Who Are You Listening To?

by Hugh DeLong

Text: Galatians 3

The promise to Abraham – all nations bless in his ‘seed’, which is Jesus. The law was given to Israel, but was their ‘tutor’ or ‘guardian’ to bring them to Christ, and now they are no longer under that tutor (the Law). However, the blessing was for all nations – including us who are not ethnic Jews! Now, in chapter 4, Paul enlarges on the problem: Some disciples were changing the gospel and arguing for the continued demands of that covenant with Israel.

This is the basis of the argument in Galatians 3:8 and following. Even though they were disciples, they demanded that disciples keep the various requirements of the old law. Paul mentions several such demands, including the keeping of the ‘holy days’ and circumcision. This was the very problem addressed by the apostles and elders in Acts 15 – “some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, 'Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved'”

That was answered by inspiration with a definite No. Here it is again, and it receives the same answer: No.

We are not under an obligation to keep the demands of the law of Moses. We are, as Paul said, “under law to Christ.” We now live by ‘the faith of Christ” (Galatians 2:20). We now walk by faith (II Corinthians 5:7). Jesus is our savior, king, mediator, high priest, and friend: The Father has said, “This is my beloved son, hear ye him.”

Who are you listening to?