The other day I opened my bible to Galatians and starting reading. Before I knew it I was finished and God opened things up to me again.
Chapter 3 got me so excited.
Vs. 6-9 says:
Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
Then 13 & 14 says:
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
I got so excited being reminded that through faith we are sons of Abraham and heirs of the promise (Gal 3:29) and vs 13 & 14 say that Christ has redeemed us from the curse. So when you read Deuteronomy 28; the blessings apply (1-14) and the curses (15-68) do not. Provided we are “of the faith” and appropriating the promises through faith.
Vs 18 reminds us that it is through the covenant promises of God not anything we do, except believe, that makes the blessings and promises of God alive in us. Also 5:6 says that Faith working through love is what makes the difference.
Then Paul finishes up by talking about sharing one anothers burdens, being generous, doing good, and to glory only in the cross. He caps everything off by saying in 6:16,
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
I love that Paul calls us the Israel of God.
This Christmas remember that the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:1-3, Gen 15) says we are blessed to be a blessing and that all of the promises of God are “yes and amen”. (2 Cor 1:20).
And they apply to you!
Merry Christmas.
