Galatians 3:13-22

New King James Version

^13 (A)Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, ^(B)“Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), ^14 (C)that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the ^(D)Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive ^(E)the promise of the Spirit through faith.

The Changeless Promise^(F)

¹⁵ Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: ^(G)Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. ¹⁶ Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of ^(H)one, ^(I)“And to your Seed,” who is ^(J)Christ. ¹⁷ And this I say, that the law, ^(K)which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God ^[a]in Christ, ^(L)that it should make the promise of no effect. ¹⁸ For if ^(M)the inheritance is of the law, ^(N)it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Purpose of the Law

¹⁹ What purpose then does the law serve? ^(O)It was added because of transgressions, till the ^(P)Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ^(Q)appointed through angels by the hand ^(R)of a mediator. ²⁰ Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, ^(S)but God is one.

²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. ²² But the Scripture has confined ^(T)all under sin, ^(U)that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.