THE LAW AND THE PROMISE
“Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.” Galatians 3:21-22 NIV
We are living in a time when it is imperative to articulate what we believe and to give a reason for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15).
In this passage, Paul clarifies the purpose of the law. It was never given to impart life, nor to rival the promise of God. Rather, it exposed sin and held humanity under its verdict until the promised Redeemer would come. The law reveals what is wrong but it does not rescue. It diagnoses it, but does not heal it.
After the fall, sin reigned as humanity turned inward, choosing self-dependence over reliance on God. What was created good became corrupted through sinful hands. Yet even in judgment, God spoke a promise of a coming Seed who would redeem.
This promise preceded the law. And when the law came, it served as a guardian, preserving a sinful people and maintaining awareness of their need for mercy. It allowed access to a holy God, but always with the understanding that righteousness would ultimately come not by works, but by grace.
Now that Christ has come, the promise is fulfilled. Righteousness is not achieved, but it is imputed. Life is not earned, it is received. And the means of receiving it is faith.
Faith, therefore, is never mere sentiment or religious language. It is the instrument by which we are united to Christ and translated from death into life. The law serves to show us our bondage, but the promise brings us freedom. Hallelujah!
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this truth. I am set free by the law of faith in Christ who died and rose for me. By your indwelling spirit, I live in the freedom of grace and receive wholeheartedly the righteousness that He imputes to me. Let it be evident in my life, that I am helped by God, carried by grace and led by truth, in Jesus name. Amen!
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Romans 3:20
• Hebrews 10:1
• Habbakuk 2:4
