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| 1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? |
O foolish – Thoughtless. R688:4
Galatians – In the Apostle's argument he endeavors to show the difference between the Law age just closed and the Gospel age just commenced. R70:2
His entire argument in this chapter is to show that the Law Covenant never was binding upon the Gentiles, but only upon the Jews. R4510:3
Throughout this chapter St. Paul contrasts the Law Covenant, from which the Jew was desirous to get free, with the original Abrahamic Covenant, which had only free children. R4510:3
Who hath – Some Judaizing teachers were trying to bring them again under the bondage of the Law Covenant. R1738:3
Bewitched you – Deluded you. R973:1, 1728:3, 688:4
The Galatians had originally received the correct idea, that Christ died for our sins--through whom we have redemption. R687:3
Paul was counteracting misrepresentations of false brethren. R3820:6, 868:5
As many as are trusting to the Law under its condemnation or curse. R1728:3, 973:2
This might be fitly applied to those of our day who are turning from free grace--to grace as a result of their own sacrifices. R688:4
Eyes – Of understanding. R4510:3
Evidently set forth – The Galatians had originally received the correct idea, that Christ died for our sins--through whom we have redemption. R687:3
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| 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? |
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| 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? |
By the flesh – The Church needed to be admonished of the danger of looking at that which is seen. R179:6*
Having begun to reckon ourselves new creatures, shall we change our hope and be perfected as human beings? R308:2
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing." (John 6:63) R123:3
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| 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. |
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| 5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? |
He therefore – Paul himself. F216
Worketh miracles among you – Pointing out the Lord's blessing in connection with his ministries, etc., in proof of his apostleship. F216
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| 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. |
Abraham believed God – God esteemed the quality of faith. R3230:2, 5170:1
This feature of his character specially endeared him to the Almighty, who, because of it, styled him his friend. R5169:6
He showed his belief by his conduct, and by obedience to the divine proposition. CR150:6
He did not believe his own imagination, nor the imaginations or dreams of other men. R5170:1
For righteousness – Partial justification. Justified to fellowship, not life. R5959:2
Might be styled "tentative justification."
Abraham and others before the Law Covenant, were not bound by it; yet were not in the fullest sense justified to life until the Abrahamic Covenant had been established at Calvary. R4320:2
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| 7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. |
Which are of faith – Children by special power of God. R793:2
The Gentiles were received under the Abrahamic Covenant of grace, whose blessings are conferred on a basis of faith. R4510:4
Through Christ, through the adoption of the holy Spirit. NS306:1
Children of Abraham – The fleshly or the spiritual seed. R1905:3
Typified by Ishmael and Isaac. R793:2
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| 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. |
God would justify – Actually, not reckonedly. F107
This text applies to the Gospel age. R4696:5; Q398:T
The heathen – All mankind--Gentiles. T91
Particularly to show that the reference is to the Gentiles who are justified through faith and not by works. Q397:5; R4696:5
Through faith – The reconciliation by restitution will not come as a result of the Law Covenant but by grace under the terms of the New Covenant, which must be believed in, accepted and complied with by all who would benefit by it. F107; R3684:2
Before – In advance. R5300:2, 4365:6, 4378:1; CR20:4
In the beginning. R5244:3
Before the Law. R70:2, 184:3
Beforehand--before it was due to begin. R2595:6, 2208:4, 1697:5, 924:3, 682:6
The first statement, the first announcement of the good tidings. NS406:1; R1697:5; CR20:4
The gospel did not begin with Abraham, but with our Lord Jesus. See Heb. 2:3. R2595:6
All that ever went before our Lord's preaching was not the gospel, but merely types and promises which foreshadowed it. R2595:6
From Genesis to Revelation the Word of God sets before us the Abrahamic Covenant as the primary statement of the divine plan for human salvation. NS441:4
As Rachel was the one chiefly loved and first promised, so the Gospel Covenant, the most desirable, was made before the Law Covenant. R184:3
The gospel – Good news. R406:1*, 290:5*
Good tidings in a definite form. R4387:1
Good tidings of a salvation from death. E384; T91; R682:6; CR20:4; HG181:1
Something of the divine plan for human salvation. R2208:4
The "Covenant with Abraham" was an advanced declaration of the whole gospel in an epitomized form. R2122:4
To Abraham the message was so much more explicit as to make it worthy to be termed a part of the gospel. R4451:3, 4939:3
The coming of Jesus did not change the divine purpose; Jesus and the apostles taught the same gospel. R5244:5
Four thousand years after Abraham's time we are proclaiming that great promise; it has not yet been fulfilled. OV428:2; R5181:3, 1697:5
The basis of the Jewish hope of a resurrection. R1878:1
Abraham – As Abraham here typified God, the promise shows two classes developed as God's children. R5300:2
In thee – As Sarah had one son, so the Covenant which she represented has one seed--Christ. R1389:2
All those who become children of light, by the begetting of the holy Spirit became members of the special seed of Abraham. R5769:5
Shall all nations – It excludes none. It extends backward as well as forward. CR20:5
All families of the earth shall yet be blessed through the spiritual seed of Abraham--Christ and the Church. OV380:2; PD58/70
The entire gospel message was briefly comprehended in the Creator's promise to Abraham. SM396:1; CR103:6; R5768:6, 4939:3
"For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God." (Rom. 8:19) E25
Be blessed – Be justified. T91
By the Kingdom of Christ and his Church. R5733:1, 4140:3
With an opportunity of return to harmony with God and of everlasting life. R4557:3
With knowledge and assistance out of sin and death conditions back to the renewed condition of eternal life upon the terms of obedience. R4537:6
The grand and glorious work of destroying the prince of darkness and setting at liberty the captives of sin, ignorance and superstition. R4793:3
God's provision, which begins with the Church, will proceed, after her glorification, to bless the world. R5063:6, 5761:4
Here was a vague statement of the divine purpose, relating to the blessing itself, as an acorn would be related to an oak tree. R4451:3
The restitution of all things. NS321:5
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| 9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. |
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| 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. |
Of the works – Trusting to obedience to the Law. R973:1
The curse – The condemnation of the Law. R973:1
Greek: katara. R701:5
Cursed – Condemned to death. NS361:3; R4370:5
In addition to the curse already resting on our race. R1725:1
The Hebrews were at a disadvantage as a doubly condemned people. NS361:4; R4510:3
Each Israelite who failed to meet all the requirements of the Law Covenant came under a curse, or sentence, not upon individuals of other nations. R5046:1; NS362:3
Is every one – Every Israelite. R1725:1, 5046:1
Written in the book – The words. NS361:3
Of the law – The Law Covenant. R1725:1, 5046:1
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| 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. |
Justified by the law – The Law Covenant failed because its mediator, Moses, was unable to give life to anyone except in a typical sense temporarily. R4388:6
While Gentiles were not to be brought under bondage to the Jewish Law, neither were Jews justified by it. R1657:6
It is evident – None can keep the Law, because sin has blemished all whom it has touched; all are imperfect. R105:2, 282:3
It proved to be unto condemnation to every one that ever was under it except Christ. R1658:1
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| 12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. |
The law – Given to Israel at Sinai. R682:3
Doeth them – Moses Law required actual obedience and made no allowance. R543:1, 454:6
No doubt Israel honestly intended full obedience and considered it possible, when they said "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do." (Exod. 19:8) R2121:2, 410:6
Shall live – Have a right to life and should never die. R503:2, 789:1, 454:6
Escape from death and from every evil and blight upon condition of living up to the requirements of the Law. R2121:2
The Law offered everlasting life to all who would obey it perfectly. HG307:2
Not live in a sinful or in an unsatisfactory condition, but under proper conditions. Q371:T
Christ will give to mankind his human life-right, which was secured by obedience to the Law. R4905:4; Q339:1
Had our Lord maintained his right to human nature, without making his consecration to death, he would have been fully entitled to have a paradise. Q370:4
The same law which guarantees that the disobedient shall die, guarantees also that the obedient shall live. R573:2
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| 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: |
Christ hath redeemed – Greek: exagorazo; publicly purchased, and taken possession of. No longer under the dominion of the Law. E430
Us – Formerly Jews. R2443:3
Jews, who alone are under the curse of the Law Covenant. R1725:3 5046:3
Christians who had passed from Moses into Christ. R5047:4
Christians who had been Jews and had therefore been under the Law Covenant had not only been purchased from under its sentence, but were also released from its dominion. E430
Our only hope is in Christ. R551:4
Paul classifies himself with Israel, some of whom were in Galatia and some in Palestine. etc. R5047:5
Curse – Greek: katara. R701:5
Condemnation. R2443:3
Not that the Law was evil, but that, because of imperfections of the flesh, the Israelites came under the condemnation of the Law. R2443:3
Of the law – Of the Law Covenant. R1725:3
Jesus must die on the cross in order to redeem Israel. R5126:4
The Jewish Law, as well as the Edenic law. R1658:1
Made a curse – Subjected to a special ignominy. NS362:3
Christ was made a curse in that he died on the cross. R4868:6, 5047:5, 2659:3
Having suffered for us the full condemnation or blight which the Law imposed upon the transgressor. R2443:4
Experienced the sentence of the accursed ones under the Law. R3901:4
He suffered as an accursed one. R448:2
He was cursed or bore the penalty of the curse--death--destruction. R586:6
Dealt with as the sinner. R4371:3
It was necessary that Christ should come according to the flesh. R1436:4*
For us – For us Jews. Q138:T; NS362:3
Our substitute. R551:4
The Jews needed to be specially redeemed from the curse of the Law, by our Lord's crucifixion. R4510:3
Jesus did not need to die on the tree for the Gentiles. Q138:T
Cursed is every one – Jesus would be held up and marked amongst all the people of God as being accursed. R3367:2
The Jewish nation needed something more than the rest of mankind, and for them it was necessary that Jesus should keep the whole Law. In order to meet the Law's extreme limits he must die on a tree. Q573:4; R3901:4, 2402:4
It was necessary for the Jew because that was the curse, the highest culmination of the Jewish Law, the special weight and force of the curse, the very extreme of the curse. Q138:T, 573:4
Our Lord's redemptive work was necessary for mankind, and additionally Israel, for the cancellation of the special curse or sentence upon them through failure to comply with the terms of the Law Covenant. NS18:5, 361:4
The severest penalty under the Law was crucifixion. R5577:5, 4868:6
Only those willing to make themselves of no reputation would be willing to follow the cause of Christ. R2925:1
Hangeth – The vilest sentence or curse against sinners under the Law Jesus bore, that he might not only be the Redeemer of the world in general, but also of the Jew. R3901:3, 5047:5; Q574:T
On a tree – Represented by the tree that Moses cast into the waters for their sweetening. (Exod. 15:25) R4010:6
Divine providence directed that the Roman should adopt the cross as a symbol of ignominy. NS622:3
Thus branding crucifixion as the most ignominious form of death. NS847:6
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| 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. |
On the Gentiles – The Apostle referred to himself as having been under the Law Covenant, and subsequently freed, and to Gentile converts as not having passed through such an experience. R1726:1
The selecting of only a remnant of Israel resulted in the enriching of the Gentiles proportionately. R1696:6
Through Jesus Christ – The promised seed. C169
"Through faith in Christ, but not by the works of the law." (Gal. 2:16) E444
That we – We Israelites. R1728:3, 973:1
As members of his Body. C169
Promise of the Spirit – Through Christ's death Gentiles were permitted to come under the Abrahamic Covenant, and Jews were permitted to rise to a higher plane than being merely the natural seed of Abraham, to become spiritual Israelites. NS362:3
Through faith – Not works, but faith in Christ's finished work alone justifies. E444; R416:6*
If God loves us and we love God, what need is there for a mediator between lovers. R4438:1
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| 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. |
A man's covenant – There were no conditions. If there were, it is possible that Abraham and his seed might fail to keep their part. R282:2
No man – The "man" was not the spiritual seed, and Jesus even as a perfect man could not give life to the race. Q193:T
Disannulleth – No one could alter its terms in any way at all. Q192:6
Addeth thereto – It stands still the same. Q193:T
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| 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. |
His seed – Christ; and in the broadest view includes them that are baptized into Christ. R692:3
The promises made – That all the nations, kindreds and families of the earth should be blessed. B13; E26, E476; F72; R5848:1*
If we are faithful, the Lord will give us opportunity of sharing in this work of blessing. R5761:4
See Gen. 12:2,3; 13:14-16; 15:18; 22:16-18. R4370:2
And to seeds – The Apostle Paul believed so fully in the verbal accuracy of the Scriptures that he bases his whole argument on a single letter of a word. R522:2
Of one – Our Lord is the Seed, yet God foresaw and has foretold the larger seed spiritual, which will include the Body, the Church with the Head. (Gal. 3:29) T33
And to thy seed – The spiritual seed of Abraham; typified by Isaac. R5090:1, 1341:6; C366; PD58/70
The promise said that the people's blessing would come through Abraham's seed. R5179:4
The Church, with Christ her Head, constitutes this heavenly starry, seed of Abraham. OV184:2; R5338:6, 4365:6, 4342:1, 2778:2, 2117:1, 2063:4, 1630:2, 1615:2, 905:2; CR368:2
The seed means one complete Christ, the Head and Body. 5549:3
This seed has its two developments, one in the flesh, in suffering ignominy, and the other in the spirit, in power and great glory. R3684:1
Which is Christ – Primarily the Head, and secondarily, the Body. T91; R2859:5
Refers to our Lord Jesus personally, exclusive of his Church. (See verses 22,24,26,27.) R1386:6
Through him and him alone could the blessing proceed. NS442:5
In the person of Jesus, the Law covenant was fulfilled, and the Abrahamic covenant began to be fulfilled; it will not be completely fulfilled until all the families of the earth are blessed by Christ. R282:5
Heir of the world. R1063:1*, 282:5
Not the Christ in one person merely, but The Christ in many persons. R1436:3*
"And if ye be Christ's then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." (Gal. 3:29) T91; F361; R3974:4, 3937:4, 3684:2; 460:5
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| 17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. |
That the covenant – The Abrahamic covenant, still in force. F360; R282:2; NS362:2
Originally proposed to Abraham while he was in Mesopotamia. B45
The Covenant included the promise of the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession. B44; HG44:1
Thus far there have been only two covenants, the old, or original one, and the Law Covenant. R4309:4
That was confirmed – Previously ratified. R4496:6
By two immutable things--God's Word and his oath. (Heb. 6:18) R2127:4, 4370:5, 282:2
Made after Terah's death, when Abraham came into Canaan. B45; R4585:6, 4586:1; HG44:2
Before – As Rachel was the one chiefly loved and first promised, so the Gospel Covenant, the most desirable, was made before the Law Covenant. R184:3
The law – The Law Covenant. B46; F360; R1728:3, 1389:2; HG44:3
The first feature of which was the Passover. R1980:2
Typified by Hagar, Sarah's servant. R1389:2
Was four hundred and thirty years after – After the Covenant made with Abraham. R1724:2, 4585:5, 4371:4, 2482:3*, 1389:2; F360; NS362:3, 698:4
Link No.20 in the true Bible chronology. B47; R1980:2
The Spirit put it into the mouth of the Apostle to name this definite period because chronology would have been imperfect without it. HG45:2
"Now the sojourning of the children of Israel was 430 years." (Exod. 12:40) B47
"By faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise." (Heb. 11:9) B47
The statements of Paul and Moses (Exod. 12:40) refer to precisely the sa the Law. B47; R2482:3*, 1980:2; HG44:2
Cannot disannul – Cannot make invalid the original Covenant, which was of grace and not of Law. R4451:5, 1724:2; F360
In any manner change the terms and conditions of that Covenant. R1728:4
It must have been a thoroughly completed Covenant. R4496:6, 2121:2
The Law given to Israel did not interfere with the original Covenant. A84; R2127:4, 70:2
The Abrahamic Covenant cannot pass away, nor be altered, nor added to. R282:2
The Church is being selected under the original Abrahamic Covenant which was barren up to the time when our Lord became the heir of all things, the spiritual seed of Abraham. NS698:5
Of none effect – Make it ineffective. F360
Useless. R2121:3
When the Law Covenant was fulfilled by our Lord Jesus it left the original Abrahamic Covenant just as it was before the Law Covenant was added. F360
The Law Covenant could not impair the gracious promise of the Abrahamic Covenant. R2121:3
The seed must come and shall bless all the families of the earth. R282:2
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| 18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. |
By promise – An unconditional promise; one-sided, needing no mediator. R4319:1, 4510:4, 2122:3; NS360:5
It imposed no binding obligations. R4510:4
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| 19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
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Wherefore then – The Apostle answers a supposed inquiry as to what was the object of the Law and why it was given. R1728:4, 973:2
The law – The Law Covenant given at Sinai. F360; R682:3
It provided certain typical transactions and prophecies, which have been very beneficial to spiritual Israel during this Gospel age. R5300:3
It was added – Illustrated in the type by the breastplate of judgment placed on the front of the ephod. T34; R72:4
Added to the Abrahamic covenant. R4585:5, 4451:5, 1724:2, 682:3; F360; NS288:1
God treated that Law Covenant as though it was his wife. PT363:1*
Because of transgressions – Because sin was spreading rapidly and men were degrading very rapidly. R1724:2, 2121:6
To manifest sin in its true light--that sin might be seen to be a great deep-seated malady. R1728:4, 973:2, 683:1
To prevent Israel's degradation like other nations, to act as restraint on their fleshly nature. R4370:6
To show to the Israelites and to all the impossibility of an imperfect man's keeping the divine Law. R4451:5, 2122:3, 683:1
To show Israel their unworthiness to be the seed; to insure the "promised seed" would be a perfect man; to prepare them to expect Messiah's birth out of the usual order. R2121:3, 683:1
The Law addition proved that the seed would be "holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. R2121:3,5
As a restraint upon the people and as an educatory process. NS288:2
Till the seed – The promised seed. R1724:3
The Christ, Head and Body. R1724:3, 2121:3; OV428:2
Specified by the Abrahamic Covenant. R4585:5, 5300:3
The seed must be of Abraham's descendants. R2121:3
All who are of that seed have their sins covered by Jesus. R683:4
Should come – To do the real work, the time for which had come. R1724:2
Through whom the blessings actually would come. R5244:4, 5300:3
Our Lord Jesus, having fulfilled the conditions of the added Law Covenant, made an end to it to every Jew who believed. R2121:5
By that time it had served its purpose. It was a ministration of death written in stones. (2 Cor. 3:6-17) R812:4*
Four thousand years after God declared that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head, and it has not yet crushed the serpent's head. SM44:1
To whom the promise – The Abrahamic Covenant. R1724:2, 682:6
By angels – Moses received the Law from God through angels, therefore the angels were superior to Moses. R61:4*
A mediator – Moses, as Mediator of the Law Covenant, was a type of Jesus, the Mediator of the New Covenant. R788:4, 4537:1, 4309:6
Under his mediation, Israel's past sins were ignored provided they would keep perfectly the divine Law. R4537:1
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| 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. |
Is not – Believers are under a Covenant which needs no mediator. R4368:4
Mediator of one – Where a covenant has only one side to it, it does not require a mediator. R4368:4, 4370:5, 110:6; NS360:5
When there is but one party to the contract. R110:6, 3915:3, 282:2
The original or Sarah Covenant needed no mediator. R4309:6, 4370:5
It imposed no binding obligations, therefore needed no mediator. R4510:4
The distinction between the unconditional and conditional is apparent from the fact that to the latter God gave a mediator, while to the former, none was given. R110:6, 282:2, 5227:1; NS360:5
God is one – God is the one person bound by that Covenant. R4510:4, 5227:1, 2122:3, 282:2
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| 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. |
Righteousness – And hence life. R812:2*
God is the author of only right and perfect Laws. R455:1
By the law – If a law and obedience to it, and punishments, could have reformed mankind, God would have chosen that way. R2049:3, 455:1
And not have sent his Son to be our ransom. R455:1
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| 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. |
Of Jesus Christ – The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus is the law of righteousness. R1322:6*
Them that believe – All who comply with the righteous requirements. R1958:3
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| 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. |
Kept under the law – Israel as a nation is still bound by the Law Covenant. Christ and the New Covenant which he mediates is the only door of escape from it. R1725:5
It will not end until the New Law Covenant with its better mediator supersedes, or takes the place, of the old Law Covenant. Q173:2
God's Covenant with Israel was standing as a wall around that nation, but its door was barred by justice, as represented in the Mosaic Law. There could be no proper ingress or egress; all were prisoners. R2441:5
Shut up – Waiting for the Good Shepherd to open the door. R2672:2, 2220:5
Unto that hope which should afterward be revealed, namely, Christ the door or way of life. R2441:5, 5047:4, 1725:6
Be revealed – The Law served to give Israel an idea of their need of divine help--the need of having the penalty paid for them. R587:4
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| 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. |
Our schoolmaster – Pedagogue or servant. R1728:4; NS644:5
The Jewish nation were minors, under age, therefore were treated as minors. R256:5
As are children under nursery laws and subject to teachers until an appointed time, so were the Israelites under the Law. R1728:4, 973:2
Showing them their weaknesses; preparing them to receive Jesus Christ as their justifier from things which the Law condemned. R4370:6, 4510:5, 542:6, 282:3
It furnished a check upon idolatry and immorality. R282:3
The Lord endeavored to uplift the minds and educate the character of the Jewish nation to prepare them for still higher instruction. NS644:5
A severe pedagogue to whom they were committed for a season. HG583:5
To bring us – Israelites. R1728:4, 973:2
To prepare the Jews for Christ and his message. NS361:4
Led to. HG582:4
Unto Christ – By showing us that it was impossible for us to attain to everlasting life without his assistance. R3843:3
And pointed him out as the Holy One of whom Moses had said, "Hear ye him." (Acts 7:37) HG582:4
Who became "the end of the law for righteousness." (Rom. 10:4) R542:3
Although the Law Covenant did not give eternal life to any Jew, it was of much advantage to them. (Rom. 3:1) NS361:2
Justified by faith – By hearing Christ's message they might exercise obedient faith, sacrificing faith. R4510:5
In the sense that ours is merely a reckoned or faith restitution. F104
Only believers are justified during the Gospel age. R199:3
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| 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. |
No longer under – This Law schoolmaster was not intended to hold dominion over Jews always, but until the remedy should come. R973:2
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| 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. |
Ye are all – If ye be Christ's. R1697:1
Whether by nature Jews or Gentiles, God's provision now is that all who reclaim Christ by faith and who consecrate are one in Christ Jesus. NS362:4
By faith – God is not the Father of all men. R5849:1*
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| 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. |
Into Christ – Into the name of the Lord Jesus. R1544:4
By immersion into his death. R4528:5
Since we have been accepted in the Beloved, we do not require a mediator. R4339:2
Put on Christ – Become members of his body. R4510:5, 4339:2, 48:4*
We begin to put on Christ after consecration, and after our begetting of the holy Spirit. R5081:6
Put on the spirit or disposition of the Master and be more and more conformed to his likeness. NS448:1
Adding the graces of character which God will accept and reward with association with the Lord Jesus Christ in his Kingdom. OV356:2; R5870:4; SM321:2
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| 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. |
There is – All distinctions of sex and color and condition are ignored, dropped from divine notice. T103; R1464:2*
God's preferences and favors are alike to all the new creatures--according to their zeal and love for him. Conditions of sex, race, color, etc., of the mortal body have no bearing with him. F489; R3768:5, 3769:1
All new creatures must esteem others in Christ Jesus as "brethren" and be kindly affectioned toward all, seek to serve all, and know no partiality amongst the brethren. F489
Now that Jesus had died, all of the typical distinctions are at an end. R850:2
Neither Jew – Because favor was granted to his nation in the past would not mean that he would have a preferential place in the Church. R3768:6
All nations are of one blood. (Acts 17:26) R3043:1
Nor Greek – The Greek was not to think that because the Jew had been cut off would mean he would be disfavored in the eyes of the Lord as respects a place in the kingdom. R3768:6
As this scripture would give no excuse for a common herding together of males and females, so neither should it be understood to imply anything promiscuous as between the different races. F490
Bond nor free – These qualities are not to be considered as making them inferior in God's sight. Q646:8
The Lord would not take notice of slavery as respect one's hopes for a place in the future Kingdom. R3768:6
Do not consider that freedom is necessary to your spiritual welfare. R3768:6
This does not mean that the slave who comes into Christ is to be considered a free man, and that he use his time, etc., in disregard of his master's wishes. R3768:6
Male nor female – In the Lord's estimation of his people. But this does not admit of lax conduct on the part of those who are still in the flesh. F490; R3768:2, 1548:3*
God accepts all those who come to him through Christ without distinctions as to race or wealth, servitude or honor amongst men, or sex distinctions. R3768:5, 1464:2*
While outward proprieties may distinguish the more public ministers as for men, and the more private ministries for women, yet there is no personal discrimination in our Lord's love and estimation. R2222:6, 1549:2,4
The gospel is free; under the Law there were distinctions made between bond and free, male and female. R850:2
All are anointed to preach. (Isa. 61:1,2; 2 Cor. 6:1) R1083:2*
The new mind must control and not ignore the flesh and expose itself to peculiar temptations of the flesh through a misunderstanding of these words. R3768:5
Taking the perfect illustration of headship between Jehovah and Christ we see that the order of headship, rightly exercised is entirely compatible with the glorious liberty of sons of God. R1550:1
Females are not excluded from baptizing, only that modesty, etc., indicate it be done only in rare cases, when necessary. R1541:4
All one – A new one--a new church. R2134:2
From God's standpoint he treats us as one, and has blessing for each and for all in the divine arrangement. R3768:5
All are on the same level in God's sight. R850:2
God regards each as not in the flesh but in the spirit. R850:2
If we attain a place in the Kingdom it will not be on account of our sex, race, or condition as human beings. R3769:4
All on a common footing; the robe of Christ's righteousness making up for the deficiencies. R2301:6
The least who retains this vital union with Christ is as certain of eternal life as is the greatest. R81:2*
We should acknowledge and fellowship the people of God, whether they be white or black, rich or poor, learned or ignorant. R5615:4
The standard of spiritual appreciation and relationship and of obligation to each and to all in matters both spiritual and temporal. F490
This text has no reference whatever to earthly interests and associations of the people of God--it merely relates to our standing before the Lord. R3769:4
If we attain a place in the Kingdom it will not be on account of our sex, race or condition as human beings. R3769:4
The Lord's people, gathered from every nation and people and tongue, are dissimilar in their intellectual, moral, physical and financial conditions, but the robe of Christ's righteousness makes up for the deficiencies of each one. R2301:6
In Christ Jesus – One Body, of which Christ Jesus is the Head. R4510:5
Consecrated believers; joint-heirs of the promise made to Abraham. R1696:6
From the time we become new creatures. "Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." (2 Cor. 5:17) T103
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| 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. |
And if ye – The Church, the Bride. E26; R4998:6, 4956:6, 4528:5, 4370:2, 4319:3, 3937:4, 3205:6, 2854:6, 2398:3, 2209:4; CR11:2; NS273:4, 291:3, 310:5, 399:6, 443:3
These words were addressed by the inspired Apostle to Christians, and they apply with equal force to the same class today. R1696:2
Be Christ's – His disciples indeed. R4453:5
Christ's members. R4528:5, 3205:6, 201:2
Consecrated believers. R1696:6
The elect. PD85/99; NS352:3, 540:4
If ye comply with the conditions. R4681:6, 1697:1, 1696:6; Q185:4
If ye belong to him. Q191:6; R1697:1
If we feed on him and partake of his life. R327:4*
Joining him and his standards, and be good soldiers of the cross. R4911:1
Become members in particular of the Body of Christ. F361; T91; R4371:4, 4370:2, 161:2*; SM45:T
If you have been "baptized into Christ, put on Christ," become "members of his body." R11:5
If ye, like Rebecca, the type, have accepted the Father's offer to become joint-heirs with his Son. R1386:6, 2795:4
How much hangs on that word Christ! CR215:2
The true seed of Abraham must have the testing of faith to the point of obedience even unto death, sacrificial death. R4378:2
To be his, body, soul and spirit, today and forever; his servant, to do his will in his way and at his time; when convenient and pleasurable, and when inconvenient, painful and difficult. R1697:1
Emptied of self in every sense--dead to self, and alive toward God through Christ. R1697:2
He does not say, "If ye be Jews" or "If ye be Anglo-Israelites" or "If ye be church members." R1696:2
We cannot belong to anyone else, for no man can serve two masters. R1697:1
We cannot compromise with the world, nor with its policy and spirit amongst Christ's disciples. R1697:2
It was not sufficient to be known as a regular attendant of one of the congregations of believers in Galatia--a brother in good standing with fellow-Christians and of good moral character. R1696:6
Then are ye – Believers. HG386:2; R2604:3, 284:2
Together with Jesus. A85; R1386:6, 1000:5
Not by being, like your Lord, natural heirs of the Covenant blessings, but by your union with Christ. R1386:6
Abraham's seed – Antitypical seed. R1617:2, 3502:1
Typified by Isaac. R4931:1, 4334:3
Isaac typified the Redeemer. OV164:1
God's seed. R161:2, 345:1
God's elect. R5301:4
Entire Church, Head and Body. R5549:3, 5198:5, 4964:5, 4793:3, 4365:6, 4334:3, 2691:6, 2563:6, 2415:5, 2128:6, 1364:4, 1149:2, 1140:6, 6:1; T33; CR196:2; 460:5; OV205:5; SM10:1, 530:T
Spiritual seed of Abraham, the Body of Christ. E395, E403; R5818:1, 5170:5, 5018:3, 4642:4, 4436:6, 2940:4, 2854:6, 2604:3, 1850:2, 1615:5, 536:1, 384:2, 201:2, 95:2; CR96:4; 368:1; NS782:5; OV236:2, 350:4; Q191:6
Christ and his overcoming Church. NS6:3, 32:4, 530:2; R905:1; HG442:4
"If ye were Abraham's children ye would do the works of Abraham." (John 8:39) R2604:6
We who are not Abraham's seed according to the flesh, are thus counted as Abraham's seed because of our faith and because we become members of the spiritual seed. R4606:1
The spiritual seed whose circumcision is that of the heart. R4442:6
According to the original divine plan a multitudinous "seed" was contemplated from the beginning. R2122:4, 2854:1
"The Christ is not one member but many." (1 Cor. 12:14) A82
Members of the Body of the Mediator. R4332:5
The seed is to crush the serpent's head. R2842:2, 544:1, 533:4, 270:5, 257:3, 134:6
The first two God called Adam and they brought death and misery on the human family. The second pair God calls "The Christ or seed" and they bring life. R139:1*, 305:2
The Church will be the Royal Priesthood for the blessing of all the families of the earth. R5713:6, 2360:5, 2297:1, 2122:5, 1790:6, 405:4*
Through the Redeemer and the Church, God's blessing shall come "to all people." R5822:2, 5178:1, 4734:2, 4372:2, 4302:2, 3694:1, 3294:1, 2750:1, 2238:1, 2055:1, 1910:1, 1771:3, 1750:1, 1073:5
Jesus did not inherit this Abrahamic Covenant according to the flesh, but as the new creature, as long as Jesus was in the flesh, the blessing of the world through him was impossible. R5226:6. 3; CR96:4
In a sense we are already the seed of Abraham, but not until we share "his resurrection" will we be the seed in the complete sense. R4681:6; Q185:4; CR49:5
The selection of the seed of Abraham and offer of membership in this seed, must be to the Jew first. R2758:1, 5273:4
This glorious Christ will be completed by the close of the Gospel age, and as a whole will be the promised seed of Abraham. SM45:T
But there is a natural seed of Abraham represented by the ancient worthies, and those who shall come in afterwards. Q192:T; R5859:4, 83:2
Equally, it will be true that if you are Christ's you are David's seed, to sit upon the throne and be the Messiah. Q192:2
Not Abraham's seeds. 38:3
And heirs – Joint-heirs and inheritors with Christ. R2691:6, 6013:3, 5178:1, 3867:6, 3050:3, 2885:6, 2209:4, 1510:6, 1386:6, 1155:1
Of this high honor. R924:4
Children of God whom Abraham typified. R1386:6
Of the Abrahamic Covenant--not of the Law or New Covenant. R4474:2, 4344:4, 3974:4
Of the Kingdom and its work of blessing the world. SM367:T; PD35/46; R5761:4
Christ will, according to the original promise, bless all the families of the earth, which we, with him, will then inherit. R3219:5, 1278:2
Ingrafted branches in the olive tree. F433; R3446:4, 3365:6, 2622:4; NS50:1
The outcasts of Israel and the worthy Gentiles become children of God and heirs of Abraham. R5005:1, 2417:2, 2401:5; NS820:4; PD60/72
As a human marriage is dissolved by the death of one of the parties, so those of the Jews who could recognize that Christ fulfilled the Law Covenant, could be united to Christ. R4319:4
The Church as the Bride of Isaac and his joint-heir--now betrothed and in the end of the age to be married to him and to enter his mother's tent--to enter into all the blessings that belong to the Covenant. R4440:2, 5169:2
The Apostle's thought is that of a wife who experienced the same honors and privileges as her husband, by becoming vitally associated with him. R3513:5
Sharers in the sufferings of the present time, and in the glory that shall follow. R4319:3, 6013:3; SM207:2
The spirit-begotten seed of Abraham must first be developed through trials, disciplines, testings, sacrifices, before it can be used in dispensing God's blessings. SM784:2; R2112:4; HG134:4
If we are heirs, the promise is still unfulfilled, until the Millennial Kingdom. R3206:1, 4642:3, 2409:1, 1697:5, 1195:4; HG546:1
The great blessing to come to the world will in no sense interfere with, but enhance, the glory of the Church when engaged with her Lord in dispensing blessings. R5654:6, 2908:5
According to the – According to the highest feature of that promise, the spiritual feature. R4453:5
These are to be God's jewels on the spirit plane. R4931:1
Promise – Made to Abraham, the Abrahamic covenant. R5444:5, 5198:6, 5169:2, 4964:5, 4515:6, 4510:5, 3684:2, 2122:5, 1850:2, 1728:6, 1697:5, 1000:5; A85; HG386:2
The great oath-bound promise. NS290:6, 291:3, 408:4, 460:6; R4297:4, 3178:5; HG380:4
That all the families of the earth shall be blessed through this seed. OV198:6; R5818:1, 4793:3, 4682:3, 4515:5, 4496:5, 3915:1, 1167:4, 902:6*; A97; E476; T91; CR196:3; 216:6; HG181:4; NS273:4, 286:6; SM64:3
The first covenant. R70:2, 283:4
The antitypical promise. R1617:2
The promise is not yet fulfilled and cannot be until the elect, the seed of Abraham, is completed. SM93:1; R5391:6, 5302:1, 3198:5, 1316:2; NS499:2; OV157:2
The elect will bless the non-elect. PD85/99; R4213:1, 2538:6, 2376:3, 1881:5, 1311:2; HG334:1; 545:6; NS321:5, 540:3, 778:6
Blessings are about to come upon the natural seed through the spiritual seed. OV81:2, 143:6, 350:4; R3066:2, 1786:3, 220:1; NS286:6, 288:1, 460:6, 625:5
Through the spiritual seed will come the blessing of Messiah's Kingdom for a thousand years unto every nation, people, kindred and tongue. R5314:5, 4140:3, 1908:6, 334:1
Fulfilling the petition of our Lord's prayer, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, even as it is done in heaven." R2862:1
Abraham's spiritual seed, like the stars of heaven and the brightness of the firmament, is the channel through which the secondary seed will receive its blessing. R4365:6; CR368:2
This promise has been the hope of Israel for thirty-five centuries. PD23/34
God's dealings with the Jews in the flesh were interrupted by the development of the spiritual seed--the parenthesis of the Gospel age. HG440:1; R1971:6, 704:6; NS679:1
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