The Promise Before the Law - Part 1 (Gal. 3:15-18)

GALATIANS EXPOSITORY SERIES

 

Throughout this chapter Paul has been proving that justification and the Holy Spirit come by faith and not by works. First, he argued from experience—the experience the Galatians had when they received the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:1-5). Next, he argued from Scripture—the biblical record about Abraham, the man of faith (Gal. 3:6-14). But when it comes to making a theological point, it always helps to have a good illustration, so next Paul takes a human example (Gal. 3:15a). According to standard legal practice, with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified (Gal. 3:15b). The covenant is permanent.

By covenant, Paul refers instead to a covenant for an inheritance, what today might be called a "last will and testament." A will is not a contract. It does not set terms that various parties are obligated to fulfill. Instead, it simply declares what one party intends to do. A last will and testament is a legal arrangement in which one party bestows his or her estate on someone else. It is a grant rather than a bargain.

The kind of human covenant Paul has in mind is also irrevocable. Once it is signed, sealed, and delivered, it cannot be changed. There is no way to set it aside or add to it. It cannot be abrogated or annulled. It cannot be amended or adjusted. It is legally binding exactly as it stands.

 

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