Contrast

Galatians 3:9-10 ESV

So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in a Book of the Law, and do them.”

Star Wars was always a favorite of me and my brother, after it came out. Watching as the little green guy that talked funny would walk around and give sagely advice like “Do or do not, there is no try” was fun right before the lightsabers would come out. George Lucas’s movie was an instant success and has been a money-making phenomenon for thousands for almost fifty years. The direct contrast of good versus evil, white hats and black, is at the core of story. It resonates with all of humanity because we know that it is the story we have entered. An epic battle of massive significance and it galvanizes men and women of all ages back to seeing things as they are. So often the enemy wishes to find gray areas, longing for the muddy middle to when the day.

Coming to this section of Galatians, Paul is once again laying out the gospel. Coming back to the head of the family he speaks of Abraham and the beginning of the people. Going back to 1776 and the Declaration of Independence to prove his understanding of the faith was there at its inception. In laying out all that is at stake in knowing the gospel in relation to all false gospels, he lays out the stark contrast as that of blessing and cursing. The difference is not only significant, it is overwhelming and the matter is of eternal significance. This is God’s pattern from the inception of the Nation of Israel. He had them come to Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal to receive the blessing and the curse of the covenant. Blessings would come to those that obey (Deuteronomy 28:1) and curses on those who would not “obey the voice of the LORD your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statues…” (Deut. 28:15)

Satan always works to muddy the waters. Trying to make the choice not clear and palpable. In the Garden the choice is straightforward, do you believe God or the Snake. The beauty of the tree, the luscious healthy look of its fruit, and its ability to open the mind to the knowledge of good and evil are all muddy water. Do Adam and Eve believe God or not, the choice is clear, blessing or curse. The Catechism we are teaching our children (A Catechism for Boys and Girls by Erroll Hulse) says it wonderfully; Why did they eat the forbidden fruit? Because they did not believe what God had said.

Augustine and Pelagius had a great fight over the light of scripture. Augustine holds to the firm foundation that we are saved by grace alone and Pelagius holding to works that save us. Augustine defeated such overt attack, but even as the argument is the same, the semi-pelagians would come in with a “nuanced” argument that would once again taint the waters introducing some works just as a small portion of salvation. Muddying the waters for many that would hold to the idea that some work, just a little one, was required of them more than their faith. And so the waters were muddied and many fall victim to the deception of faith + ___________.

Galatians is clear that all who would rely on works are cursed. Looking to China, the communist show confessions bear witness that those who wish to live according to the current line must show their works of support for the party and its party line. When they cross it, even accidentally, they must do public penance. This was seen in the poor internet personality that accidentally had a tank on his show the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre, the one he never learned about in school, yet he did penance faithfully.

It can be seen in the United States as politicians, pastors, and patsies that pander to the current narrative eventually fall victim to BLM, MeToo, or whatever the latest might be, and must stand and do penance.  The Curse of the law is real and palpable. If you will live by faith alone it must be in Christ Alone or you will fall and falter eventually buying the “ocean front property in Arizona.” The line between good and evil is stark and “it runs right through every human heart.” (Solzhenitsyn)

Coram deo