Who perceived the law as a curse

The law in itself is not a curse. It was perceived as a curse by those who were either under condemnation for sin, or who tried to gain justification before God through their own works rather than through faith in Christ.

In the Epistle to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul addresses a crucial issue: some believers had begun to think that Christ was not enough for salvation, and that a person must become righteous by keeping the law. It is precisely against this approach that Paul speaks out most decisively. In the biblical understanding, God's law is holy, just, and good, but sinful humanity, turning it into a means of self-salvation, inevitably ends up under condemnation. Therefore, the issue is not whether the law is bad, but how one relates to it.

Paul does not call the law a curse

Scripture clearly demonstrates that the problem does not lie with the law, but with the lawbreaker. When a person relies on the "works of the law" as the basis for acceptance with God, they must keep the entire law flawlessly. However, after the Fall, no human being except Christ has ever lived an absolutely perfect life.

“For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.’” Gal 3:10

Here, Paul is not saying that the law is evil. He is saying that anyone who seeks justification through the law confronts its verdict, because the law demands complete obedience. The law exposes sin, but cannot in itself justify the sinner.

“So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.” Rom 7:12

Therefore, from the perspective of Adventist theology, it is essential to maintain a biblical balance: the law does not save, yet it is by no means an enemy of the Gospel. It reflects God’s character and reveals our need for a Savior.

Who specifically perceived the law as a curse

First and foremost, Paul has in mind the Judaizing teachers and those who, influenced by them, believed that acceptance with God required not only faith in Christ, but also legalistic works as the basis for justification. They viewed their relationship with God as a merit system.

“Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because ‘the righteous will live by faith.’” Gal 3:11

Thus, the law was perceived as a curse by:

1. Those who were under its condemnation due to transgression.
2. Those who attempted to justify themselves by their own obedience.
3. Those who failed to realize that salvation is a gift of grace through faith.

Paul explains that the law was never given as a means of salvation. It exposes sin and leads a person to realize their desperate need for Christ.

“So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” Gal 3:24

It is when a person misuses the law that it becomes a heavy burden rather than a joy—not because God’s requirements are unfair, but because the human heart is separated from God.

The curse is tied to sin, not to God's law

The Bible teaches that the curse comes as a consequence of disobedience. The law merely proclaims God’s righteous judgment. It does not create evil; it exposes it. In this sense, the law is like a mirror: it reveals a person's true condition, but it cannot cleanse them.

“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” Rom 3:20

In the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, God’s moral law, including the Ten Commandments, remains a valid expression of God’s will. However, obedience is the fruit of salvation, not its cause. Ellen White repeatedly emphasized that we cannot earn salvation by our own deeds; only the righteousness of Christ covers the repentant, believing sinner. At the same time, the very grace that forgives also transforms life and leads to obedience.

Christ bore the curse for us

The core of Paul's message is not merely the refutation of false legalism, but the good news of deliverance in Jesus Christ. The curse that was rightfully ours due to breaking the law was voluntarily taken upon Himself by Christ on the cross.

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.’” Gal 3:13

This means that a believer does not have to live in fear of condemnation if they are in Christ. Salvation is not achieved through flawless observance of the law; it is received by faith in the One who fulfilled the law perfectly and bore the penalty for our sins.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Rom 8:1

At the same time, Christ does not abolish the moral essence of the law. He frees us not for lawlessness, but for a new life of loving obedience.

“If you love me, keep my commands.” John 14:15

What this means for us today

Today, the law is perceived as a curse by all who look at religion as a way to earn God's favor. When someone says, "I will be good enough, and God will accept me," they are repeating the very error Paul wrote against. But when we come to Christ in repentance and faith, the law finds its proper place: not as a ladder to heaven, but as God's guidepost for a redeemed life.

So, the answer is this: the law was perceived as a curse not by those who properly understood God's will, but by those who were under condemnation for sin or who sought salvation through their own deeds. The Bible teaches that the curse stems from breaking the law, and deliverance comes solely through Christ.

In practical terms, this means: do not try to earn your salvation through your obedience, but do not disregard God's law either. Accept Christ's righteousness by faith, allow the Holy Spirit to transform your heart, and then obedience will cease to be a burden—it will become the joyful fruit of love for God.