Here this quote from Deuteronomy 27:16 is used to describe the result of relating to the Torah in a wrong way, by using it as a means to self-justification. This is called "works of the law", which is a theological term meaning "legalism". If the Torah is used in this way, it will not bring anything other than a curse, for without faith, and in one’s own strength, it is impossible to fulfill the commandments the right way. This means that if you believe that you can obtain salvation by fulfilling the commandments in a legalistic, obligatory manner, you will be under a curse, for you do not have the ability to do it in your own strength. You need HaShem’s grace to receive forgiveness for mistakes. The expression "works of the law" does not mean to obey the Torah, but it is talking about a wrong way of fulfilling the commandments, by doing it to receive merit and earning approval for salvation on a scale where the good deeds on one side outweigh the bad deeds on the other side. This is a deceptive way of thinking. Salvation is not earned by merits.

The only way to be rid of the condemnation of your sin is that someone takes your place. In the sacrificial system that is described in Leviticus, we see how innocent animals had to carry the guilt of man. By this the Eternal, through his great compassion, forgave the people who were repentant.

However, animals cannot completely represent man. They are all shadows of the true sacrifice that was given once and for all, as a substitute, so that we could be forgiven on a judicially righteous basis. HaShem is righteous, and he forgives us on account of Yeshua's death.

Those who received forgiveness for their sins through the temple sacrifices received it because of the sacrifice of Yeshua, which is reflected in the temple sacrifices. Without the sacrifice of Yeshua, the temple sacrifices would not have any value (Rom 3:25-26).

If a person tries to replace his evil deeds with good deeds, even though the good deeds are in line with the Torah, he cannot remove the curse that came because of the disobedience, even if the disobedience was only against one single commandment. He needs to come to the Eternal for forgiveness, and acknowledge that he cannot save himself.

"The Messiah redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us--for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’" (Gal 3:13 ESV revised)

Thanks to the Eternal who has supplied us with a substitute to deliver us from the curse, sin, and death!

Ketriel