To rely on observing the law is to think that we have the potential to obey God’s commandments and thereby render the obedience that he requires for life in his presence. Since all human beings descended from Adam are by nature sinful (Genesis 6:4; Genesis 8:21; 1 Kings 8:46; Proverbs 20:9; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Psalm 14:1–7; Romans 3:19–20),1 it is not possible for any man to perfectly obey God’s law and thus all men are under a curse.2
10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”