How is the promise of the Spirit received—through Judaism, law keeping, or faith?
The promise of the Spirit is received through faith, not through Judaism or law keeping. It comes by simply believing the Word and the Gospel, not by what people do. Scripture links this blessing of Abraham to Gentiles through Jesus Christ, so reception rests on believing, not human effort or legal observance.
Les explains from Galatians 3:14 that the blessing of Abraham comes on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ so that believers might receive the promise of the Spirit. He stresses that this promise is not received through Judaism and not through law keeping, but through faith—simply believing the Word. Les says this is hard for people to understand because it is not what we do; it is simply believing the Gospel. He then ties this to verse 15, where Paul speaks after the manner of men about a confirmed covenant: once a man's covenant is confirmed, no one disannuls it or adds to it. Likewise, God's covenants with Abraham, David, Isaac, and the patriarchs cannot have a word taken away or added to; they stand settled forever.
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
More Questions
Who receives the promise of the Spirit according to Galatians 3:14?
Les identifies Gentiles as included among those who receive the promise of the Spirit, saying 'we as Gentiles.'