So does Galatians 3:19 have nothing to do with law given to Moses? If that were the case, then the “Seed” would not have been involved.
Let’s see what Paul was really saying.
Galatians 3:17-25 (KJV)
[SUP]17 [/SUP]And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
[SUP]18 [/SUP]For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
[SUP]19 [/SUP]Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
[SUP]20 [/SUP]Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
[SUP]21 [/SUP]Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
[SUP]22 [/SUP]But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
[SUP]23 [/SUP]But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
[SUP]24 [/SUP]Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
[SUP]25 [/SUP]But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
The covenant in verse 17 was the legality of the Mosaic Law confirmed previously of God in Christ does NOT do away with the promise, as some would want us to think.
The inheritance in verse 18 is by promise, not by legality.
The transgressions in verse 19 are exposed by legality, until the fulfillment through Christ.
The mediator in verse 20 does not mediate something that is in agreement with itself.
The promises in verse 21 are plural, and the law is not at odds with those promises, because there would be no reason for promises unto righteousness of transgressions were done away with by the law. Obviously, the law can’t do that.
The sin in verse 22 has been made known by the law (compare with verse 19) so we can see the reason for these promises.
The law and faith in verse 23 are working with each other. Paul says; Romans 7:8b For without the law sin was dead. And even more in Romans 5:13b but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
So I ask, what would be the purpose of a promise if there weren’t a reason for it?
The schoolmaster in verse 24 is our escort to Christ.
The faith in verse 25 is the maturity that is given through the Word that issues us the understanding by the Comforter. (The Holy Spirit)
Faith can be, and should increased in our lives according to 2 Corinthians 10:15. Paul even confesses that he didn’t have it all in 1 Corinthians 13:2. Therefore, there are many things in our lives where we still need an escort to Christ. Paul is fed up with the self-righteous attitude that says we are perfect without understanding, and even going so far as to purposefully deny it. Paul reveals this to us when he says;
1 Corinthians 15:31 (KJV)
[SUP]31 [/SUP]I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
2 Corinthians 3:6 (KJV)
[SUP]6 [/SUP]Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Take advantage of the letter, and appreciate the promises.
How do we lead others to Christ if we don’t follow this sequence of events listed by Paul? By neglecting this format, do we contributing to the “falling away” leading to false conversions?
