Deep Dive into Commentaries on the Epistles of Paul to the Galatians and Ephesians by John Calvin - Galatians 3

The theological framework presented to the Galatians fundamentally contrasts two paths to God: the Law and Faith. The Galatians were sharply rebuked and accused of being "bewitched" because they abandoned the clear, powerful gospel—their spiritual beginning—to seek perfection by adherence to the Law, or the "flesh."

The apostle asserts that righteousness and the grace of adoption are received entirely by faith in Christ Jesus. Faith is defined as the gospel itself—the doctrine of free grace—and is the instrumental means by which men receive the righteousness that is the "mere gift of God." In this capacity, faith necessarily excludes all merit of works, human excellence, and reliance on outward ceremonies from the cause of justification.

The Law and works are faith's strict scriptural antithesis. The Law was not given to give life, but rather was "added because of transgressions" to make sin known. It acts as a mirror, revealing man's distance from true righteousness, thereby concluding "all under sin" and leaving nothing but condemnation. This condemnatory function defined the Law’s administration as temporary; it served as a schoolmaster to bring people to Christ, the promised "Seed."

Christ is the single individual upon whom the covenant of grace rests and to whom the promises were made. The temporal office of the Law was fulfilled upon the arrival of Christ, the Seed, marking the coming of the era of Faith, or the brighter revelation of grace.

All believers become children of God and heirs of Abraham’s promise through their union with Christ. This union is achieved through faith and symbolized by being baptized into Christ, or "putting on Christ." This spiritual unity removes all earthly distinctions, ensuring that believers, whether Jew or Greek, bond or free, male or female, are all one in Christ Jesus. The reception of the Holy Spirit, whether as regeneration or miraculous gifts, confirmed that the blessing came through the "hearing of faith," not by works of the Law.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

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