If we depend on law—yes, even law as inspired as the law of Moses—we can never enjoy true righteousness. For law, while demanding righteousness, has no power to make righteous. Rather it has power to condemn any and all unrighteousness. But God never intended the law to give righteousness. Just the opposite, “It was added because of transgressions,” which is to say, because of law-breaking. Notice how Paul points to the law’s end by repeating the word “until” (italicized below).
Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the Offspring should come to whom the promise had been made…. For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law…. Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. (Galatians 3:19, 21, 23-25)
“The law was our guardian until Christ came.”
As you read Galatians, you realize how similar it is to Romans in its basic message. Here is the gist of the passage in Galatians 3.
- The law was given “until” the Seed, the Offspring, came (Galatians 3:19).
- The law held us captive as prisoners “until” faith in Christ was revealed (Galatians 3:23).
- Paul then applies the force of the word “until”: Now that faith in Christ has come, Christians are “no longer under” the guardian, which is the law (Galatians3:25).
The word “until” reminds us of Jesus’ word “until” in Matthew 5:17-18. The Law and the Prophets were more established than heaven and earth. In that context, Jesus assured us that nothing would pass from the law “until all is accomplished.” He came neither to disrespect the Law and the Prophets nor to destroy them. Instead, He came to fulfill them, to see them through to their intended completion. That makes sense when we realize that the prophets made promises and Jesus made those promises come true. The law was a temporary arrangement, designed to be replaced in due time by Christ. Now the law’s purpose has been fulfilled: It has led us to faith in Christ!
Does this faith disrespect the law? Just the opposite is true. Faith understands the law’s true purpose, to prove the need for the Savior, and to prepare for His coming. Faith—the mature faith that Christ reveals—appreciates the law’s rightful place now that the New Covenant has come. As Paul says in Romans,
Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. (Romans 3:31)