How does Galatians 3:21 affirm the harmony between law and God's promises? “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 from the law.” What Paul Is Saying in One Sentence The law and God’s promises are not enemies; they serve different purposes that fit together perfectly in God’s plan. Key Observations • “Absolutely not!”—Paul’s strongest denial shows no conflict exists. • “Could impart life”—the law was never designed to give life, only to expose sin (Romans 3:20). • “Righteousness would certainly have come from the law”—if the law could save, the promise wouldn’t be needed, but it can’t, so the promise stands supreme. How Law and Promises Harmonize • Same Author, different assignments – God gave the law (Exodus 20). – God gave the promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:3; 15:6). – One God cannot contradict Himself. • Law reveals the need; promise supplies the answer – Law = mirror showing the stain (Romans 7:7). – Promise = soap that removes the stain through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:22). • Law is temporary; promise is permanent – “Until the Seed would come” (Galatians 3:19). – Promise to Abraham is “everlasting covenant” (Genesis 17:7). Supporting Passages • Romans 7:12—“So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.” • 2 Corinthians 1:20—“For all the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” • Galatians 3:24—“So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” The Flow of God’s Plan 1. Promise to Abraham: blessing through faith. 2. Law through Moses: exposes sin, points to need. 3. Fulfillment in Christ: promise realized, law’s tutor role completed. Practical Takeaways • Don’t pit Old Testament against New; see the storyline. • Let the law diagnose sin, but run to Christ for cure. • Rejoice that every command and every promise work together to highlight God’s faithfulness and grace. |
    |