How does Galatians 3:19 relate to the promise given to Abraham? Setting the Scene • Galatians 3:19 asks, “Why then was the Law given?”—a natural question after Paul has just said that God justified Abraham by faith long before Sinai (Galatians 3:6–9, 16). • The answer: “It was added for the sake of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The Law was administered through angels by a mediator”. • So Paul is explaining how the Mosaic Law fits between the unconditional promise to Abraham and its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. “Added Because of Transgressions” – The Law’s Temporary Task • “Added” signals something placed alongside—not replacing—Abraham’s covenant. • It exposed sin plainly: “Through the Law we become conscious of sin” (Romans 3:20). • It restrained sin socially: civil and ceremonial commands acted as guardrails for Israel (Deuteronomy 4:6–8). • It revealed humanity’s need for a Savior: “The Law became our guardian to lead us to Christ” (Galatians 3:24). “Until the Seed Would Come” – Focus on Christ • “Seed” is singular, pointing to Christ (Galatians 3:16); the promise to Abraham always had Jesus in view. • The Law had an expiration date—“until.” When Christ arrived, its tutelage ended (Galatians 3:25). • Jesus fulfills both sides of the covenant: the promised Seed who inherits the blessing and the obedient Son who fulfills the Law (Matthew 5:17). Promise vs. Law – Key Differences • Promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3; 15:6) – Unconditional, based on God’s word alone – Received by faith, not works – Centers on blessing all nations through one Seed • Law at Sinai (Exodus 19–20) – Conditional, “do this and live” (Leviticus 18:5) – Reveals guilt when broken (Romans 4:15) – Temporary guardian until Christ The Role of the Mediator • The Law “was administered through angels by a mediator” (Galatians 3:19; cf. Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:2). • At Sinai, Moses stood between God and Israel (Exodus 19:16–19). • By contrast, the Abrahamic promise came directly from God: “God is One” (Galatians 3:20)—no intermediary needed, underscoring its permanence and grace. Why Bring Abraham into the Discussion? • Abraham is the prototype of justification by faith (Romans 4:1–5). • The nations were always in view: “All peoples on earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). • Believers today are “sons of Abraham through faith” (Galatians 3:7), inheriting the same promise. Living in Light of the Promise Today • Freedom: Christ has satisfied the Law’s demands—“It is finished!” (John 19:30). • Faith: The same faith that justified Abraham justifies us (Galatians 3:26). • Family: Jew and Gentile alike are “heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). • Focus: Our eyes stay on Christ, the Seed, not on human efforts, for the blessing promised to Abraham flows to all who trust Him. |
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