Our passage from Galatians makes it clear: "as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse." The law demands perfect obedience, stating, "Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them." This is a heavy truth. Who among us can truly say we meet that standard every single day? We are all imperfect. This makes it evident that "no man is justified by the law before God," as the law itself says, "The righteous will live by faith," distinguishing between living by faith and living by law.
But here is the incredible grace: "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us." Jesus took our place, fulfilling what was written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree." His sacrifice on the cross was complete and absolute. This was so "that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." It is through His finished work, not our own efforts, that we receive God’s favor and the Holy Spirit.
In our walk of faith, especially here in Kampala, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we need to add something to what Christ has already done. We might be tempted to believe that certain actions, beyond simple faith, can secure God’s special favor or guaranteed miracles. Perhaps it’s fasting not primarily out of devotion, but to manipulate God’s hand in a situation, or seeking out 'blessed' items for a breakthrough, or giving money with the expectation of a specific, tangible return. Our passage reminds us that receiving God’s Spirit and His blessings is "through faith" in Jesus alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Any attempt to add our own 'works' to Christ’s perfect sacrifice subtly suggests His work wasn't enough, undermining the very grace that saved us.
Let us embrace the profound truth that Christ's redemption is complete. We are made right with God and receive His Spirit not through what we do, but entirely through our faith in what He has already done for us on the cross. His sacrifice was sufficient, full, and final. Walk in this freedom, trusting fully in the sufficiency of Jesus Christ.