Galatians 3:18 – “For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul makes a clear distinction between the law and God’s promise. He is explaining that if receiving God’s blessing depended on following the law, then it would no longer be based on grace or faith—but on human effort.

The word “inheritance” refers to God’s blessing and salvation—the very thing that the Jewish people believed they had access to through the law. However, Paul argues that if the inheritance came through the law, then it would not be a gift from God—it would be something people earned. But that is not how God works.

Paul reminds the Galatians that God gave the inheritance to Abraham through a promise. Abraham did not receive God’s blessing by keeping laws—because the law did not even exist yet. Instead, God freely gave His promise to Abraham, and Abraham received it by faith (Genesis 15:6).

Paul’s message is clear: God’s blessings are based on His promise, not on human obedience. The law came later, but it did not replace or change God’s original plan—salvation has always been a gift received by faith.

Historical Context

The Jewish people believed that following the law of Moses was the way to receive God’s blessing. Many Jews in Paul’s time thought that obedience to the law was necessary for righteousness, and some even believed that Gentiles had to follow Jewish customs in order to be saved.

The false teachers in Galatia were promoting this same idea. They were telling Gentile believers that faith in Jesus was not enough—that they also needed to follow the Jewish law in order to receive God’s blessing.

Paul is strongly refuting this. He is showing that the law was never meant to be the way people received God’s inheritance. Instead, God gave the inheritance to Abraham before the law was given, and it was received through faith, not by works.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key truths about salvation and God’s grace:

1. Salvation is a gift, not a reward. If the inheritance came by the law, then people would have to work for it. But since it comes through God’s promise, it is a free gift of grace.
2. Faith, not the law, is the basis of God’s blessing. Abraham was declared righteous by faith, not by following laws. This means that all who have faith in Christ receive the same blessing.
3. The law does not replace God’s promise. Some people think that God changed His plan when He gave the law, but Paul is showing that God’s original plan—salvation through faith—was never canceled.
4. Grace is central to God’s relationship with His people. If salvation were based on human obedience, it would not be by grace. But because it is based on God’s promise, it is a free gift to all who believe.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s argument in this verse is structured around a contrast:

• “If the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise.” This sets up a logical conflict—either salvation is based on the law, or it is based on God’s promise. It cannot be both.
• “But God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.” Paul concludes by reaffirming that salvation comes through grace, not through law-keeping.

Paul’s use of the word “inheritance” is significant. An inheritance is something that is received as a gift, not something that is earned. This reinforces his point that salvation is based on grace, not works.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Abraham was justified by faith, not by law.)
• Romans 4:14 – “For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless.” (Paul repeats the same argument in Romans—faith, not law, is the foundation of salvation.)
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Salvation is a free gift, not something we earn.)
• Galatians 3:29 – “If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Through Christ, believers receive the inheritance of God’s promise.)
• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” (Salvation is based on God’s mercy, not on our own righteousness.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that salvation is not something we earn—it is a gift from God. Many people today struggle with the idea that they need to “prove” themselves to God through good works or religious rituals. But Paul is making it clear: salvation comes by faith alone.

For Christians today, this means:

• You do not need to work for God’s approval. If you have faith in Christ, you are already accepted by God.
• God’s blessings are based on His grace, not your performance. You do not need to follow religious rules to be loved by God—He loves you because of His promise.
• You can rest in the assurance of salvation. If salvation depended on human effort, we would always wonder if we had done enough. But because it depends on God’s promise, we can have confidence that it will never change.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is demonstrated in His grace. He does not require people to earn their way into His family—He freely gives salvation to all who believe.

This verse also shows God’s faithfulness. He made a promise to Abraham, and He kept it. Even after centuries, He did not change His plan. This shows that God’s love is constant and unshakable.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse ultimately points to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.

• Jesus is the true Heir of God’s promise. He is the Seed of Abraham through whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:16).
• Jesus fulfilled the law so that salvation could come through grace. The law could not bring righteousness, but Jesus did (Romans 8:3-4).
• Through Jesus, believers receive the inheritance of eternal life. Because of His sacrifice, we become heirs of God’s kingdom (Romans 8:17).

Paul is making it clear: if we belong to Christ, we are heirs of God’s promise—by faith, not by works.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important that salvation comes through a promise, not through the law?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that people must earn their way to God?
3. What does it mean for you personally that salvation is a gift, not something you have to work for?
4. How does this verse give you confidence in your relationship with God?
5. How can you help others understand that God’s blessings come through grace, not through religious efforts?