From Captives to Children - Galatians 3:10-26
A Quick Summary
God’s Law as a Temporary Guardian: The Old Testament Law highlighted our need for a Savior by showing us how far we fall short of perfection.
Christ Redeems Us from the Curse: Jesus willingly took on the curse meant for us, granting us true freedom.
Children, Not Captives: Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we live as God’s sons and daughters, rather than slaves or captives under the Law.
Living in Freedom: We respond to God’s love with gratitude, not out of an obligation
Welcome to Centre Church! If you’ve been looking churches in Red Deer to call home—a place where God’s grace is proclaimed boldly and where genuine community flourishes—then we’re thrilled you’ve found us. In this post, we dive into Galatians 3:10–26 to see how God moves us from being captives under the Law to children embraced in His family.
The Purpose of the Law
“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse… No one is justified before God by the law.” —Galatians 3:10–11
For centuries, the Old Testament Law (the rules and regulations given to Israel) served as a kind of “schoolmaster.” It showed God’s standard of holiness but also highlighted our inability to live up to that standard perfectly. In essence, the Law underscored just how much we need a Saviour. It was never meant to be the final answer—rather, it pointed us directly to Christ.
Why Was the Law Temporary?
Imagine having a strict teacher who shows you the right way to behave but never gives you the strength or help to do it. That’s the Old Testament Law in a nutshell. It was good in that it revealed God’s holiness and our sinfulness, yet insufficient to transform us completely from the inside out. Once Christ came, the Law’s primary purpose—to drive us to our Saviour—was fulfilled.
Christ Redeems Us from the Curse
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” —Galatians 3:13
Because no human can keep the Law perfectly, Jesus took on the curse of our failure. Through His sacrifice on the cross, He absorbed our penalty so we could be set free. We’re no longer bound by the endless attempts to earn God’s favour; it’s already given through faith in Christ!
The Blessing of Abraham
Paul explains that, through Jesus, we also inherit the “blessing of Abraham.” This ancient promise goes back to Genesis 12, where God vowed to bless not just Abraham and his descendants but ultimately every nation. In Christ, we are grafted into that family—experiencing God’s presence, promises, and abundant grace.
From Captives to Children
“But since faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.” —Galatians 3:25–26
Before Christ, people related to God through a system of sacrifices and law-keeping that acted like a strict guardian. But that old system no longer imprisons those who believe in Jesus. By faith, we become children of God, fully accepted and dearly loved.
Living as God’s Kids
It’s all too easy for us to slip back into a mindset of spiritual captivity—to feel like we have to earn God’s approval or strive under a burden of guilt. Galatians 3 teaches that, in Christ, we’ve already been set free! We can now relate to God as His beloved children, rejoicing in His grace rather than fearing His judgment.
Practical Ways to Embrace Our Freedom
Rest in God’s Love
Remember that our place in God’s family is secure. We’re not on a “probation period” with God.
Respond, Don’t Strive
The good we do—serving others, studying Scripture, spending time in prayer—flows from gratitude. We’re responding to God’s love, not trying to earn it.
Walk by the Holy Spirit
One of the greatest gifts we receive through Christ is the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Seek His guidance daily. Ask the Spirit to empower you to share Jesus, love your neighbors, and reflect God’s goodness.
Enjoy Community
Freedom in Christ is most powerfully experienced in fellowship with other believers. Plug into a local congregation—if you’re looking at churches in Red Deer, we’d be honored to welcome you at Centre Church!
A Final Encouragement
Stepping into the freedom of God’s grace can feel a bit like leaving a strict orphanage for a warm, loving home. We might be tempted to sneak back to the old, familiar rules, but our loving Father calls us to stay in His embrace, confident in His acceptance. When we finally settle into our identity as God’s children, joy and hope replace fear and guilt.
Let’s keep celebrating the good news that has changed our lives—and pray that many more, in Red Deer and beyond, come to know this incredible freedom too. After all, Jesus’ message isn’t just for us to hoard; it’s a gift to be shared.
Join Us at Centre Church
If you’re seeking to grow deeper in your relationship with God or simply exploring churches in Red Deer, we’d love for you to visit us at Centre Church. Come as you are, and discover that, in Christ, you are already loved and welcomed as part of God’s family.
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” —Galatians 3:26
May this truth fill you with peace, joy, and renewed purpose in the week ahead!
Need Prayer or Have Questions?
We’d love to connect with you. Email us at info@wearecentrechurch.ca to learn more about our community and how we can support you on your faith journey!
