The Two Covenants

Living under the law of Moses was like a child under a tutor, or like a slave. How does Paul explain this?

Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave, although he is owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. (Galatians 4:1-2 NASB)

To whom were WE slaves?

In the same way, when we were minors, we were also enslaved by this world’s system. (Galatians 4:3 CEB)

The word “law” is used in several ways in the Bible: as the entire Old Testament (John 12:34 cp. 2 Samuel 7:15-16; Micah 5:2), the books of Moses (Luke 24:44), the law of Moses (Acts 13:39), the law of faith (Romans 3:27), the law of the mind (Romans 7:23-24), the law of sin and death versus the law of the Spirit of life (Romans 8:2), the laws of our country (Romans 13:1-6), and the law of liberty (James 1:25). Which law is referred to here?

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. (Galatians 4:4-5 NIV)

What has God done for us?

And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6 NKJV)

What is the result?

Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir. (Galatians 4:7 NLT)

Were Galatians turning back to slavery?

At the time, when you didn’t know God, you were enslaved by things that aren’t gods by nature. But now, after knowing God (or rather, being known by God), how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless world system? Do you want to be slaves to it again? (Galatians 4:8-9 CEB)

Were worship days part of that slavery?

You even celebrate certain days, months, seasons, and years. I am afraid I have wasted my time working with you. (Galatians 4:10-11 CEV)

Do friends tell friends the truth?

Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? (Galatians 4:12-16 ESV)

What is a possible motive for legalism?

They are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them. Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you. (Galatians 4:17-18 HCSB)

How was Paul wanting to handle this?

My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. (Galatians 4:19-20 KJV)

Does the law itself teach us about this?

Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the Law? (Galatians 4:21 NASB)

What analogy does Paul use?

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise. (Galatians 4:22-23 NIV cp. Genesis 16:15)

What covenant was given at Mt Sinai?

…which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar—for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children—but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren, You who do not bear! Break forth and shout, You who are not in labor! For the desolate has many more children Than she who has a husband.” (Galatians 4:24-27 NKJV)

Do legalists still harass true Christians?

And you, dear brothers and sisters, are children of the promise, just like Isaac. But you are now being persecuted by those who want you to keep the law, just as Ishmael, the child born by human effort, persecuted Isaac, the child born by the power of the Spirit. (Galatians 4:28-29 NLT)