The Law of Moses thunders: “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Ezekiel 18:20
Then I ask, “What is sin, then?”
And the Bible answers: “Sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4, ignoring the law, living as if it did not exist! Disobeying it, even in one little area!
Therefore one must conclude … the Law (of Moses) has found me a violator, a transgressor … and has sentenced me to death, eternal death in a place called Hell!
I am guilty!
But then, today’s beautiful Text …
“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.” Galatians 3:13
Jesus took my curse and endured its pain, its penalty!
Our Lord did this on the Cross of Calvary!
That’s where they “hung” him on a tree, a stake, a piece of wood!
Paul here is referencing Deuteronomy 21:22-23. ”And if a man have committed a sin worthy of death, and he be to be put to death, and thou hang him on a tree. His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.”
Yes, Jesus suffered God’s Wrath, God’s very Curse, on the “old rugged Cross!”
Then He offered, did our precious Saviour, to me and to you … “redemption!”
Liberty, release from the dangers of the Law!
The verb “redeemed” as in “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law” is “exagorazo,” meaning “to pay a price,” that is, “to make one’s own.” Virtually “to ransom!”
Jesus (in a word picture) took my whipping for me!
Jesus died (suffering the gravest penalty of the Law) on our behalf, folks!
He vicariously endured the curse of the Law … so I would not have to!
Sure makes me love Him!
“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.” Galatians 3:13
This great verse should be the centerpiece of all our thoughts today!
In 2 Corinthians 5:21 the Bible says “God made Jesus to be sin!” Then adds “for us!” Adding, “to give us God’s Righteousness instead!”
Here it is, word for word: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
That’s Galatians 3:13 re-written!
Praise the Lord!
What a Saviour!
What a Plan, God’s means of salvation!
I stand amazed!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell