Why the Law? (Galatians 3:19-25)

We meet Sunday mornings at New Traditions Elementary School! You can find more information about our Sunday gatherings on this page.

Summary

What is the purpose and effect of the law that God gave through the Old Testament? Paul has much to say about the law in his letter to the Galatians; listen as Dave unpacks Paul’s words.

Text

Galatians 3:19-25

19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.

21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, (ESV)