Why was the law added according to Galatians 3:19, and what purpose does it serve? The Immediate Answer from Galatians 3:19 “Why then was the Law given? It was added because of transgressions until the arrival of the Seed to whom the promise referred; and it was ordained through angels by a mediator.” Added “Because of Transgressions” — What That Means • Reveals sin: Romans 3:20, “Through the Law we become conscious of sin.” • Defines sin: Romans 7:7, “I would not have known what coveting really was if the Law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’” • Exposes guilt: By spelling out God’s standards, the Law shows that every violation is personal rebellion. • Strips excuses: Romans 1:20 shows creation leaves humanity “without excuse”; the Law removes any remaining ambiguity. A Restraining Fence for a Fallen People • Civil restraint: 1 Timothy 1:9 calls the Law for “the lawless and rebellious.” • Temporary guardian over Israel’s national life—keeping gross evil in check until Messiah’s arrival. • Set-apart identity: Leviticus 20:26, “You shall be holy to Me…,” marking Israel off from surrounding nations. “Until the Seed” — The Temporary Nature of the Law • The Seed is Christ (Galatians 3:16). • Time-bound contract: Hebrews 8:13, “obsolete and aging,” once the New Covenant is inaugurated. • Angelic ordination and mediatorial delivery (Galatians 3:19) underscore divine origin yet also hint at its interim status—unlike the direct promise to Abraham. The Law as a Tutor Leading to Christ • Galatians 3:24, “The Law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we might be justified by faith.” • Step-by-step purpose: – Conviction → we see our need. – Condemnation → we sense urgency. – Compass → we look to the cross. • Romans 5:20, “The Law was added so that trespass might increase,” not to create sin but to make its seriousness unmistakable, driving us to grace. What the Law Cannot Do • Cannot give life (Galatians 3:21). • Cannot impart righteousness (Galatians 2:16). • Cannot annul the earlier promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:17–18). The Ongoing Value of the Law for Believers • Reveals God’s character—His holiness, justice, and mercy. • Instructs in righteous living: 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture… profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.” • Informs gratitude: The more clearly sin is seen, the greater our worship for the One who fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17). Summary The Law was added to expose and restrain sin, serving as a temporary guardian that pointed unmistakably to Christ. By revealing humanity’s transgressions and need for redemption, it prepared the way for the Seed who fulfills the promise and grants righteousness by faith. |
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