Paul is frustrated with the foolish behavior of the Galatians. He asks them how they received the Holy Spirit. Did they receive it by faith or by the works of the law?

It’s a hypothetical question. Even back in Genesis, Abraham received righteousness through faith. We receive the righteousness of Christ, through faith. We need that righteousness or we can’t stand righteous before God. That’s our salvation. That’s how we stand before the judgment throne perfect.

If our perfection comes by faith, our imperfection comes from the works of the law. The Bible calls them cursed who are relying on their works.

All other world religions teaching that you are saved by your good works are putting people under a curse.

The law is broken if we break just one law once. The Old Testament teaches us that we all do break the law. We are lawbreakers if we break the law. Jesus said to those calling Him “Lord” trying to get into heaven, “Depart from me.” Why? They were lawless, lawbreakers.

Jesus took the curse of the law on Himself. He became the curse. We receive the blessing of it and receive the Spirit through faith in Christ’s sacrifice for us.

What was the job of the law? Why did God send the law before He sent a Savior?

The law was our tutor. It taught us that we can’t be righteous. It taught us we were sinners. It imprisoned us in sin as Galatians 3:22 says. We needed to know we were sinners. No one can truly come to regenerating faith in Christ if they don’t start by understanding they are sinners.

Sinners need a Savior or they are cursed.

The law turns us to Christ. Our only hope of salvation, or righteousness, of having a right-standing before God’s judgment throne, is the righteousness of Christ.

By faith, we are free. We are baptized into Christ and have put on Christ and His righteousness. There is no difference between male and female, slave or free, Jew or Gentile. We are all heirs of the promise. We are all one in Christ.