In Deuteronomy 21:22–23, the Law of Moses stated that if a man was executed and his body was displayed afterward, it was not to remain overnight. The public display signified that this person had fallen under God’s judgment because of sin. The tree did not cause the curse; it signified it. It was a visible marker of guilt, shame, and separation.

This background helps us understand Paul’s words in Galatians 3:13: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us.” Jesus was crucified—placed on a wooden cross—just as those declared to be under condemnation were displayed in ancient Israel. Although He committed no sin, He willingly entered into the place where the curse of sin rests: death, shame, and separation.

This does not mean our guilt was transferred to Christ or that God punished Christ as though He were guilty. Rather, He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, giving His life to break the power of sin’s curse. He experienced the consequences of sin—suffering and death—not because He deserved them, but because only through His death could the curse be removed for others.

 

What Is the Curse?

In Scripture:

• Blessing = God’s favor, life, and peace.
• Curse = the consequence of sin—separation from God, shame, and death.

In Genesis 3, sin brought the curse into the world.

In Deuteronomy 27–28, Israel was told that obedience led to blessing, but disobedience brought curse.

Thus, when Paul says Christ “became a curse,” he means that Christ entered into the suffering and death brought on by sin, so that He might deliver us from it.

 

Christ’s Work on the Cross

• He did not become guilty.

• God did not treat Him as a sinner.

• He did not receive punishment in place of us.

Instead:

• He gave Himself willingly (John 10:17–18).

• He entered death to destroy death (Heb. 2:14).

• He broke the barrier of separation so we could be reconciled to God (Eph. 2:13–16).

Christ did not take the penalty instead of us—He removed the cause of the penalty.

 

From Curse to Restoration

The story of Scripture moves:

1. Eden: The curse enters through sin.

2. The Cross: Christ removes the power of the curse for the obedient.

3. Heaven: “There shall be no more curse” (Rev. 22:3).

Those who are in Christ no longer belong to the realm of death and separation. They walk in new life.

 

The Invitation

Christ’s sacrifice makes redemption possible, but each person must respond:

• Hear the gospel (Romans 10:17)

• Believe (John 8:24)

• Repent (Acts 17:30)

• Confess Christ (Romans 10:9–10)

• Be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27)

Through obedience, we move from the realm of the curse into the realm of blessing.