The Relationship of Jewish and Gentile Believers to the Law Between A.D. 30 and 70 in the Scripture

210 itself (Genesis 12:3, et al.) divine reason to no longer live with the law as his basis of identity (which excludes Gentiles from acceptance) in order to live to God (2: 19). A new basis for Paul's identity has been found in Messiah. A new age has dawned which has superseded the age of Moses and only in identification with the crucifixion of Christ does Paul live. As he participates in Christ's death he is accepted as righteous and this is the source of blessing for all others as well (2:20). Thus, righteousness does not come through the Law but through participation in the substitutionary atonement of Christ's death (2:21). Blessing is found in Christ, not in law. The Proofs (Probatio) 3: 1-4:31 The center portion of the epistle is not distinct in subject, only in form. In this section Paul begins to unpack his argument and support his basic thesis which was introduced and articulated in summary form in chapters 1-2. 177 ·Although Paul's argument may appear convoluted at times, he consistently argues a singular theme . Particularly in chapter 3 Paul argues that his readers have already attained the blessings of Abraham by virtue of being in Christ. In 3 : 1-5 he refers to the past event of their reception of "the Spirit. " The Spirit is further defined as "the promise Spirit " and the "bless ing of Abraham" in 3 :14 and finally states that his readers are indeed Abraham' offspring becau e they are in Christ in 3 : 29 . The Means of Blessing (the Gospel: Argument from Experience) 3: 1-5 Paul ' proof here i not to prove that hi reader hip i a ed b au th b Ii e, but rather to ork ackward from the proof to th cau of th ir 1 ati n . Th 177 " In a pe h the probatio tion i th m t d f ' ar p e nted . hi p rt det rmin h th r or n d , '' B tz , alattan , l 8 f 11 b p h