Galatians 3:12
Verse
Context
Sermons
Miles J. Stanford
A.W. Pink
Bob HoekstraSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the law is not of faith - It promises no forgiveness to believing, but requires obedience. It is not, What do you believe? but, What have you done? The man that doeth them perfectly, at all times, and in all places, he shall live in them; but if in any case he fails, he forfeits his life. See the notes on Rom 1:17, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
doeth--Many depended on the law although they did not keep it; but without doing, saith Paul, it is of no use to them (Rom 2:13, Rom 2:17, Rom 2:23; Rom 10:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the law is not of faith,.... The Arabic version adds, "but of man"; which as it is an addition to the text, so it contains false doctrine; for though the law is not of faith, yet not of man, but of God; the law does not consist of faith in Christ, nor does it require it, and that a man should live by it upon his righteousness; it is the Gospel that reveals the righteousness of Christ, and directs and encourages men to believe in him and be saved; nor does the law take any notice of a man's faith; nor has it anything to do with a man as a believer, but as a doer, in the point of justification: but the man that doth them shall live in them; the passage referred to, is in Lev 18:5, the word "them", relates to the statutes and judgments, not of the ceremonial, but of the moral law, which are equally obligatory on Gentiles as on Jews. The Jewish doctors (x) observe on those words, that "it is not said, priests, Levites, and Israelites, but "the man"; lo, you learn from hence, that even a Gentile that studies in the law, is as an high priest:'' so that whatever man does the things contained in the law, that is, internally as well as externally, for the law is spiritual, reaches the inward part of man, and requires truth there, a conformity of heart and thought unto it, and that does them perfectly and constantly, without the least failure in matter or manner of obedience, such shall live in them and by them; the language of the law is, do this and live; so life, and the continuation of that happy natural life which Adam had in innocence, was promised to him, in case of his persisting in his obedience to the law; and so a long and prosperous life was promised to the Israelites in the land of Canaan, provided they observed the laws and statutes which were commanded them: but since eternal life is a promise made before the world began, is provided for in an everlasting covenant, is revealed in the Gospel, and is the pure gift of God's grace through Christ, it seems that it never was the will of God that it should be obtained by the works of the law; and which is a further proof that there can be no justification in the sight of God by them, see Gal 3:21. (x) T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:12 The law itself is not opposed to faith (see 3:19-25; Rom 7:7-13), but trying to be righteous by keeping the law opposes righteousness by faith in Christ. Paul quotes Lev 18:5 to show that life under the law comes by obeying rather than believing. Right standing with God is impossible on that basis (Gal 3:10-11).
Galatians 3:12
Christ Has Redeemed Us
11Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” 12The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Stand Your Ground!
By Miles J. Stanford0ROM 6:14ROM 7:6ROM 8:2GAL 2:19GAL 3:12GAL 5:4EPH 2:8COL 2:16HEB 8:6Miles J. Stanford preaches about the contrast between the law and grace, emphasizing how the law can break a person while grace can make them whole. He discusses the complexity of walking in separation from religious systems of the past and future, highlighting the importance of being guided by the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Stanford challenges the misconception that Jesus was merely an introduction to Moses and that believers must keep the law to maintain their position, instead emphasizing that true faith leads to a natural walk of privilege and relationship with Christ.
The Adamic Covenant
By A.W. Pink0Sin and RedemptionFederal HeadshipGEN 2:17PSA 51:5ECC 7:29ROM 5:12ROM 5:181CO 15:22GAL 3:12EPH 2:3HEB 8:6A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the Adamic Covenant, explaining that Adam served as the federal head and representative of all humanity. His actions in Eden, particularly his sin, had judicial consequences for his posterity, establishing a foundational understanding of sin and redemption. Pink argues that the concept of federal headship is crucial for grasping God's dealings with humanity and the nature of Christ's atonement. He asserts that through Adam's disobedience, all were made sinners, while through Christ's obedience, many are made righteous. Understanding this covenant is essential for comprehending the principles of divine justice and grace.
The Nature of Justification, and the Nature and Concern of Faith in It
By Samuel Davies0GEN 3:21GEN 8:20ROM 1:16ROM 3:211CO 10:20GAL 3:12EPH 1:191JN 5:9Samuel Davies preaches about the nature of justification and the concern of faith in it, emphasizing the importance of the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel as the only sufficient foundation for the salvation of sinners. He explains that no righteousness but that revealed in the gospel is adequate for justification, as it must be perfect and fully conform to the divine law. Davies highlights that the gospel alone unveils such a righteousness, contrasting it with the inadequacies of human wisdom, sacrifices, repentance, and reformation. He urges the audience to examine their hope, ensuring it is solely grounded on the righteousness of Christ by faith, offering strong encouragement and consolation to those who have embraced this divine righteousness.
Great Blessings Through Living by Faith
By Bob Hoekstra0ROM 1:17GAL 3:12HEB 3:14HEB 10:35HEB 12:1Bob Hoekstra emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidence in the Lord, as it leads to great rewards, endurance, and obedience to God's will. He highlights the significance of living by faith, which is the pathway to blessings like spiritual stamina and assurance of salvation. Hoekstra warns against drawing back from faith, as it displeases the Lord, and encourages believers to persevere in the Christian race by looking to Jesus as the author and finisher of their faith.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the law is not of faith - It promises no forgiveness to believing, but requires obedience. It is not, What do you believe? but, What have you done? The man that doeth them perfectly, at all times, and in all places, he shall live in them; but if in any case he fails, he forfeits his life. See the notes on Rom 1:17, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
doeth--Many depended on the law although they did not keep it; but without doing, saith Paul, it is of no use to them (Rom 2:13, Rom 2:17, Rom 2:23; Rom 10:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the law is not of faith,.... The Arabic version adds, "but of man"; which as it is an addition to the text, so it contains false doctrine; for though the law is not of faith, yet not of man, but of God; the law does not consist of faith in Christ, nor does it require it, and that a man should live by it upon his righteousness; it is the Gospel that reveals the righteousness of Christ, and directs and encourages men to believe in him and be saved; nor does the law take any notice of a man's faith; nor has it anything to do with a man as a believer, but as a doer, in the point of justification: but the man that doth them shall live in them; the passage referred to, is in Lev 18:5, the word "them", relates to the statutes and judgments, not of the ceremonial, but of the moral law, which are equally obligatory on Gentiles as on Jews. The Jewish doctors (x) observe on those words, that "it is not said, priests, Levites, and Israelites, but "the man"; lo, you learn from hence, that even a Gentile that studies in the law, is as an high priest:'' so that whatever man does the things contained in the law, that is, internally as well as externally, for the law is spiritual, reaches the inward part of man, and requires truth there, a conformity of heart and thought unto it, and that does them perfectly and constantly, without the least failure in matter or manner of obedience, such shall live in them and by them; the language of the law is, do this and live; so life, and the continuation of that happy natural life which Adam had in innocence, was promised to him, in case of his persisting in his obedience to the law; and so a long and prosperous life was promised to the Israelites in the land of Canaan, provided they observed the laws and statutes which were commanded them: but since eternal life is a promise made before the world began, is provided for in an everlasting covenant, is revealed in the Gospel, and is the pure gift of God's grace through Christ, it seems that it never was the will of God that it should be obtained by the works of the law; and which is a further proof that there can be no justification in the sight of God by them, see Gal 3:21. (x) T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:12 The law itself is not opposed to faith (see 3:19-25; Rom 7:7-13), but trying to be righteous by keeping the law opposes righteousness by faith in Christ. Paul quotes Lev 18:5 to show that life under the law comes by obeying rather than believing. Right standing with God is impossible on that basis (Gal 3:10-11).