Galatians - part 8 of 17 Galatians 3:15-22 shows that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the promise to Abraham and so anyone who is in Christ is a descendant of Abraham. This raises the question - why was the Old Testament Law given then? Paul explains the purpose of the Law and shows that the promise is received by faith. For downloadable notes and more details visit https://www.listenerscommentary.com DONATE - The Listener's Commentary is a crowdfunded Bible teaching ministry. It is made possible by our generous supporters. Thank you! If you'd like to support this work, visit https://www.listenerscommentary.com TEXT 15 Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Christ. 17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.19 Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. 22 But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.