10. For all who depend on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not persevere in doing all the things written in the book of the law.”
11. And that no one is justified before God by the law is clear, for “the one who is righteous by faith will live.”
12. But the law does not depend on faith; rather, “the one who does these things will live by them.”
13. Christ ransomed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree,”
14. that the blessing of Abraham might be extended to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15. Brothers, in human terms I say that no one can annul or amend even a human will once ratified.
16. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his descendant. It does not say, “And to descendants,” as referring to many, but as referring to one, “And to your descendant,” who is Christ.
17. This is what I mean: the law, which came four hundred and thirty years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to cancel the promise.
18. For if the inheritance comes from the law, it is no longer from a promise; but God bestowed it on Abraham through a promise.
19. Why, then, the law? It was added for transgressions, until the descendant came to whom the promise had been made; it was promulgated by angels at the hand of a mediator.
20. Now there is no mediator when only one party is involved, and God is one.
21. Is the law then opposed to the promises [of God]? Of course not! For if a law had been given that could bring life, then righteousness would in reality come from the law.