June 22, 2025

However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them.”

Galatians 3:12

In this passage, Paul emphasizes that salvation comes through faith, not through adherence to the law. He’s not dismissing God’s law but clarifying its role. In the preceding verse, Galatians 3:11, Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 to reinforce his point:

“Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, ‘The righteous man shall live by faith.’”

In both verses, “life” refers to eternal life—salvation. God’s law is vital: it reveals His will, guides us in wisdom, and shows our need for a Savior. Yet, it cannot grant eternal life. The law can show us life but it cannot give live. That’s the beautiful work of the gospel! As Paul writes in Romans 1:16:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Paul joyfully affirms that eternal life comes not through striving to keep the law but through trusting in Christ, the heart of the gospel. The writer of Hebrews echoes this, encouraging us to keep “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

Christ has done the work; we receive His gift with open hearts. Only God brings salvation!

As someone beautifully put it: “The law says, ‘Do this,’ and it is never done. Grace says, ‘Believe in this,’ and everything is already done.”