What does it mean to be made righteous before God? Can we earn His acceptance by keeping His commandments, performing good works, or striving to live a moral life? In Episode 135 of The Legacy Bible Podcast, Rev. Chuck Rains explores these important questions through the Apostle Paul's teaching in Galatians 3. Drawing from the example of Abraham, Paul demonstrates that righteousness has always been received through faith in God, not earned through human effort or obedience to the law. The message then turns to the heart of the gospel: Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by taking our place and satisfying God's righteous demands. This Bible study explains the difference between doing good works to earn God's favor and doing good works because we already belong to Him. Through faith in Christ, believers are justified, receive the promised Holy Spirit, and learn to live each day by trusting in their Savior rather than relying on their own strength. Discover why Jesus Christ is our only hope for salvation—and why the Christian life, from beginning to end, must be lived by faith. Full Show Notes The Legacy Bible Podcast — Episode 135 Justified by Faith: Christ Has Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law Episode Overview In this message, Rev. Chuck Rains continues his study of Galatians, examining the relationship between God's law, justification, and faith in Jesus Christ. The central truth is that no one can be declared righteous before God through personal achievement or perfect law-keeping. Our only hope is the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. What You'll Learn Justification by faith: God declares believers righteous through faith in Jesus Christ, not through works of the law. Abraham's example: Abraham believed God, and his faith was counted to him as righteousness. His experience demonstrates that justification by faith preceded the giving of the Mosaic law. The purpose and demands of the law: God's law is holy, just, and good, but its righteous standards cannot be perfectly met by sinful humanity. The contrast between faith and works: The law demands obedience, while the gospel points us to Christ, who has fulfilled God's righteous demands. Christ our Redeemer: Jesus took upon Himself the curse of the law, providing the redemption we could never accomplish on our own. Living by faith: Good works are the fruit of belonging to God, not a means of earning salvation. Believers are called to depend on Christ throughout their daily lives. Scripture References Galatians 2:11–16 — Justification is not through works of the law. Galatians 3:2–14 — Faith, Abraham's example, the curse of the law, and redemption through Christ. Genesis 15:6 — Abraham believed the Lord, and it was counted to him as righteousness. Romans 4:3 — Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness. Habakkuk 2:4 — The just shall live by faith. Leviticus 18:5 — The law's demand concerning obedience. 1 Timothy 1:2 — Paul describes Timothy as his son in the faith. Titus 1:4 — Paul refers to Titus in relation to their common faith. A Key Takeaway We do not perform good works in order to become God's children. Through faith in Christ, we receive justification and become His children; then we seek to live righteously in gratitude and obedience to Him. The same faith through which we come to Christ must sustain us throughout our lives. Reflection Questions Why can keeping the law never be the basis of our justification before God? What does Abraham's example teach us about faith and righteousness? How did Jesus Christ redeem us from the curse of the law? What is the difference between doing good works to earn salvation and doing them because we belong to God? In what areas of your life do you need to rely more fully on Christ rather than your own strength? Keywords: The Legacy Bible Podcast, Rev. Chuck Rains, Galatians 3, justification by faith, salvation through Jesus Christ, Abraham's faith, righteousness, grace, the law of Moses, curse of the law, redemption, Holy Spirit, Christian living, walking by faith, Bible teaching, biblical salvation. Hashtags: #LegacyBiblePodcast #JustificationByFaith #Galatians3 #JesusChrist #SalvationByFaith #ChristianLiving #BibleStudy #Grace #Redemption #WalkByFaith Closing Encouragement As you face the challenges, temptations, and decisions of the coming days, keep looking to Jesus Christ. Trust Him not only for your salvation but also for the strength to live a life that honors Him. Our hope is not in our own righteousness, but in the perfect work of our Redeemer. Thanks for listening and please subscribe, comment and like. if you have any comments or questions please send them to legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com you can check out the website at www.legacybiblepodcast.com youtube channel at www.youtube.com/@legacybiblepodcast Rumble Channel at www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast Fellowship Bible Church website is at fbcjoliet.com please come back every week for another legacy lesson from the bible by the Rev Chuck Rains. All audio sermons were previously recorded at the Fellowship Bible Church and recorded on cassette tape and transferred into digital format. All content is from the Fellowship Bible Church and edited from the morning or evening service and taught by the pastor the Rev. Chuck Rains. Also just a reminder, don't forget to read your bible everyday, and pray for the podcast, so that all the world may hear God's message for their life.