Study Desk

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing.

Did you experience so much for nothing—if in fact it was for nothing?

just like Abraham who believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness?

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, Everyone who does not do everything written in the book of the law is cursed.

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, because it is written, Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.

For if the inheritance is based on the law, it is no longer based on the promise; but God has graciously given it to Abraham through the promise.

Why then was the law given? It was added for the sake of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels by means of a mediator.

Now a mediator is not just for one person alone, but God is one.

Is the law therefore contrary to God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if the law had been granted with the ability to give life, then righteousness would certainly be on the basis of the law.

for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.

For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.

I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me;

You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.

Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them.

My children, I am again suffering labor pains for you until Christ is formed in you.

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and the other by a free woman.

These things are being taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery—this is Hagar.

Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.