Breaking the Chains — Curse

My niece and nephew came to visit me last week, and they often inquire about what the Bible says regarding the concept of a generational curse.

How many of you believe in a curse?

Belief in curses varies greatly among individuals and cultures. Some people believe in the concept of curses as a supernatural consequence of negative actions or intentions, while others may view such beliefs as superstition or mythological.

When Jesus died on the cross and gave His blood for us, He took our sin and the penalty for it. He redeemed us. That means He purchased us, and in that purchase, He freed us from the curse of the law.

Galatians 3:13, 14, 26–29 KJV speaks of our freedom from the curse of the law:

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

During my upbringing, discussions about Abraham were rare occurrences. In fact, I had little awareness of who Abraham was, and my knowledge of Noah, but I knew who Noah was. It wasn’t until I attended Seminar Theology Malaysia that I truly learned about Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through my Old Testament Survey Class.

Subsequently, I encountered the phrase “Abraham’s Blessings are mine,” sparking my curiosity about its significance. This led me to ponder the nature of curses and blessings, prompting questions about their meaning and relevance.

Liberated by Christ’s Sacrifice

To be redeemed from the curse is akin to being rescued and set free, much like a kidnapped individual whose ransom is paid for their liberation. We were once bound by sin, enslaved, and under the sway of Satan. However, Jesus paid the ultimate price for our sins, securing our freedom from the curse and its repercussions. Though the price has been fully paid, each of us must choose whether to accept or reject this newfound liberty.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we are adopted as sons of God (Galatians 3:26), a central message of the Gospel. By becoming sons, we are also counted among Abraham’s descendants, for Jesus himself was of Abraham’s lineage. Thus, when we invite Jesus into our lives, we inherit the same blessings promised to Abraham and his descendants. As Paul articulated, we are “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).

This transformative process liberates us from the consequences of sin, sparing us from the penalties we would otherwise face. It is a divine exchange: our bondage for freedom, our sin for righteousness. Through Jesus, we are not only redeemed but also empowered to live as children of God, heirs to His promises. Embracing this truth, we step into a new identity, rooted in Christ and enriched by the inheritance of Abraham’s blessings.

In the end, my niece and nephew’s journey into understanding the Bible was characterized by cheerful conversations, laughter, and playful exchanges.