Galatians 3:21-25 (WEL) Is the law then against God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if there could have been a law given which could have given life, then truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the Scripture has enclosed all under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the control of the law, locked away from the faith, which would later be revealed. 24 So then the law was our guardian tutor until Christ, so that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian tutor.
V21 Is the law then against God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if there could have been a law given which could have given life, then truly righteousness would have been by the law.
Mosaic Law doesn’t secure salvation from God’s wrath. The weakness is not the law but the human, who cannot follow the law perfectly in thoughts, desires, words, and deeds. Compare Psalm 51:5, Psalm 58:3, and Matthew 19:16-22.
V22 But the Scripture has enclosed all under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
Scripture by words and examples proved that all are sinners, and no one is exempt. Compare Ezekiel 14:14. Noah sinned (Genesis 9:21-22), so also Job (Job 42:6), and Daniel (Daniel 9:5).
Faith, our faith, not infused faith, is the condition for salvation. We must believe God and His words. The promise is found in Habakkuk 2:4, Isaiah 28:16, and Psalm 22:4-5.
V23 But before faith came, we were kept under the control of the law, locked away from the faith, which would later be revealed.
Faith was taught in the Old Testament as in Genesis 15:6, but the fuller understanding did not come until the ministry of the Lord Jesus. Most people only know the Law and its requirements.
(Holman Commentary) “…we learn that the law was given to point out sin and to threaten a great punishment if God’s people didn’t straighten up. Man’s very inability to obey this law perfectly, and thus earn God’s approval, caused men and women to long for a better way to salvation and a relationship with God—by grace. God brought hope to mankind’s hopelessness in the most amazing way by sending Jesus Christ into the world. The law led us to Christ for forgiveness and righteousness.”
V24 So then the law was our guardian tutor until Christ, so that we might be justified by faith.
God’s law revealed our sin. Compare Romans 7:7-11. The Holy Spirit convicts us (John 16:8). In doing so, the Holy Spirit opens our hearts and minds (Acts 16:14) to understand our lost condition, convict us of our sins, and call us to believe in Jesus Christ.
Our faith in Jesus Christ is the only recognized path for justification (declared righteous). Please interpret the Bible in its plain, normal sense in Romans 4:1-5, for it is Abraham’s faith that God recognized. Some theologies blaspheme the Holy Spirit and teach “we have the secret interpretation: it is God infusing faith into us.” That damned lie will not save anyone.
V25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian tutor.
Faith has come refers to the clear teaching of Jesus Christ, “Believe in me.” Compare John 12:44, John 17:20, and John 5:24. Also see John 3:16.
(Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary) “But now that faith is come,” etc. Moses the lawgiver cannot bring us into the heavenly Canaan though he can bring us to the border of it. At that point he is superseded by Joshua, the type of Jesus, who leads the true Israel into their inheritance. The law leads us to Christ, and there its office ceases.”
We learn:
- The purpose of Mosaic law.
- The only method of salvation.
Questions:
- Are you trusting in good works to please God?
- Have you been convicted of your sins and believe in Jesus Christ alone?