1. The Essence of Faith and the Importance of Galatians 3
Understanding Galatians chapter 3 correctly is akin to obtaining the key to interpreting the entire book of Galatians. This is because the Apostle Paul uses the word “faith” no fewer than fourteen times in this chapter. The relationship between law and faith, and the universal scope of salvation that includes not only the people of Israel but also the Gentiles, are all concisely encapsulated in Galatians 3. From the time of the Reformation, Galatians has been called the “Gospel of Freedom,” and behind its powerful proclamation of freedom, grace, and faith lies the Apostle Paul’s central teaching found in this very chapter.
Over decades of ministry in Korea and various parts of the world, Pastor David Jang has continually highlighted the core message of Galatians 3 to those who fall into legalism and thereby lose sight of the essence of salvation. In particular, he has repeatedly taught that the most crucial doctrine is “We are saved by faith,” that is, justification by faith—an idea that aligns with the conclusion reached at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), namely that the Gentiles, just like the Jews, receive salvation not by the law but through faith.
In fact, the decision made at the Jerusalem Council reaffirmed the essence of the gospel: that we are saved by faith. The Council reconfirmed the truth that the law cannot free anyone from sin and death. The Judaizers (or false teachers) argued that without circumcision and the observance of the law, salvation was impossible. However, the apostles Peter, Paul, and James proclaimed through that Council that neither circumcision nor ceremonial regulations could be prerequisites for salvation. From the earliest days of the church, the statement “We are justified by grace alone, through faith alone” has been the most pivotal doctrinal core of Christianity, and Galatians 3 makes this core truth strikingly clear.
Throughout Galatians, Paul aims to prove that the gospel he preaches is authentic and consistent with that of the apostles in Jerusalem. That gospel states: “We do not receive salvation through the law, but by believing in Jesus Christ.” Although numerous Judaizing false teachers opposed him, Paul addresses that matter most directly in Galatians 3.
These false teachers infiltrated the church and spread the message that “Even if you believe in Jesus, you must keep the law and even undergo circumcision in order to attain complete salvation.” Paul saw that some members of the Galatian churches, who had initially found freedom by grace through faith, were now once again shackled by legalistic religiosity. Hence, in 3:1, Paul rebukes them harshly: “You foolish Galatians!” Even though they had already witnessed the unique path to salvation in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, they were turning to another gospel. Paul’s cry—“Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified before your very eyes; who has bewitched you?”—is a warning that remains significant for today’s church.
Similarly, Pastor David Jang has repeatedly stressed in his sermons, lectures, and written materials that “the focal point of Galatians chapter 3 is the cross, the resurrection, and the certainty of salvation obtained by faith.” He reiterates the biblical truth that while the law reveals sin and makes us realize our inability to save ourselves, the law cannot actually resolve sin. The gospel proclaims that Jesus took upon Himself all curses and the penalty for our sins on the cross, thus fundamentally resolving the problem of sin that the law exposes. And the essence of Christian salvation lies in “accepting that gospel by faith.”
Although the term “faith” is commonly heard in the life of believers, Galatians 3 delves into the definition and meaning of this faith in detail. It explores what faith truly is, how faith operates, and why salvation by faith is possible, even using Old Testament examples (particularly Abraham) to illustrate. This connects to the following points:
- Salvation comes by grace.
- This grace is decisively revealed through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
- We need only accept this grace by faith.
In Galatians 3, Paul presents this theme in the most logical and forceful manner. Therefore, for the church to hold fast to the core truth of salvation, it must uphold the teachings of Galatians 3. Pastor David Jang points out that “even today, many believers only know in their heads that ‘we are saved by faith’—it does not actually manifest in their daily lives.” He laments that “people repeatedly condemn themselves and, further, condemn others based on religious laws, church traditions, social or cultural standards,” and he has called upon the church to rediscover the “Gospel of Freedom” that Paul proclaims.
In the end, Galatians 3 presents these two major pillars—“faith” and “the law”—in contrast, showing the universal and ultimate truth that we are justified only through faith. Paul’s strong language, “You foolish Galatians!” is not merely a rebuke but an impassioned plea not to be enslaved again by the burden of the law. Today, we too must revisit Paul’s cry and become people who genuinely enjoy true freedom by grace.
2. Abraham’s Faith, the Clash with Legalism, and Paul’s Argument
At the beginning of Galatians 3, Paul asks, “Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?” (Gal. 3:2), reminding the Galatian believers that they had already experienced the Holy Spirit. Those who have received the Holy Spirit should already know that salvation came to them by “faith,” not by the law or any ritual. In other words, whether they had experienced spiritual gifts, the new birth, or manifestations of the Holy Spirit such as speaking in tongues or prophecy, all of this resulted from believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ, not through keeping the law.
Paul then takes it a step further by bringing in Abraham, considered one of the most revered figures in the Old Testament (Gal. 3:6). This is because the legalistic false teachers often used Abraham as their primary example. They believed, “Our ancestor Abraham was acknowledged by God through the law and circumcision.” But in reality, Abraham was counted as righteous “when he believed God,” prior to any such observance, and God credited that faith to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). In various sermons and Bible commentaries, Pastor David Jang frequently points to Abraham’s story from Genesis 12 through 17, emphasizing that “there was a moment when Abraham was already credited with righteousness before he received circumcision.”
Circumcision appears in Genesis 17. Thus, the declaration in Genesis 15:6—“And he believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness”—happened before circumcision was introduced. Furthermore, the Mosaic Law, with its detailed regulations, was given 430 years after Abraham (Gal. 3:17). Consequently, Abraham’s righteousness was definitely not due to either the law or circumcision. He was righteous because he obeyed (Heb. 11:8: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place… not knowing where he was going”), because he believed God’s promise of a land of inheritance and descendants as numerous as the stars, and because he followed the command to leave for an unknown land.
Paul refers to this principle as “the righteousness he had by faith even while uncircumcised” (see Romans 4:9-10). In other words, Abraham’s justification by faith came first, while circumcision was merely the sign confirming that righteousness. Many passages in Romans chapter 4 parallel those in Galatians 3. In Romans 4, Paul links “the blessedness of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works” to David’s confession (Rom. 4:6-8). He concludes that Abraham was declared righteous solely by faith, not by works.
Pastor David Jang underscores this link between Romans and Galatians—knowing Galatians 3 deepens our understanding of Romans 4–5, and vice versa. This teaching has its roots in the Old Testament statement, “The righteous shall live by his faith” (Hab. 2:4), which is cited in both Galatians 3:11 and Romans 1:17 and forms the backbone of salvation doctrine throughout the New Testament.
That Gentiles share in the same grace is clearly shown by Paul’s assertion that Abraham is “the father of all who believe” (Gal. 3:7; Rom. 4:11-12). For Jews who had viewed Abraham only as their national forefather, Paul’s proclamation was revolutionary. However, the logic of the gospel he presents is as follows:
- Abraham was accounted righteous before he received the law, purely by faith.
- Therefore, neither the law nor circumcision can be absolute prerequisites for being counted righteous.
- Just as Abraham was justified solely by faith, so that path is open to all people.
- Hence, if Gentiles believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ, they are grafted in as the spiritual descendants of Abraham.
In Galatians 3:10-12, Paul even says, “All who rely on works of the law are under a curse,” quoting Deuteronomy 27:26. This is because no one can keep the law perfectly (Rom. 3:10). Rather, the law exposes sin more clearly, increasing guilt and condemnation. When Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:56 that “the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law,” he indicates that instead of resolving sin, the law serves to highlight the foundation of sin all the more. Thus, no one can be justified through the law, and those who seek justification in the law remain under a curse.
Yet Galatians 3:13-14 proclaims that Christ has borne our curse, setting us free from the law’s curse: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” By hanging on the cross, Jesus subjected Himself to the very law that declares “cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” (Deut. 21:23). Consequently, He freed us from the power of sin, death, and the curse, and enabled us to receive the promise of the Spirit by faith. Pastor David Jang summarizes this passage by saying, “Because the entire debt of our sins was paid at the cross, the only thing left for us is to believe in that finished work.” Once justified in this manner, we are led by the Holy Spirit to advance steadily toward “sanctification.”
This teaching of Galatians 3 powerfully challenges the legalistic tendencies that still recur in churches today—namely, the idea that “church laws, traditions, rites, worship forms, or specific moral standards are conditions for salvation.” Of course, neither Pastor David Jang nor any orthodox theologian advocates the abolition of the law or the neglect of moral living. Christianity, in fact, holds to the highest standard of ethics and love. Yet none of these can qualify as preconditions for salvation. Since Christ has already secured our salvation, we now follow the gospel in obedience and, in the Holy Spirit, joyfully practice good works. It is on a completely different plane from legalism—this is the true way of “fulfilling” the law by the Spirit.
Thus, in Galatians 3, Paul engages in a highly logical and biblically grounded defense, thoroughly refuting the idea of salvation by circumcision or law-keeping that false teachers had spread. The heart of his argument is: “Even Abraham was justified by faith apart from the law, so certainly Gentiles without circumcision can be justified by faith as well.” In Christ, we are united as one, and all of us become Abraham’s spiritual offspring.
3. Freedom in Christ, the Work of the Holy Spirit, and Today’s Application
Galatians is often called the “Gospel of Freedom,” not because it promotes “license” apart from the law, but because it announces the freedom from sin and death. In the latter part of chapter 3 (particularly 3:23-25), Paul writes, “Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.” This description portrays the law as our “guardian” (Gal. 3:24)—it reveals sin but has no inherent power to remedy sin at its root. However, because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been liberated from the bondage and curse of the law, and we have entered into the freedom of faith.
Therefore, Paul’s conclusion, highlighted in Galatians 3, is unequivocal: “We are saved by faith, not by works of the law. We have received the gift of the Spirit, and we now live by the power and fruit of the Spirit.” This is what Paul refers to when he speaks of “the power of the gospel.” The Holy Spirit fortifies our justification and propels us into the next stage—sanctification. In Pastor David Jang’s pastoral ministry and preaching, he frequently discusses how the indwelling and guidance of the Holy Spirit, which we receive through faith, can transform individuals and communities. The atoning work of Jesus on the cross was completed once for all, opening the way of salvation, and the efficacy of that salvation continues to grow within us through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Paul’s references to the conflict between “the desires of the flesh” and “the desires of the Spirit” will be explored more thoroughly in Galatians 5. Yet, even in chapter 3, the phrase “we were held in custody under the law” alludes to it. Because our nature remains sinful in the flesh, we may recognize sin through the law, but we lack the power to break free from it on our own. When the Holy Spirit comes, however, we are given the capacity to master sin (see Romans 8). The law, as an external regulation, may point out our sins, but the Holy Spirit renovates us internally, guiding us to live according to the righteousness we have received by faith. In explaining this, Pastor David Jang teaches that “believers who have experienced the Spirit’s presence no longer live by merely looking at rules and prohibitions. Instead, they find freedom through grace and use that freedom to pursue good purposes and to love others.”
Ultimately, we can sum up the core message of Galatians 3 as follows:
- Salvation is God’s gift received by faith, not by the law.
- Even Abraham, the father of faith, was already accounted righteous before circumcision.
- Through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been delivered from the curse of the law and have received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- This grace is shared not only by Jews but also by Gentiles, uniting us all as spiritual descendants of Abraham.
Why does this truth matter? It is because in our day-to-day spiritual lives, we constantly oscillate between “law” and “grace.” Even though we have received salvation, we may still fear that if we fail to abide by every rule, our salvation might be lost, or we might repeatedly try to gain God’s approval solely through our own efforts and good deeds. However, when we remember Galatians 3 and the decision of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, we cling once again to “grace alone” and “faith alone,” the hallmark of Christian salvation.
Pastor David Jang warns that “when the church drifts into legalism, the soul-liberating power of the gospel weakens, and believers become a community that condemns one another while pursuing mere external piety.” He adds, “Conversely, when we hold fast to the true gospel, believers live through the power of the Holy Spirit, bearing good fruit, serving others, and actively overcoming sin in an engaged and vibrant life.” This is the very “Gospel of Freedom” that Galatians 3 urges us to rediscover.
Today, the gospel we must proclaim is precisely this: anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, who was crucified, can be justified. Just as Abraham was credited with righteousness by faith, so we too are justified when we believe in the gospel of Christ, and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we live a new life. This simple yet unequivocal truth is “Salvation by Faith Alone—Sola Fide.”
Finally, the Apostle Peter exhorts, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Pet. 3:15). We must thoroughly understand the definition of faith presented in Galatians 3, the limitations of the law, and the saving power of Christ’s cross and resurrection. These truths serve as the pillars that keep our faith steady and enable us to share the unwavering message of the gospel with those who do not know the Lord. Over many decades, Pastor David Jang has continually emphasized this fact through various sermons, writings, and discipleship ministries, teaching that “whoever holds onto this gospel will see every barrier broken down and experience freedom from every type of religious bondage.”
Ultimately, Galatians 3 poses this question to us: “How did you receive the Spirit—by works of the law or by believing what you heard?” And it gives the answer: “We received Him by faith and were justified by faith.” This must be our confession and the truth that shapes our daily lives. Galatians 3 challenges us to become a church and believers who walk in freedom through the gospel, grow in the Spirit, and become increasingly united in Christ. This is both the simplest and the most profound core of our faith that we must always hold fast to.