Under the Curse

Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 

‘For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse.’ All who seek salvation by the works of the law are under the curse because they can’t keep the law and come up to its standards. The law pronounced all cursed who would not continue “in all things that are written in the book of the law to do them” (3:1-12; Jas. 2:10).

‘Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.’ Quoted from Deuteronomy 27:26 and from verse 15, we have twelve sins meriting curses: Making any graven or molten image and setting it up to be worshipped in any secret or public place (Rom. 1:23). Dishonouring, cursing, or in any way showing irreverence and disobedience to parents (Deut. 21:18-21; Ex. 20:12; 21:17; Eph. 6:1-3). Removing landmarks of a neighbour (Deut. 19:14; 27:17; Pro. 22:28; 23:10; Rom. 13:9). Causing the blind to lose their way (Lev. 19:14; Matt. 5:44; 19:19; 22:39). Perverting judgment of the stranger, the fatherless, or the widow (Deut. 10:18; 14:29; 16:11, 14; Jas. 1:27). Adultery with father’s wife, with a sister or a mother-in-law (Deut. 27:20, 22, 23; Lev. 18:8, 9, 17; 20:11, 14, 17; 2Cor. 5:1-21). Bestiality (Deut. 27:21; Ex. 22:19; Lev. 18:23; 20:15; Gal. 5:19). Murder (Ex. 20:13; Matt. 5:44; Gal. 5:21). Bribery (Deut. 10:17; 16:19; Ps. 15:5; Matt. 26:15; 28:12-15; Acts 24:26; 1Tim. 6:10). Rebelling against God and His word (Deut. 5:1; 6:3-25; Mark 6:52 Acts 19:9; Heb. 3:8, 13). Old Testament sins are still sinful for us under the New Testament. The Mosaic Law and its rituals have been annulled, but the gospel of Christ has not annulled sin so that one can continue therein (Rom. 6; Heb. 10:26-31; 1Jn 3) only the methods of forgiveness and worship have changed.

‘All things which are written in the book of the law’ – “All things” of the law must be practised, if one is under the law (3:10-12; Jas. 2:10). This not only means the ten commandments but all the rituals, feasts, sacrifices, and “all things which are written in the book of the law.” If one can prove that only the ten commandments make the book of the law, then he can prove that they are the only part of the law he is to keep. If one finds the feasts, rituals, sacrifices, and other things in the book of the law, then he is still under obligation to keep all of them if he insists on being under the old covenant which was abolished (Acts 15:1, 24; 2Cor. 3:6-15).