A man sits bowed in death. Even the nation’s leaders cannot free him. Word is awaited from God.
The word comes. He must die for his sin! The broken law rises with its curse against him. The story is in Numbers 15:32-36.
The word “curse” is a key word in our text for today. See it:
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree,'” Galatians 3:13).
The word “curse” means an execration, condemnation, damnation. Opposite of “curse” is “blessing”. See James 3:9-10.
Now, to be under curse of the law means to be guilty and exposed to the threatened penalty. Not yet executed but in death row. The governor’s last reprieve gone. Final appeal being made to the president, you wait anxiously for the fatal word. Footsteps in the corridor! The word comes, “He refuses! All hope is gone!” Soon you hear other steps. The execution party!
That is what is meant by being under the curse.
In God’s government of this world, that punishment due sin must be paid, too. No arguing will change a jot or tittle of His law. It condemns all men. “Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God,” (Galatians 3:11). I could never then, be a part of any religious group, church or lodge that has the law rather than the blood redemption of Jesus at its center. Our text chapter says the former is a way of cursing. Chapter one says it is anathema, and 5:1 says it is a way of bondage.
Nor, are we able to appeal to the love of God against His holiness. Is God divided? Read Galatians 6:7,8.
Stand up, O man, in that great hour of judgment. With God’s burning eyes searching deep into your past — every thought, word, act in the open — what will you say? Silence! “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire,” (Matthew 25:41).
Yet, our text boldly declares “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.” That means that if He is our Savior, His sacrifice clears the books. There is no judgment against us, Romans 8:1; I John 1:7.
Furthermore, the burden is lifted from my heart. If God be for me, who can condemn? I take courage against all the snarling, discouraging inner accusations from the devil. Christ has paid the full price.
Not only is the curse removed, but the blessing is mine! “So those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith,” (verse 9). Then verse 14 shows us that this wondrous blessing is the very fullness of the Holy Spirit, living in us.
Yes “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law.” Having made somewhat of an evaluation of this truth, let us have now a more complete explanation of it.
That man in death row! Was not God’s heart bursting in love for him? Yea, not a sparrow falls to the ground without the Father’s care, Matthew 10:29. “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign Lord, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, people of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11).
BUT HOW CAN GOD FORGIVE US?
What of the curse against us? “For all have sinned,” (Romans 3:23). Our text Galatians 3:13 has the answer. Christ was made for us a curse — vile, and outcast! (Study 2 Corinthians 5:21.)
You see, from the Old Testament days it was written, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.” (Our text is quoting from Deuteronomy 21:23.) Thus, being hung there on the cross, He was a very curse before God and man. That is why they hastened to take His body down before sunset, that the land might be cleansed. God treated Christ as if He had committed your and my sins. The curse was removed from us by being transferred to Him.
Picture the Son of Man bowed in His death row, Gethsemane. He pleads, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done,” (Luke 22:42). But the law is inflexible. If He is to save, the curse must be faced.
He died for us.
Be sure to notice the words “by faith” in verse 14. This is the way we receive Christ as Savior and take the promised blessing. It means a full surrender to Christ as Lord and Master.
Once we have rested our case in His hands, we ought never fear and doubt again. Daily claiming the benefit and freedom of the cross, we must grow with Jesus.