Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”—in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
— Galatians 3:13–14 —
Lance Roberts: Czech Bible Institute | Czech Republic
The cross is an oft seen symbol in our society. People adorn themselves with cross necklaces and earrings, some put it on their walls, some tattoo it on their bodies, and some put it on their graves. But why? For different reasons, of course, but the real significance of the cross and the importance of its meaning for Christians is found in these verses. In the Old Testament, being hung on a tree was reserved for executed criminals who violated the law of God. Jesus came to redeem sinners out of the slave market of the accursed by becoming a curse for us. It was a public proclamation that the lawbreaker was indeed cursed and bore his punishment. Jesus bore this public humiliation and curse on the cross for all who believe. If you were to live a thousand years and only commit one sin, you are a lawbreaker, condemned, cursed, and under the wrath of God. And as one under the curse of the Law, you cannot redeem yourself from the curse that is upon you. You could no more reach the moon by balloon than you can redeem yourself from the marketplace of cursed sinners. But Jesus came to redeem sinners out of the slave market of the accursed by becoming a curse for us. He died as our substitute by bearing our sin, guilt, judgment, and shame. He received the stroke of God’s judgment on your behalf. He died on the cross not because He was accursed, but because you are. He died so you could receive the blessings and the promise of the Spirit. So every time you see a cross, remember that it was there that Christ redeemed you from the curse of the law, and set you free.
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