Purpose of the Law – Galatians 3:19-22

Topic: Purpose of the Law

Reading: Galatians 3:19-22

19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made; and it was ordained by angels through an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one; but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not; for if a law had been given which could make alive, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the scripture consigned all things to sin, that what was promised to faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

Introduction and Overview

The law was brought into being through Moses. Moses went up on the mountain where he received the Ten Commandments, written in stone, by the hand of God Himself.

But in the New Testament we see that Jesus came to set us free from the law. In His death and resurrection we are released from the bondage of the law. We now live, not under law, but under the grace of God.

So, this begs the question that Paul asks in the first words of verse 19. Why then the law? What is the purpose of the law if in Christ it is taken away? It was the law given to man by God that is now being removed in Christ Jesus, so what is the purpose of the law?

These scriptures today look at this issue and they explain what is and was the purpose of the law. It was important, and still is today. But for those who come to Christ, the way of grace is much better, as we will see.

Key points from reading:

• The purpose of the law was to curb the continuing and worsening of sin.
• The law does not and cannot make a person perfect in the eyes of God.
• Through the law all things were handed over to sin so that we could gain release through Jesus Christ

Discussion:

1. Scripture: Galatians 3:19

• This verse opens asking: Why then the law? What is the purpose of the law? And it clearly shows us that the purpose of the law was to curb sin. The purpose of the law was to define sin for the evil that it is, and to define what would happen to those who did not keep the law. Amongst other things it was designed to teach people the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. But it was never meant to be the be-all and end-all for worshiping of God.
• The law was always meant to be a temporary fix. It was to be a “handbrake” that would (hopefully) stop people in their tracks when temptations to sin arose. And it was a mechanism for justice and the governance of the people of God.
• But all of this was meant to exist only until Christ came. As the verse states, the purpose of the law was to deal with transgressions until the offspring, who is Jesus, came along. It was not intended to continue on after Christ for those who came to Him. As it says in Romans 10:4, “For Christ is the end of the law, that every one who has faith may be justified.” The Law ends with Christ. But that verse adds an important condition. It ends for “those who have faith.” Faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ removes us from the law and it is by this faith that we are declared righteous.
• Jesus is the offspring of Abraham to whom all the promises were made. It is by faith in Jesus that we receive the promises. The purpose of the law was not about these promises. It was effectively a “holding pattern” until Christ came to claim and deliver the promises that would deal with sin once and for all.

2. Scripture: Galatians 3:20

• The law was delivered to Moses by an intermediary. We are told in the previous verse that the law was ordained by angels. The Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God. The rest of the laws, and there are over 650 of them, it would appear were delivered through angels as intermediaries.
• As this verse points out, an intermediary implies more than one. And it is evident from the previous verse that there were more than just one angel as intermediary.
• But in meting out the law, the angels were in one mind with God. Just as God and Jesus are in one mind on all things. Whatever decisions they may make individually will be the same. There will be no difference or discrepancy between the words of God, or of Jesus, or of the angels. Thus they are of one mind and thus the implication of a single intermediary.
• This does not suggest they are one being with the same authority. As Jesus Himself said, “The Father is greater than I.” (John 14:28)
• But in their actions and decisions and more, they are of the same mind and the same purpose.

3. Scripture: Galatians 3:21

• Now this is an important point regarding the purpose of the law. If the law was to be superseded by grace, is the law then against the promises of God?
• Certainly not! The law upholds and teaches us about the nature and will of God. It explains what God sees as being good, right, and true. It is a powerful teacher from which we can learn much about how to please God and live in harmony with our fellow man.
• But…the law cannot make any person perfect. It cannot make a person alive because it consigns everything to sin. The purpose of the law is not about perfecting a person, or giving them eternal life. It is about trying to curb sin, and in so doing it binds a person to try to do right…or suffer the consequences.
• God wants people to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. He does not want to hold our sins over our head. Nor does He want us to fear because the law hangs over us waiting to condemn every error. So, while the law is not opposed to or against the purposes and promises of God, neither will it achieve what can only be received through faith and God’s grace.

4. Scripture: Galatians 3:22

• The purpose of the law was to consign everything to sin. This was so that the promises of God to Abraham could come to those who have faith. And that includes you and I, even those who do not have the genealogy of Abraham.
• We who are the people of faith today are the true children of Abraham. We are sons and daughters of Abraham when we hold the same faith in God that he held. And in Christ Jesus we receive all of the promises made to Abraham, up to and including eternal life.
• The promises to Abraham are only attainable through faith. Without faith, they cannot be received. And those who believe they will receive God’s promises through following the works of the law are also in error. The law does not justify us in God’s sight. Only faith in His working and the resurrection of Jesus Christ can do that.
• The purpose of the law was to do many things, and it is very useful to know what it says. But it can never lead you to life. Only faith in Christ can do that.

Prayer Points:

• Pray and ask the Lord for understand of these things.
• Pray and ask God to help you to be released from the bondage of the law so that you are no longer held captive, but are free to receive the promises of Abraham that are given to you in Jesus Christ.