confirms that redemption from sin makes believers servants of righteousness.
Takeaway
Faith and grace remove boasting and condemnation; they do not remove covenant obedience.
Context reflection
Where has avoiding legalism become an excuse to avoid obedience?