Studies in theWord
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Brothers and sisters,
I’ve been reading through an excellent little book titled “Law and Grace” by Alva Mclain. He does an excellent overview of the word “law” throughout the Bible. He specifically gets into the Greek word nomos νομός which is used for the word “law.” He takes some time and compares it to the Mosaic Law that is the first 5 books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. What I appreciate is he examines it in light of the Jew, Gentile, and Christian.
So in light of that lets take a look at a few passages in Galatians in relation to the Law and the Christian.
Context: In this context of Galatians the word nomos/Law/law is referring back to the Mosaic Law which is the first 5 books of the Old Testament. If you would like to get into this even more you can use BYZa (Greek), NA28 (Greek), NET2 (Strongs), NASB (Strongs).
“Does God then give you the Spirit and work miracles among you by your doing the works of the law (νόμου a form of nomos) or by your believing what you heard?” Galatians 3:5 NET2
Paul asks a question of the believers in Galatia in relation to the Mosaic Law. How did they receive the Holy Spirit?
“For all who rely on doing the works of the law (νόμου a form of nomos) are under a curse, because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not keep on doing everything written in the book of the law (νόμου a form of nomos).” Galatians 3:10 NET2
Paul informs those who are relying putting their trust in the works of the Mosaic Law that they are under a curse because they must maintain it throughout the entirety of their lives in all aspects moral, ceremonial and civil.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law (νόμου a form of nomos), having become a curse for us–for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”–in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.” Galatians 3:13-14 NASB
There is a redemption plan that God has in place so one may come out from under the curse of the Law (Mosaic Law) which is in Jesus Christ. Paul here reminds the believer in Galatia that they are already redeemed from the curse of the Law because of Christ. (For an in-depth discussion of this passage please see: CHRIST REDEEMED US FROM THE LAW’S CURSE WITH RESULT)
As you have time. Invest in learning more of the tools available in theWord Bible software. They can help you grow in your study of your English Bible, Greek Bible, or whatever Language you may be using.
In Christ,
Jonathan Koehn @ theWordBooks Team
