Faith or Works? (6): The Abrahamic Covenant Is Not Annulled! (Galatians 3:15, 17-18) by Rev. Angus Stewart
I. Its Divine Author
II. Its Historic Precedence
III. Its Gracious Character
John Brown on Galatians 3:15-18: “If the observance of the law were constituted the procuring cause or necessary means of justification, such a constitution would necessarily annul the covenant before ratified, and render the promise of none effect. It follows, of course, that the law was appointed for no such purpose. Whatever end it might serve, it could not serve this end; it could never be appointed to serve this end.”
John Eadie on Galatians 3:18: “... if the law abrogate the promise, inheritance comes of law; but law and promise are quite antagonistic in nature, so that if it be of law, the promise is completely set aside. The one hypothesis excludes the other—there is no middle ground.”
John Calvin on Galatians 3:18: “Let us carefully remember the reason why, in comparing the promise with the law, the establishment of the one overturns the other. The reason is, that the promise has respect to faith, and the law to works. Faith receives what is freely given, but to works a reward is paid. And he immediately adds, God gave it to Abraham, not by requiring some sort of compensation on his part, but by free promise; for if you view it as conditional, the word gave, would be utterly inapplicable.”