Study Desk

For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.

Now a mediator is not for one party only; but God is only one.

Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? Far from it! For if a law had been given that was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.

But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the Law, being confined for the faith that was destined to be revealed.

For you are all sons and daughters of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with 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.

I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.

I beg of you, brothers and sisters, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong;

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

but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone of voice, for I am at a loss about you!

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

This is speaking allegorically, for these women are two covenants: one coming from Mount Sinai giving birth to children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.

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

For it is written: "REJOICE, INFERTILE ONE, YOU WHO DO NOT GIVE BIRTH; BREAK FORTH AND SHOUT, YOU WHO ARE NOT IN LABOR; FOR THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE ONE ARE MORE NUMEROUS THAN THOSE OF THE ONE WHO HAS A HUSBAND."

But what does the Scripture say? "DRIVE OUT THE SLAVE WOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE SLAVE WOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN."

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

For we, through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.

But as for me, brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been eliminated.