Digging Deeper into Galatians: Chapter 3B

Verses 15-29

The changeless promise v.15-18

The purpose of the Law v.19-25

Heirs of the Promise v.26-29

Last time in Part 3A (Ch3:1-14) we saw that Paul tried to bring correction to the Galatian Christians using a series of rhetorical questions. As was as though they had fallen under the spell of the Judaizing teachers who wanted to put them back under the Mosaic Law including circumcision! Paul reminded them that we can only be justified by faith in Christ alone, anything else is a distortion of the true gospel.

We pick up now at v.15

Verses 15–18: The Changeless Promise

“Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as of many, but as of one, ‘And to your Seed,’ who is Christ. And this I say that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.”

Paul compares God’s covenant with Abraham to a legal contract. Once ratified, a covenant cannot be annulled or altered. God’s covenant with Abraham came 430 years before the law. Therefore, the law cannot cancel or override it.

The promise was to Abraham and to his Seed—singular. Paul makes the theological point that this “Seed” is Christ. All the blessings flow through Him.

If the inheritance were based on law, it would no longer be a promise, but something earned. But salvation is by promise, by grace—not by performance.

Verses 19–25: The Purpose of the Law

“What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator… Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.”

The law was given for three main reasons:

1. To expose sin – to reveal our need for salvation.

2. To restrain sin – to provide a moral framework for society.

3. To prepare the way for Christ – it was temporary, given “until the Seed should come.”

   
   

The law was given through angels and mediated by Moses, showing it was indirect when compared to God’s direct promise to Abraham.

The law was never against God’s promises—it just could not give life. Instead, it confined everyone under sin so that salvation could only come through faith in Christ.

Paul says the law functioned as a “tutor” or “guardian.” Its role was to lead us to Christ, but once faith has come, we are no longer under that guardian.

Verse 26 – Children of God by Faith “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” That is what Paul says. And notice, it is not through the law, it is not through rituals, it is through faith. This is our official status — sons of God. And yes, that includes the ladies as well. It is not about gender here; it is about standing. By believing in Christ, you become part of God’s family.

Verse 27 – Clothed with Christ “For as many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ.”What does it mean to “put on Christ”? Baptism symbolises being united with Him. To put on Christ means to take on His identity, His righteousness, His life. It is like wearing new clothes — the old has gone, the new has come. We are clothed with His character and His standing before God.

Verse 28 – Radical Equality in Christ “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”This is revolutionary. Paul breaks down all the barriers — racial, social, economic, gender divisions. In Christ, every believer stands equal. No one has an advantage, and no one is left out. Now, God still appoints authority in the church and in the home, but in terms of salvation and spiritual standing, we are utterly equal before Him.

Verse 29 – Heirs of the Promise “And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” This is powerful. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s true offspring. That means the promises God made to Abraham apply to you. Remember that old Sunday school song — “Father Abraham had many sons”? Well, we really are his children by faith. The blessings God promised Abraham are fulfilled in Christ and flow to us, not through lineage, not through the law, but through faith.

Key Takeaway from Verses 26–29 Paul’s message here is revolutionary. Faith in Christ redefines who belongs to God’s family. It is not about race, not about status, not about gender. It is about faith that unites us with Christ and makes us heirs of the promise.

That is wonderful news.

Learning Points from Chapter 3 (Summary):

• Faith, not law, brings the Holy Spirit. Paul asked, “Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” It was by faith. Salvation is by grace, not by performance.

• Abraham is our model of faith. He believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness. True children of Abraham are those who believe.

• God’s promise came before the law. The covenant of grace was established centuries before the law was given. The law did not cancel God’s promise.

• The law’s temporary role. The law was given to expose sin and act as a guardian until Christ came. It was never the final solution.

• Unity and identity in Christ. Through faith, we become children of God, clothed with Christ, equal in standing, and heirs of Abraham’s promise.

  
  

Closing Application So Galatians chapter 3 is a theological 'powerhouse'. Paul dismantles legalism and builds the case for faith as the only foundation of righteousness. The gospel transcends race, gender, and status. It unites us in Christ, and it opens the door to grace, equality, and inheritance in God’s family.

No wonder Martin Luther loved this letter so much — it gets right to the heart of the gospel. Praise God for His grace in Christ Jesus.

Amen

Personal Prayer

Materials Consulted

R.L. Solberg Galatians Parts 1-3 YouTube