How does Galatians 3:21 connect with Romans 3:20 about the law's limitations? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Flow of Thought - Galatians 3 confronts believers who are drifting back to legalism. - Paul is clarifying why the law was given and what it can—and cannot—do. What Galatians 3:21 Says “Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, righteousness would certainly have come from the law.” Key observations: • The law is not an enemy of God’s promise. • Its incapacity lies in imparting life and righteousness. • If life could come by law-keeping, Christ’s promise would be unnecessary. Romans 3:20: A Parallel Insight “Therefore no one will be justified in His presence by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.” Key observations: • No one is declared righteous through law-keeping. • The law’s chief effect: exposing sin and revealing our need. Putting the Two Together: The Law’s Built-in Limitations - Galatians 3:21 states the law cannot “impart life.” - Romans 3:20 adds that it cannot “justify.” - Both agree: the law diagnoses sin but cannot cure the sinner. - The promise (Galatians 3:22) and faith in Christ (Galatians 3:24) supply what the law withholds. Why God Gave the Law If It Cannot Give Life 1. To reveal God’s holiness (Leviticus 19:2). 2. To expose human sinfulness (Romans 7:7). 3. To restrain evil in society (1 Timothy 1:8-11). 4. To point forward to Christ, “our righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6; Galatians 3:24). The Law’s True Function: Driving Us to Christ - Galatians 3:24: “The law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we might be justified by faith.” - Romans 8:3-4: God did what the law could not—“He condemned sin in the flesh” through His Son. - Thus, the law prepares the soil; the gospel plants the seed of life. Takeaways for Daily Living • Appreciate the law’s holy standard, but don’t seek life from it. • Let its mirror show any lingering sin, then run to the cross for cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Rejoice that righteousness is a gift, not a wage (Romans 4:4-5). • Live by the Spirit, fulfilling the moral intent the law pointed to all along (Galatians 5:16-18, 22-23). |
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