Galatians 3:25 – “Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is continuing his argument about the purpose of the law and how it relates to faith in Christ. In the previous verse (Galatians 3:24), he described the law as a guardian (or tutor) that watched over God’s people until Christ came. But now, he says, faith has come, and believers are no longer under the supervision of that guardian.

Paul is emphasizing that the law’s role was temporary—it served to point people to Christ, but now that Jesus has fulfilled the law, people are no longer required to live under its rule. Instead of being guided by the law, believers are now led by faith in Jesus Christ.

This means that righteousness is no longer about following rules, but about trusting in Christ. The law was like a tutor for children, but now that maturity has come (through Jesus), the tutor is no longer needed.

Historical Context

For centuries, the Jewish people lived under the law of Moses, believing that following its commands was the way to be right with God. The law contained moral laws (such as the Ten Commandments), ceremonial laws (such as sacrifices and holy days), and civil laws (for governing Israel).

However, the law was never meant to be the final way of salvation—it was always pointing forward to something greater. When Jesus came, He fulfilled the law’s purpose by living a perfect life and dying for sin. Because of this, believers no longer need to live under the law’s supervision.

Some false teachers in Galatia were insisting that Christians still needed to follow the Jewish law. Paul is refuting this by making it clear that Jesus’ coming changed everything—faith in Him is now the way to righteousness, not obedience to the law.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key theological truths:

1. The law’s role was temporary. It was given for a time, but it was never meant to be the final way of salvation.
2. Faith in Christ brings spiritual maturity. Just as a child no longer needs a tutor once they grow up, believers no longer need the law now that faith in Jesus has come.
3. Believers live by faith, not by law. Instead of following religious rules, Christians are called to trust in Jesus and follow Him.
4. The law cannot save—it only reveals sin. Now that Jesus has come, salvation is available by grace through faith, not by works.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of “Now that this faith has come” signals a transition. He is showing that something new has happened—Jesus’ coming has changed the way people relate to God.

• “We are no longer under a guardian” – This phrase is key because it shows that the law’s authority has ended for believers.
• The contrast between “guardian” and “faith” – The law was like a tutor, but now that Christ has come, people live by faith instead of following rules.

Paul is making a strong distinction between the old system of law and the new life of faith. This reinforces the idea that Christians are not under the law but under grace (Romans 6:14).

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 6:14 – “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” (Believers are now free from the law’s rule.)
• Romans 8:2 – “Because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Faith in Jesus brings freedom.)
• Galatians 4:4-5 – “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son… to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” (Jesus came to free people from the law and make them children of God.)
• Hebrews 8:13 – “By calling this covenant ‘new,’ he has made the first one obsolete.” (The old system of law is no longer in effect.)
• Colossians 2:16-17 – “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.” (Religious laws were temporary—they pointed to Jesus.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that faith in Jesus sets believers free from religious rule-keeping. Many people today still believe that they must follow strict religious laws or traditions to be accepted by God. But Paul is clear: We are no longer under the law—we are under grace.

For today’s Christians, this means:

• You do not have to follow religious rituals to earn God’s approval. Jesus has already done the work.
• Your relationship with God is based on faith, not rule-keeping.
• You are free to follow Christ, not bound by legalism.
• Obedience to God comes from love and faith, not from fear of breaking rules.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire to set people free from the burden of the law. He does not want people to live under guilt and fear—He wants them to experience the joy of faith in Jesus.

This verse also shows that God’s plan has always been about grace. The law was never meant to be a burden forever—it was given to lead people to Christ. Now that Christ has come, people can live in the freedom of God’s love and grace.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points directly to Jesus as the one who fulfilled the law and set believers free.

• Jesus accomplished what the law could not do—He brought true righteousness. (Romans 8:3)
• Jesus’ death removed the law’s power over believers. Instead of being judged by the law, people are now made righteous through faith in Him. (Galatians 2:16)
• Jesus introduced a new way to relate to God—through grace and faith, not rules and regulations. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Paul is making it clear that Jesus is the answer to the problem of sin—not the law.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to no longer be “under a guardian”?
2. How does this verse show that faith in Jesus replaces the law?
3. What does this verse teach about Christian freedom?
4. How does this verse change the way you think about your relationship with God?
5. How can you help others understand that salvation comes through faith, not religious rule-keeping?