The Law is a Guard
"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. But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe." (Galatians 3:21,22 - English Standard Version)
Because the law condemns and the promise justifies, some might think that they are opposed to each other. Paul says, “Certainly not!” The law was never intended to justify. In condemning us, it is fulfilling its purpose. God always intended to justify people by grace through faith. It is the only way that anyone has ever been made right before God.
The Law’s purpose is to reveal sin not remove it. Warren Wiersbe put it this way: “The law is a mirror that helps us see our dirty faces – but you do not wash your face with the mirror.” (Be Free)
Rather than bringing righteousness, the Law confines us. Sin was our prison. The Law was the prison guard. The promise of faith brought us our pardon. The Law judges man and shows that he is guilty. The Law makes us see that we are in the prison of sin.
Because the law condemns and the promise justifies, some might think that they are opposed to each other. Paul says, “Certainly not!” The law was never intended to justify. In condemning us, it is fulfilling its purpose. God always intended to justify people by grace through faith. It is the only way that anyone has ever been made right before God.
The Law’s purpose is to reveal sin not remove it. Warren Wiersbe put it this way: “The law is a mirror that helps us see our dirty faces – but you do not wash your face with the mirror.” (Be Free)
Rather than bringing righteousness, the Law confines us. Sin was our prison. The Law was the prison guard. The promise of faith brought us our pardon. The Law judges man and shows that he is guilty. The Law makes us see that we are in the prison of sin.
posted by David Frank Wilson | 8:50 AM
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