Is it “faith” as in “the faith” or is it “faith” as in my “faith?” This is the question of the day! As in the other four articles, we will continue to deal with this question in Galatians the third chapter. “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” (Gal. 3:21). It is only natural if you are a Hebrew in the first century and have been living under and faithful to “the law of Moses” as it is addressed in the question by Paul, a Hebrew!
The answer to Paul’s question: “is the law of Moses,” “against the promises of God?” God is never against himself, in what he says or what he had others to write! There are some, who try to justify their man-made teaching, who put “the teaching of Christ,” equal to saying “God’s teaching” against itself! (2 John 9). We do our absolute best never to do such! Oh, so clearly has Paul stated, that the law of Moses is never, no, not in even one point against “the teaching of Christ!”
Now, let us move to the next verse in Galatians chapter three: “if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” (verse 21). We already know that “righteousness” come from “the gospel of Christ;” here is what Paul wrote on this subject: “the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth … For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith” (Rom.1:16-17). Therefore, the law of Moses was totally unable to bring righteousness, salvation! Once this truth is learned, it needs never to be brought up again! Remembering that truth never contradicts itself! Therefore, moving on with our subject: From faith to (unto) faith!”
Now here is the second most natural question: “Wherefore then serveth the law?” Gal. 3:19). So, why serveth the law?” Let Paul answer the second question: “It was added because of transgressions.” Here Paul continues: “The third question how long would the old law continue, Paul answers: “till the seed should come to whom the promise was made.” Remembering “the seed” is Christ Jesus! Paul now writes: “and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” Before continuing, allow me to make a point that is so often totally overlooked? Who are the “angels” who “ordained” the law of Moses? The Greek word for “angels” is “aggelos” and means, “messenger” (Strong). So, who are the “messengers?” The messengers” are the Old Testament prophets! How else did the Hebrews and ourselves get the words of the Old Testament, wherein was “the promise?” Just for the fun of it, this question: “How do you know about the promise?” The law, as a “schoolmaster” gently took the hand of the Hebrew and put in the “hand” of Jesus who is the “mediator” of verse 19.
Here is verse twenty-one: “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Just here, let us answer another question dealing with the word “faith” (pistis).” What “faith” does Paul have in mind here as he uses the Greek “pistis?” Is it our faith, or is it “the faith?” We can say that there is no finite article before the words “faith.” This by itself does remove the question, that Paul is not writing about “the faith,” as the context is the final word on the meaning of how a word is used. Read the text once more: “the faith of Jesus Christ” is not his personal faith but that which he delivered, “the teaching of Christ.” Read the next verse twice: “But before faith came,” “before faith came.” The “faith” that Paul is writing of, is one that “came;” once it was not but now it is here! Do not pull out your deep “thinking caps” just let Paul help us here, as he writes: “That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” Here we have “the faith” that “came” put with “believing;” thus, from the body of faith to our believing. Therefore, it is as we conclude the article, “from faith unto faith – believing!”
“But before faith came” (verse 23). “the faith” has come and is what we live under today, as they did, to whom Paul is writing directly. Keep in mind, that Paul is continuing his thought of verse twenty-two, “that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” It is “from faith to (unto) faith! “But before (the, frw) faith came.”
More is coming in the next article!
Frank R. Williams