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Galatians 3:23-29
Sunday Between June 19 and 25 (Proper 7) C (Second Reading) June 21, 1998
Galatians 3:23-29
Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be
revealed. [24] So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be
justified by faith. [25] Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision
of the law.
[26] You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, [27] for all of you who were
baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor
Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [29] If you
belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
(NIV)
Galatians 3:23-25 (The law was a school master to lead them to Christ)
The law did not teach a living, saving knowledge; but, by its rites and ceremonies, especially by its sacrifices, it pointed to Christ, that they might be justified by faith. And thus it was, as the word properly signifies, a servant, to lead to Christ, as children are led to school by servants who have the care of them, that they might be more fully taught by Him the true way of justification and salvation, which is only by faith in Christ. And the vastly greater advantage of the gospel state is shown, under which we enjoy a clearer discovery of Divine grace and mercy than the Jews of old. Most men continue shut up as in a dark dungeon, in love with their sins, being blinded and lulled asleep by Satan, through wordly pleasures, interests, and pursuits. But the awakened sinner discovers his dreadful condition. Then he feels that the mercy and grace of God form his only hope. And the terrors of the law are often used by the convincing Spirit, to show the sinner his need of Christ, to bring him to rely on his sufferings and merits, that he may be justified by faith. Then the law, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, becomes his loved rule of duty, and his standard for daily self-examination. In this use of it he learns to depend more simply on the Saviour.
Galatians 3:26-29 (Under the gospel state true believers are all one in Christ)
Real Christians enjoy great privileges under the gospel; and are no longer accounted servants, but sons; not now kept at such a distance, and under such restraints as the Jews were. Having accepted Christ Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, and relying on him alone for justification and salvation, they become the sons of God. But no outward forms or profession can secure these blessings; for if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. In baptism we put on Christ; therein we profess to be his disciples. Being baptized into Christ, we are baptized into his death, that as he died and rose again, so we should die unto sin, and walk in newness and holiness of life. The putting on of Christ according to the gospel, consists not in outward imitation, but in a new birth, an entire change. He who makes believers to be heirs, will provide for them. Therefore our care must be to do the duties that belong to us, and all other cares we must cast upon God. And our special care must be for heaven; the things of this life are but trifles. The city of God in heaven, is the portion or child’s part. Seek to be sure of that above all things.
(Matthew Henry Concise Commentary)