In Chapter 2 of Galatians, we were given a very important lesson by Paul, on the foundations of Christianity. In as much as the Apostle Peter had temporarily regressed back into the Jewish custom of separating from the Gentile, that event was given for us today as an example. Peter was a good man and loved Christ, and even as he would deny Christ three times, it no doubt happened for our learning. I'm sure Peter was aware of his shortcomings in the flesh, as we all should be, for by 'faith in Christ' are we 'justified' and 'saved', and there is none other Way of Salvation.
 Did Peter's transgressions endanger his mission which Christ gave him? Absolutely not, as Peter was called 'Cephas' by Jesus Christ in John 1:42, which is 'Kephas' in the Greek meaning 'the Rock' (Strong's no.2786). Paul also taught the deeper message of the foundations laid by the Apostles in 1 Cor.3. In that Message a warning was given for God's servants who help lay Christ's Foundation. It is written there that the 'works' built upon that Foundation, Which is Christ, will be tried in the fire. Only those who help build It according to The Word, will have 'works' that will stand through God's 'consuming fire' (also see Eph.2:19-22 note that 'foundation' is built by God's prophets also; Rev.21:14). Well what about the shortcomings of the flesh? Won't they have to answer for their sins at that time also? You tell me what happens when we sin, have a change of heart, and repent to Christ. Those sins are wiped away, removed; just like that, and our Lord doesn't want to hear about it anymore; and the good 'works' built upon That Foundation remain.  And that is the Foundation of True Christianity which Christ built. Don't let any man or 'system' rob you of that, trying to keep you in bondage.
 Paul is going to go deeper in this 3rd Chapter of Galatians concerning the differences between the New Covenant and the Old Covenant Law, as we ask a Word of Wisdom from our Father in Christ Yeshua's Name, Amen.

Gal 3:1   O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

 Paul is trying to remind them of their first hearing and receiving our Lord Jesus Christ. These Galatians were going down the path of forgetting, much as Christ's Apostles had done after Jesus had resurrected (see Luke 24). Their unbelief is an example for us today, and as said before, that's why these events happened to them, so we would know what would befall us in these 'latter days' (see I Cor.10:10-11). So it's really important to know where your 'foundation' is today, in order to stand against the future coming of a 'false messiah' (Eph.6). That 'son of perdition' will come in our near future, during this last generation of the flesh (2 Thess.2).

Gal 3:2    This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

 Paul is asking them a question, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit because of following the Law, or by believing on Jesus Christ as Savior?" Well, by 'faith' of course!   The Law hasn't saved anyone yet, nor will It ever, because one would have to be 'perfect' in It, if that were possible. Break just one little jot or tittle of the Law, and that means automatic failure in all of It.
 Paganism teaches the idea of 'perfection'. That's one of their biggest lies from Satan. The 'wicked one' knows very well that the flesh cannot be perfect. That's why pagans come up with the idea of reincarnation, because it's very obvious that everyone born in the flesh has sinned. So they give thousands of lives in the flesh to 'get it right'. It won't happen, as all are given to be born of woman one time, and then judgment (Heb.9:27). Christ's command in Matt.5:48: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father Which is in heaven is perfect", really means to be complete in moral and mental character, i.e. maturity, as the word for 'perfect' is 'teleios' in the Greek (Strong's no.5046). Our Savior was in the flesh when He stated that. He was saying to be 'mature' like our Father (Yehovah) Who is in Heaven. Jesus was talking about being 'perfect' in the 'spiritual sense', not the flesh, for He knew we would always fall short while in the flesh.

Gal 3:3   Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
4    Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.

 Christ sets us free from the bondage of flesh. That's what Salvation means, because none can ever hope to achieve their own salvation. Does that mean that God's Law is not good, just because our flesh can't ever hope to be perfect in It? Not at all; The Law was our 'Schoolmaster', as stated earlier. It is our 'Guide'. Even the Hebrew word for 'Law' points the Way of Salvation through Christ; i.e. 'Towrah', from its root means 'to throw or shoot an arrow; point out; teach' (Strong's nos.8451;3384)..
 Perhaps the confusion between Salvation through faith in Christ and The Law by many Christians today, is because they don't have a good understanding from The Old Testament concerning this matter of flesh and Spirit. Since very few Churches are teaching the whole Word of God, Chapter by Chapter and verse by verse, they miss much Truth. I'm going to go really deep here, so hang on to your hats.
 Both Old and New Testaments reveal, especially in the Manuscripts, the previous existence of a spiritual first earth age (Gen.1:2; Jer.4; Isa.45:18; Jer.1; II Peter 3; Jude; Romans 9). It was a time when even Satan (Lucifer) 'was perfect' in his ways (Ezek.28). At that time also, all 'souls' (that means us too) had already been created by GOD (Gen.2:1), and we 'all' existed on this earth, in a state of Paradise, or Eden, with 'no flesh body'. You won't find any 'direct' statements like the last one in God's Word, but you will come to know it if you properly understand Paul's references to 'foreknew', 'predestinated', and many more Chapters which reveal that first time 'of old'. I feel I've done my job so far, in helping to reveal that first time with my other Letters on Genesis and Isaiah. That was to prepare for properly understanding The New Testament, and the 'fulfillment' of the prophesied Salvation through Christ Jesus, and the coming of God's future Kingdom upon earth. Even Paul taught this in Hebrews 11 that those Patriarchs and prophets of The Old Testament had 'faith' in the Knowledge of Jesus Christ, but they hadn't received the fulfilled Promise of Salvation yet, as It wouldn't be fulfilled until Jesus Christ came in the flesh and died upon the cross. In other words, they definitely knew that GOD was going to send His Savior for the gift of Salvation; they just didn't get to live in the flesh to see it be fulfilled!  Hebrews 11:13 reveals that those of Old Testament times who had 'faith' in the Promise of the coming Salvation, 'knew' they were 'strangers' and 'pilgrims' here on the earth, trapped in flesh bodies, and that their REAL HOME was a spiritual 'heavenly home', and that It would AGAIN, eventually, be re-established upon this earth, as it was once before. Satan (then called Lucifer) rebelled during that first time drawing with him a third of all souls (Rev.12), and GOD removed His Heaven from off the earth (Gen.1:4-5), to where It is now, until the time which all Christians await, the second coming of Messiah Jesus Christ, and the 're-institution' of His Kingdom upon earth (Rev.21:2-10). It is sad today that many Christians don't understand this from Scripture, especially since those who had 'faith' in Old Testament times did know.
 Apparently, that's why so many fellow Christians are lacking in their understanding about what 'Heaven' is going to be like in the future. Ask them; you'll get all sorts of concoctions. Many can seem to dream up all kinds of cotton candy visions of Heaven, living in a cotton-like ether space of floating clouds and such, and nothing else below. GOD created this ancient earth to be inhabited, and that's just the way it's going to be put back in His Eternity also, as it was before Lucifer rebelled (Isa.45:18; Isa.14; Ezek.28 & 31). This 'flesh age' is a TEST to see who we would worship, and nothing more. That's why we don't remember that first time 'of old', because it would influence our decision of who we would worship today. Lucifer's rebellion caused this 'flesh age', and he has been given control of it. There never was any such thing as 'death in the flesh' during that first time of old, because none of us were in flesh then; we were all 'spiritual bodies', as it will be again in the future Eternity. That's why Paul is talking about the re-establishing of that original spiritual first earth age of God's Holy City with, "...flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God..." (I Cor.15:50). Since Jesus Christ came as Savior, how did He accomplish It? He came in the flesh, being born of woman just like you and I, but He was Perfect even while in the flesh, which was required to defeat Satan who is 'Death' (Heb.2:14).
   So if you understand all of this, then know that we, who believe on and accept Jesus Christ as our Salvation, AND by refusing to worship the 'false messiah' who comes first, our souls will have already had 'eternal life', beginning at that time 'of old', i.e. the first earth age before Lucifer rebelled, all the way through this flesh age, and even evermore in the last earth age to come, GOD's Eternity. That is the 'first resurrection' written in Revelation 20. Those who refuse Salvation through Christ today; they are the 'spiritually dead', also written of in Revelation 20:5. Those spiritually dead 'live not again' during the thousand year reign of Christ and His elect, in the eternal everlasting 'sense' of the spiritual body, because their 'image' can still yet perish. Their spiritual body is still 'mortal' at that point (I Cor.15:53). Those will be given the opportunity to hear and understand The Word at that time, and will be 'tested' at the end of that thousand year period, and by overcoming Satan, will also receive 'eternal everlasting life' along with Christ's elect.
   So tell me now; what is all this deception and consternation of the flesh? The REAL YOU is of the 'Spirit', not the flesh! Jesus Christ came as The Way of Salvation to release our souls from the 'perishing nature' of Satan's flesh world, so don't get all bogged down in this flesh and make it a prison of bondage for yourself. Paul the Apostle, and all the saints who once lived in this flesh knew these Truths from The Word, and The New Testament was written with this previous knowledge of that first time 'of old', to GOD's Eternity. So always keep these things in remembrance, even when studying The New Testament, and you'll understand Its Truth where others only cover the surface.

Gal 3:5    He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth He it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

 As you should realize by now, the Spirit is of Its own 'realm', and the flesh is of another. They are joined into one being, as Paul taught with "There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." (I Cor.15:44). The word 'is' means present tense, so both bodies exist, 'right now', at the same time, in one being, to make up, us, me, you, we, they, etc.
 The miracles Jesus Christ did while in the flesh, those miracles which the Apostles did, and even the miracles which still happen today among Christ's believers, which realm and of Whom do they come from? Is 'faith' of the flesh, or of the Spirit? The flesh is of Satan's design. It is destined to 'perish', as all of us will have cast off this flesh, either before Christ returns, or at His coming.

Gal 3:6    Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7    Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

 Abraham's faith of his time is no different than our faith in Christ today. It is the same 'Faith', thus all in that 'faith' through Jesus Christ, are counted as the 'children of Abraham'.
 The 'Promise' of Salvation through Jesus Christ Messiah's crucifixion and resurrection, was given to Abraham. Even righteous Abel knew of that 'promise' and also had 'faith' (Heb.11; Gen.4). That Tree of Life, Which is Jesus Christ, established in 'heaven', The Way of Salvation, even in Adam's days (Gen.3:22-24; Rev.2:7). And Enoch, the seventh from the man Adam, through 'faith' received The Gospel, which is the 'testimony of Christ' (Heb.11; Jude 1:14). That Plan of Salvation was revealed to man in stages.

Gal 3:8   And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, "In thee shall all nations be blessed."
9    So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

 Did you realize that the Promise which GOD 'preached unto Abraham' was The Gospel of Christ? (Gen.12)  Remember John 8:56 where Christ said to the 'scribes and Pharisees', "Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad." Even Abraham knew Salvation was unto the Gentile also, and that before It was revealed to Peter in Acts 10.

Gal 3:10    For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them."

 Paul was quoting from Deut.27:26 here. He's merely saying that those who strictly live by The Law, are under a 'curse' when they fail to do everything written in that Law. Can we do it? No, and neither could the Israelites be perfect in It. But Christ was Perfect in The Law, being totally without sin (Heb.4:15).

Gal 3:11    But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, "The just shall live by faith."

 This quote by Paul was from Habakkuk 2:4, as Paul really knew The Old Testament Scripture well. "Well we never covered Habakkuk in Sunday school...," some might say. Time to get busy, is all I can say. You might want to cover the rest of The Old Testament also. Though you will not find the word 'gospel' in The Old Testament, I assure you, The Gospel of Christ was known and taught, as Paul here testifies.

Gal 3:12   And the law is not of faith: but, "The man that doeth them shall live in them."

 Again Paul is quoting from The Old Testament; this time from Lev.18:5. He hasn't changed his Message concerning those who wish to be solely under The Law, and thereby shun 'faith in Christ.' If you want to be 'justified' in The Law, instead of by faith in Christ, then if you fail in just one single matter of The Law, all is for naught.

Gal 3:13   Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:"

 This time the quote is from Deut.21:23. As written in 1 John 3:4: "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law," our sins while in this flesh are the automatic breaking of God's Law. You just sinned? You just broke one of God's Laws. And who is without sin? So those who live without accepting Christ as Savior, and trust solely upon the Law, or on their own 'moral code', are without Salvation. I can't make it any plainer.
 Since our Heavenly Father offered His Son for US, so that we might receive Salvation through Christ Jesus, then why deny Him? Is man's world perfect?  The whole nature of this flesh existence is a perishing. Everything of the flesh obviously deteriorates and breaks down. Even those who push the environmental crisis reveal that once man drives pollution, etc. to the max, mother nature will make a major abrupt change to compensate, destroying man's 'flesh' existence off the earth. Aren't they admitting an 'outside' intelligent influence with that idea?  They just won't say Yehovah is That Intelligence behind it all, but indirectly, their own science admits it!
 The 'curse of the law' is not because of the existence of God's Law, for It is how we know when we sin, as It points to the Way of Righteousness. Therefore, it is this 'flesh' state of degradation which causes the 'curse', because the flesh can't abide by It. The flesh state, though formed by our Father, is not of our True Nature which He intended us to be. No, this flesh state of sin is of Satan's nature, for he is the one who caused GOD to bring this flesh state about. Our Heavenly Father brought this flesh age into existence for our benefit, so we could make our own 'choice' to 'return' to Him. Did you realize that before this 'flesh age', we all once knew and worshipped The Father through His Son in that time 'of old'? (Ps.22:27; Isa.46; Ps.74:2; Habakkuk 3, notice past and future tense voice; Jer.4:22-27 as compared with Gen.1:2 and Isa.45:18 all in Hebrew using a Strong's.)
 So all the philosophers in the world trying to preach a justification of the flesh, do so in ignorance, or are purposefully lying. What audacity, to think that the flesh could ever see the Kingdom of God. It doesn't matter how we try to 'justify' the flesh, our Father is going to get rid of it, and with a 'consumption' it will not withstand. So how ya doin'? Are you laying up everlasting heavenly Treasure in Christ for yourself, or the false kingdom of the flesh?

Gal 3:14   That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

 The blessing of Christ's birth through Abraham's seed was first given in Gen.22:18. Paul is really covering the Gospel of Christ Message way back in The Old Testament, giving us many examples of his scholarship, and especially, to 'remind' us that Christ came in the 'Volume of The Book', all of It, not just The New Testament.
 You'll find this Promise of Salvation to the Gentile also in Isaiah.2:2; 11:10; 19:23-25; 42:6; 49:6; 52:10; 60:3; 66:12; Ps.22:27; Ps.67; 68; 72; Ps.138:4;  Micah 4; Zech.2:11; Zech.8.  All those references to the Gentiles receiving Salvation through Christ is amazing isn't it?  Did you notice they are all Old Testament references?  In many matters, GOD gives us more understanding of His Word in The Old Testament, than in The New Testament. Paul knew this. That's why he's teaching from The Old Testament here in Galatians, because that's all there was during His day, and he was very, very proficient in It.
 If you're interested in New Testament references to Salvation to the Gentile, here's more: Rom.4:3-17; 10:9; Gal.3:29; Luke 2:10; Acts 2:39; 1 Tim.2:4; Acts 2:38; 10:45; Acts 9:15; Acts 11; 13:47-48; 26; Rom.8; 1 Cor.12:13; Rev.7:9; 11:15.

Gal 3:15   Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.

 The word 'covenant' is 'diatheke' in the Greek meaning 'a contract', and the word 'confirmed' in the Greek means 'to ratify, make authoritative' (Strong's nos.1242;2964).
 Paul's saying that men in the world make 'contracts' with each other, and when they put their seal upon it, that contract is binding to all parties involved. So likewise, GOD gave us a 'Contract' (His Covenant), as written through His prophets, and it is binding also. That is, if we are willing. Our Father Yehovah's Contract is offering us Salvation through 'faith' in His Son Jesus Christ, if...we are willing. And His Contract is written 'in stone', It will not be broken, as man's contracts often are. That 'Covenant Promise' made to Abraham is GOD's Contract to all who believe on His Son Jesus Christ Messiah.

Gal 3:16   Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, "And to seeds," as of many; but as of one, "And to thy seed," Which is Christ.

 Romans Chapters 8 - 11, and 1 Peter 2 teach that many stumbled at a 'stumblingstone' which is the 'cornerstone' the builders rejected. That 'Stone' of stumbling is Christ for many of Judah, even today, as they are still waiting for the first Advent of Messiah. Each individual has a responsibility to accept Jesus Christ as Savior, or not. And each will be held accountable to Him for their choice. Some from the 'house of Judah' have accepted Christ today, though it's not widely publicized, and many from the 'house of Israel' have not. That GOD made a specific Promise through one particular 'seed', and through that 'bloodline seed' would come Jesus Christ, is what Paul is talking about here. Through that 'seed', all nations would be blessed, as Jesus Christ came to offer all peoples Salvation. The various races each have a purpose and Mission which our Heavenly Father ordained in the beginning. But Christ is to all;  not just one 'seed' when Salvation is involved.

Gal 3:17   And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

 The Law (Torah) was given by Yehovah to Israel through Moses, 'four hundred and thirty years' after He gave Abraham 'The Promise'.
 How many can remember when 'a man's word was his bond'?  I think it's been a long time compared with the way man makes promises today. But even though God hadn't written down His Law yet during Abraham's day, It was still 'in force', as God will not go back on His Promise. But just as man's 'contracts' have conditions, so does agreeing to God's Covenant Contract. That 'condition' is a 'willing heart' to follow His Son in faith, in deed, and in repentance:

Isa 1:18   Come now, and let us reason together," saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
19    If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
20    But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it."

 Why would a child wish to rebel against his righteous father who offers blessings and goodness. The situation is no different with our True Father in Heaven, Who loves us and offers us His Blessings and Goodness.
 This 'sword' refers to Satan's 'sword' of lies, i.e. the 'flood' of the end time which comes out of his mouth, and is his method of going forth to conquer (Rev.6).

Gal 3:18   For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

 Paul told us that the Law was given later, after GOD gave The Promise to Abraham. So what was that 'Promise' again? That Christ Jesus Messiah would come through Abraham's seed, offering 'all' The Way to Salvation. Is that 'gained' by the Law then? No, it is by 'faith'. The 'inheritance', which means to be 'joint-heirs with Christ', will not be given to us if we seek to be justified by The Law (see Rom.4; 8; Titus 3:7; Heb.6:17). That we are justified by 'faith' in Jesus Christ, and not through following The Law, is still the heart of Paul's Message here in Galatians.

Gal 3:19   Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

 So why did GOD give us His Law through His prophet Moses, the 'mediator' of this verse?   Today, Jesus Christ is our Mediator Who we must go through to our Father Yehovah. The 'veil' of The Temple was torn in two from top to bottom (rent) when Jesus Christ died on the cross. That means our 'faith' in Christ needs no man, no system of man, none but Christ, for us to speak to our Father in Heaven. Have you talked to Him lately, through His Son Jesus Christ?
 Before Jesus Christ came in the flesh, there was only a 'hope' towards His coming and the offer of Salvation. God's Law was given at that time to help those 'point the Way' of Christ. Can you imagine how much worse man's state would be today, if GOD had not given us His Law also?  We are to use It as a 'Guide', but It will never replace Salvation through Christ, GOD's Promise.

Gal 3:20   Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.

 A mediator by itself is no 'go-between' of itself.  But Jesus Christ is Immanuel 'God with us', and He is our Mediator to The Father (Isa.7:14; Matt.1:23).

Gal 3:21   Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

 Well since Christ came and died on the cross to offer all Salvation, then does The Law conflict with Salvation?  Paul's saying that if we were given a Law which could give us eternal Salvation, then Christ wouldn't have needed to die on the cross for us.   So we are to understand that The Law and The Promise of Salvation are two different operations.
 Let me put it this way. When Christ comes into His Kingdom upon this earth, on His future Advent, as written in Rev.20 and many other places in Scripture, what will He use to hand out righteous Judgment?  Every King has a Law of the land to rule by. Which will Christ, our True KING use? The last nine Chapters of Ezekiel will give many of the answers, and those Chapters must be understood in the spirit, not the flesh, for the age of flesh will be past history at that time during God's Millennium reign on earth.

Gal 3:22   But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe,

 As 1 John 3:4 said, "...for sin is the transgression of the law."  If anyone could be perfect in following The Law, Christ would not be needed.  God made sure that we all fall short for a reason. To show us that without Him through His Son, we are vanity. Call it a humbling, or whatever one wishes to name it. It still shows that Yehovah is The Only GOD; there is none else.
 Notice Paul is pointing out a condition with this verse. That the 'promise by faith of Jesus Christ' might be given to believers, and not to those who refuse Christ. Those who refuse, well, they've got a bit more humbling coming. That's why God gave us His Law, to show us that we cannot do our own Salvation.
 (Those who rebel, having no interest in GOD's Promise, attempting to do their own salvation, will not admit it, but they lead miserable lives. The reason why their pride keeps pushing them into walls, is because their senses have become 'numb' to suffering. They've gotten somewhat used to it, as an addiction. That's a terrible price to pay for self-pride, and determination to prove GOD wrong. The wicked one loves them for it, and is laughing at every wrong step they make, as they grope in darkness. They may show their ill-gotten gains and riches, but they won't tell you how miserable hanging on to it makes them. When through all their meticulous craft and great planning of precision, after beating down God's children, and God raises up His, miraculously, with no apparent planning, it really stumps their understanding and riles their anger at God even the more. Again, Satan loves them for their ignorance, and even he gets angry when they fail. The ensuing battle of Armageddon, which GOD fights, not us, will be their biggest coming 'wall' against all their apparently well thought out plans for world government. They think they are setting the 'trap'. In reality, God is setting the 'trap' for them.)

Gal 3:23   But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24    Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

 Paul finally hits it on the nail. The Law was given so that we would know of GOD's Promise, that His Son would come offering Salvation to all who would believe on Christ. The Law was our constant pointer and reminder of that Promise and how we were to prepare for Him and serve Him.

Gal 3:25    But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26    For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

 Here comes a verse that stirs many. Since Christ came, The Holy Spirit is now our 'schoolmaster'. That Spirit is our 'Guide' in understanding God's Word, and our Mission for today as Christ's servants (John 14:26; Acts 20:28; 1 Cor.12). Well does that mean that all of God's Law was then done away with? Afraid not, as for one example, Christ became our Passover sacrificed for us (I Cor.5:7). Christ also became our True 'Rest' or Sabbath (Heb.4). In this way, Christ on His first Advent as Messiah, 'fulfilled' much of The Law. There is yet much written in The Law which is still waiting to be fulfilled (see Deut.32 for one). That's why Jesus would say in Matthew 5:18:  "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." The phrase, 'Till heaven and earth pass,' means the second coming of Christ Messiah. That event has not happened yet, so not all is fulfilled.
 Also, God's health Law, nor His Ten Commandments will not be conned. Since we all are still in the flesh, and still commit sin, and "...sin is the transgression of the law," that should tell you something.
 The Holy Spirit is now our Teacher, so then, does that mean we no longer have need of Scripture study? Of course not. That's where many are misled. If it were any other way, then why would our Father have given us His Word, and especially the Book of Revelation?  Did our Father give His Word to us just to show non-believers that Christians have It in their possession? Again no. Many seem to think that once they exhibit one or more gifts from The Holy Spirit, they then know all of God's Word without reading and study. I covered earlier in this Galatians study how Paul, before Christ struck him down on the road to Damascus, was a scholar of God's Word, yet he didn't have proper understanding, and was strict in the Pharisee traditions 'based' on The Word of God. Then after Christ converted him, and he received The Holy Spirit, everything he had studied in Scripture before, became 'crystal clear'.
 Another marker for today is how many in Christ can show being filled with The Holy Spirit, but they are so misguided in Scripture as to the pre-tribulation "secret rapture" theory, or they are very unprepared for the events soon to come upon the world. The Word reveals that none are going anywhere before or during the first tribulation by Satan as a false messiah. In other words, they are relying solely on The Holy Spirit to guide them, without studying God's Word. Thus many are being prepared to 'fly away' with the false messiah, a doctrine which our Father hates (Ezek.13). There's a melting from God's consuming fire which ends this flesh age upon Christ's return, so no flesh shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. So where's the flesh of the pre-tribulation rapturists going when they 'fly away'? "Wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles (vultures) be gathered together" (Matt.24:28). That word 'carcase' is 'ptoma' in the Greek Manuscripts, meaning 'a ruin, i.e. (specifically) lifeless body (corpse; carrion)' (Strong's no.4430).

Gal 3:27   For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28    There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29    And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

 It is of the utmost importance, that it be understood that we haven't come into that final Kingdom of Heaven on earth yet. We are still in the flesh, and that Kingdom is not of the flesh, but of the Spirit (I Cor.15:50). In that sense, when we accept Christ today, whether one is Jew or Gentile, that Promise is now, but in The Holy Spirit being fulfilled within us, through our 'spiritual nature', as the Body of Christ. It cannot be fulfilled in the flesh nature of the world, as this flesh age is still given under Satan's control (compare Luke 4:6 with Rev.11:15). For the same reason that we are yet still in the flesh, each nation or people, still have a 'flesh' Mission to accomplish according to God's Plan. But in the Spirit, those in Christ, no matter where they are, are already 'joint-heirs' of Christ's Kingdom, Which today still is in Heaven on The Right Hand of GOD, and not yet established upon earth.
   As always, there is a condition to partake of Christ's Kingdom. 'And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed...', is the condition. You must accept Christ Jesus as Savior to fulfill that condition.

   In this Book of Galatians, Paul is teaching us the freedom we now have in our faith on Jesus Christ, our Savior. Before Christ died on the cross for us, offering us Salvation, God's Law through Moses is all there was, besides a Promise of the coming Salvation through Christ. God's Law merely pointed the Way to Christ in righteousness. Paul continues further in Galatians with the meaning of faith in Christ verses those who wish to be justified by The Law.
 We ask a Word of Wisdom from our Father in Christ's Name, Amen.

Gal 4:1   Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2    But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.

 Paul's using the analogy of a child prince who is to be 'heir' to the throne, but not yet ready, needing to be taught the ways of the kingdom. That child prince is going to be under tutors and governesses until the transfer of the reign. Even though those tutors are servants to the king and his child, they have authority over the child until the appointed time of rule. That child has to learn how to become useful to the kingdom.

Gal 4:3   Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4    But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5    To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

 This word 'elements' is 'stoicheion' in the Greek meaning 'something orderly; to march in (military) rank (keep step)' (Strong's nos. 4747; 4748). This word 'elements' is also the rudiments of this flesh world named by Peter in 2 Peter 3:10. When God's Kingdom comes in, those 'elements' will exist no longer.
 Paul is talking about how God's People were in bondage under God's Law before Christ came in the flesh. Christ was born 'under the law' just as we, but He showed us The Way, as He was Perfect in God's Law. And Christ died on the cross for all, not just for Israelites, if... we be Christ's. That means we must make the move to accept Him as our Savior. God's Law handed down through Moses couldn't, and still can't offer that Salvation in Christ.
 It's important to remember why Paul began this Message to the Galatians, as some of Judah were trying to bring the Gentiles into bondage of being justified by The Law instead of Christ. The particular grievance was over flesh circumcision. Is God's Law bad then? God forbid. Some will take Paul's Message here in Galatians and teach that we are to just throw away all of God's Law, not just the 'ordinances' and dogma which Christ fulfilled on the cross. I John 3 tells us what the definition of sin is:

I Jn 3:4   Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
5    And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin.

 How do we know when we sin? God's Law tells us. The coming of Messiah Jesus Christ to offer Salvation fulfilled The Law upon the cross. But does that mean do away with It? Christ would even teach in His Gospel about following His Commandments, which shows that all of God's Law is not just thrown out the window (John 14:15; 21; 15:10; Luke 10:25-28; Matt.22:36-40; Matt.7:12;).
 Paul taught these same Messages in Romans, which helps lay the foundation of Christianity. Let's turn to Rom.7:6:

Rom 7:6   But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

   In what sense does Paul mean 'delivered from the law'? What part of us was delivered from The Law? Paul means our 'soul', our 'inner spiritual man'. It can be no other way, since Christ did not offer us Salvation of the 'flesh', but of our 'spirit', the real part of us. Our 'spirit' has need of being renewed (reborn) through Christ for each soul to claim His offer of eternal life.

Rom 7:7    What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, "Thou shalt not covet."

 Our 'inner spiritual self' in Christ is now dead to the Law, but not our flesh. Our flesh will ever sin against God's Perfect Law. That Law was to show us that we can't do our own Salvation, that we need Jesus Christ. When we break God's Law by sinning, but have a change of heart and repent to Christ, we now have the opportunity for redemption through forgiveness in Christ. So then, we are to live by Christ's Spirit in us, and not seek to be justified by The Law. The Holy Spirit will lead and guide us in that manner. So does this mean it's OK to go out and commit adultery, fornication, sorcery, witchcraft, etc.? Of course not. Do you think God's Spirit would lead us into any of those sins? No again, because those acts are of the flesh, i.e. Satan's kingdom.
 Another question; are we to just let murderers run free now? What about thieves, child molesters, those who lay with beasts, etc.? How do these evils compare with Paul's Message here in Galatians dealing with circumcision according to God's Law? Isn't it extreme to think that since the Law of circumcision was fulfilled upon the cross by Christ, that all murderers are now to go free? Yet many people can't seem to separate the difference, listening to false prophets and Satan's workers. And for these deceptions, the evil exists right among us today, and it was all foretold by God's prophets in The Old Testament, by Paul's Epistles, and through John in Revelation.
 At the same time, today many in Christ are being led back into bondage of The Law by not understanding our 'Rest' in Christ Who became our Sabbath (Heb.4); and by re-instituting ordinances which were fulfilled on the cross. And some are very judgmental about other Christians who don't comply, saying they take part in a certain ancient Christian Church which changed the day of worship centuries ago. How is it that many hard criminals are set free today, while many Christians are being led back into bondage?
 Now back to Galatians 4:

Gal 4:6   And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Father."
7    Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

 Paul is referring to the term 'sons of God' in these verses (John 1:12; Rom.8; Phil.2:15; 1 John 3;). Is that office of the flesh? No. What then? Of the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us, even while we are still in this flesh body! This goes back to what Paul taught in I Cor.15:50 that 'flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God'. That coming Kingdom will not be a flesh existence, but a spiritual one. So then, our 'spirit' in Christ is no longer a servant to The Law, because we are joint-heirs through Jesus Christ, a Kingdom to come on earth, of The Spirit, and not of the flesh.

Gal 4:8   Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.

   There's more than one Message by Paul in this verse. GOD cast away His People out of the land He gave them, for following idols of the nations instead of our Father. Since Paul is speaking here in Galatians, to the Gauls, or Celts, part of this Message is to the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. The other part is to all those, Jew and Gentile both, who once served idols of wood, metal, and stone, "...which by nature are no gods," but now turn to Christ.

Gal 4:9   But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?

 Going back to those 'idols' is what the word apostasy means. Christ set us free from all those traditions which cause bondage. Now that Christ became our Perfect Sacrifice, our Passover, why would anyone want to go back to practicing those things?
 Then how does The Holy Spirit guide us today? Does God's Spirit guide us to do evil, or good? Question; do you think a 'convicted' murderer should be able to pay a ransom to escape punishment? What answer is God's Spirit telling you right now, if you listen? Letting a murderer go free for a price after being found guilty is crazy isn't it? Do you know what God's Law says:

Num 35:31   Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death.

 The word 'satisfaction' is kopher in the Hebrew meaning 'a cover; a redemption price' (Strong's no.3724). If you said no, that a guilty murderer should not go free, then you just agreed to God's Law. Another question: did Christ fulfill on the cross The Law dealing with the sin of murder? No, and murder is still punishable by execution in several States. Now you know where that Law originated. A couple verses back in Num.35 lets us know that the death penalty is a 'statute of judgment', not an 'ordinance', such as circumcision.

Gal 4:10   Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.

 Christ became our 'Sabbath', our 'Rest' (Heb.4). He also became our Passover sacrificed for us (1 Cor.5:7). Just as flesh circumcision is a healthy practice, if you want to do that for health reasons, great! But don't make a religion out of it. That's all Paul is saying. If you want to hold to a Saturday Church service instead of Sunday, fine. But don't make a religion out of it. Likewise, to slaughter a lamb for dinner, is OK; but don't make a religion out it, trying to bring back ritual sacrifice! "If you step on a crack, you break your grandmother's...", or "hold up your feet when you go over a railroad track", so goes old sayings by children. Get rid of all those silly hang-ups which will keep you in bondage, and not in freedom to Christ.

Gal 4:11   I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
12    Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
13    Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
14    And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

 Paul is saying he's afraid 'for' them, lest they forget The Gospel of Christ once preached to them, Which is freedom, not bondage. Paul's speaking especially to his brethren the Jews, with 'be as I am'. Paul being born a Benjamite, he was strict in The Law also, as they. But being in Christ, now means forgiveness when we sin against God's Law. Not a license to sin, but redemption because we can't be perfect in It.
 If these Jews had understood Paul's Message here, then they wouldn't have been trying to pressure the Gentiles into being justified by The Law instead of Christ. We know they were failing in being perfect to God's Law, so maybe they wanted company in bondage?

Gal 4:15   Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.

 Paul's asking them where that receiving of The Gospel of Christ in happiness and joy was which they so gladly received at the beginning. He's letting them know that he remembers that first preaching, so how could they let themselves be so misled from That Beautiful Gospel?
 Isn't that how the flesh gets misled so easily, that is to say, through appearances? How many times have we accepted what someone with a bunch of worldly credentials taught or said, or one backed by some big world organization, wearing nice clothes, driving up in a fancy car, etc.? But the old farmer back in the hills, the deceived ones think is dumber than a rock. If the sight of wealth and smell of money stirs their respect, then they've got problems that'll tear them away from Christ.

Gal 4:16   Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17    They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
18   But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

 By these Galatians accepting what the certain 'false brethren' were teaching, they were excluding themselves from Christ. By the phrase 'that ye might affect them', Paul's saying those false ones were doing it to set themselves up as a supposed authority over these Gentiles. That's the old pride system working through the flesh, on both sides of the fence. If we know what God says in His Word through study, then no matter how 'smooth' one is in trying to turn our faith in Christ around, we won't be drawn into it. It's that simple. Then the soothsayer will have to go somewhere else to try and push their false pride authority.

Gal 4:19   My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
20    I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

 Paul is saying he's going through 'labor pains' to get these Galatians back on the path to Christ. Got to get rid of all those false traditions which destroy our freedom in Christ.
 Verse 20 shows Paul's sincerity in this matter, as he would rather be present with them and speaking to these Galatians in a different tone of voice, not one of chastisement and rebuke.

Gal 4:21    Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
22    For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23    But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

 "Don't you hear The Law, didn't you understand It's purpose, haven't you read?" That's what Paul is asking them. He's getting ready to go deep here with an important analogy.
 Abraham's wife Sarai (later changed to Sarah) was barren, so she gave her Egyptian handmaiden Hagar to wife for Abraham (Gen.16). This first son was Ishmael, and was not born to the Covenant Promise, but 'was born after the flesh', as GOD had no part in this first union concerning Hagar, a bondwoman. GOD had already told Abraham that from him a seed would come to possess the land of the Canaanites (Gen.15).

Gal 4:24   Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

 The word 'allegory' means a parable, analogy, etc. Paul is telling us the True meanings of the two Covenants, the first being towards bondage, and of the flesh, while the second is of the Promise of Salvation, and is freedom through Christ Jesus.
 The word 'Agar' is 'Hagar' in the Hebrew (Strong's no.28). Since Hagar was a bondservant to Sarai, she represents the first Covenant given by GOD through Moses on Sinai. Ishmael would be blessed by GOD, even producing the dukes which formed the Arab nations of today.

Gal 4:25   For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.

 Again, this word 'Agar' is Greek for 'Hagar'. Here Paul uses Hagar to represent Sinai and the Covenant of bondage. Even today, there are many of Hagar and Isaac which do not accept the New Covenant of Promise in Jesus Christ. Those still hold to the Old Covenant for their supposed salvation. It won't happen for them, not updating their knowledge of the Covenant of Promised Salvation to accept Christ as Savior. So many of both Jew and Arab, and any others not accepting Christ, are still in bondage of the Hagar, the bondwoman of Abraham.

Gal 4:26  But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

 Well where is that Jerusalem which is above? That Jerusalem above is The Holy City, where GOD dwells. It's not the one on earth right now in the Holy Land. The Heavenly Jerusalem, 'which is the mother' of all souls, is wherever GOD and His Son are. Are They here on earth today in Person? Not yet.
 Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ mentioned in John 3:3 that one must be 'born again' to partake of that Heavenly Jerusalem. Religious traditions have turned that phrase into a type of advertising slogan, and most of them don't know what it means to truly be 'born again'. The word 'again' in John 3:3 is 'anothen' in the Greek meaning 'from above' (Strong's no.509). Be born 'from above' where? Those who don't properly understand about the first time 'of old', i.e. first earth age, won't rightly get the meaning. Each soul must come down from Heaven during this flesh age, being born 'of water' one time, meaning through the sack of water in woman's womb, and that soul must also be born from above in 'newness of spirit' by accepting Christ as Savior (Rom.7; John 3). That's what Christ's answer to Nicodemus in John 3 meant.
 If you've understood about the first earth age covered in Genesis 1 and Jeremiah 4, then you should understand that Eden was a symbol for The Holy City of GOD dwelling upon earth before the sin by Adam and Eve in the Garden of GOD. All souls were created in the beginning by our Father Yahoveh (Gen.2:1; Ezek.18).
 Paul covers more about this 'heavenly Jerusalem' in Hebrews 12. You might want to go over this in Hebrews 12, as That Holy City from GOD is coming down out of Heaven to earth in the future (Rev.3; 21). This mask of flesh will soon be removed forever.

Gal 4:27  For it is written, "Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband."

 Paul's quoting from Isaiah 54 with this verse. He's starting a very important analogy (allegory) concerning those who accept Christ and become a future part of the New Jerusalem, The Mother of us all. Let's turn to Isaiah 54 and cover this:

Isa 54:1   "Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife," saith the LORD.
2    "Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;
3    For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

 'More are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife' is an analogy for how many peoples from all nations, tongues, and lands would accept Christ Jesus as Savior, and for this reason the 'tent' (New Jerusalem, God's Holy City coming down from Heaven) must be enlarged to include the Gentile believers. This is what Revelation 7 describes with the twelve tribes of Israel AND the Gentiles being put together into One Israel, with One Head, i.e. Jesus Christ as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
 So why this 'that didst not travail with child' in verse 1? This being 'with child' analogy is a direct reference from our Father about those who will be deceived in our near future who accept the false messiah, instead of waiting on our True Savior Jesus Christ, The Bridegroom. Thus all the ten virgin and harlot analogies fit along with this being 'travailing with child', as it symbolizes false worship of the antichrist, whoring after idols instead of worshipping Christ. That's exactly how GOD describes false worship. It is 'spiritual adultery' to Him.

Isa 54:4   Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

 Those who accept Jesus Christ, The New Covenant, and stay a pure and 'chaste virgin' by refusing the false messiah Lucifer, will be not be ashamed, and all reproach will be gone. Everlasting joy and peace is the reward for staying true to our Father through His Son. That is why these do not 'travail with child' (i.e. not being spiritually pregnant, not in the flesh sense, but of spirit). Those who allow themselves to be deceived by the false messiah who comes before Jesus does, will already be 'with child' in the spiritual sense. They will commit 'spiritual adultery' against Christ, no longer being a spiritual virgin when He comes.

Isa 54:5   For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is His name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall He be called.

 GOD is our True Husband. Well how can that be? He created our soul, that's how, and He accomplished it for His pleasure (Rev.4:11; Prov.16:4; Jer.27:5). So can someone who turns away from our True loving Father, to worship idols such as a false messiah, please Him? Absolutely not. So how do we please Him? By believing on Christ as Savior, and getting into a study of His Word, doing our best to follow His Commandments. And though our flesh can't be perfect in His Commandments, our heart and mind can be perfect (mature) with our Father.
 And you, who love His Word Jesus Christ, are very beloved to our Father. Because you have a yearning to know His Truth which sets us free from the bondage of flesh and Satan's false empire. Because of that 'urge' for Truth, you will not be deceived by this false messiah which the majority of the world will accept as Jesus.

Gal 4:28  Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

 That Promise first given to Abraham by GOD was with regard to Salvation through Jesus Christ. All who believe on Christ are included in that 'tent' Promise of Salvation.

Gal 4:29   But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

 Even TODAY those who refuse to worship the things of this world are persecuted by those who rely on the flesh. Just how many places in the world can one go and start up a deep conversation such as Paul is speaking here? Even in the Western Christian Nations some who want to conduct public worship are being harassed, which is against our Constitutional rights. Many non-believers who think they are neutral, but are duped by the false ones, are joining the boat against Christianity. "Oh it's them darn Christians again; they try to force their belief on everyone." We know that is one of Satan's propaganda lies, as we don't force anyone to believe on Christ. There will be much shame when Christ comes.

Gal 4:30   Nevertheless what saith the Scripture? "Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman."
31    So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

 If you accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, then you are no longer in bondage, for Christ sets us free from all those hang-ups of ritual and ceremonial dogma. If any man or 'system' tries to put shackles on your belief in Christ, then know that is bondage back to The Law, and not Salvation.
 So which choice do you take; to be of the 'bondwoman', or of the 'freewoman' in Christ? To be joint-heirs of GOD's future New Jerusalem, we must be of the Covenant given to the 'freewoman', being in Christ.

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