19 Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. 20 A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one.

21 Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law. 22 But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.

23 Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

God’s commands are good. The Old Testament law of Moses is good (Romans 7:12). It shows us things about God and his character. But it can’t “impart life” and it can’t make us right with God (v 21).

For Israel in the Old Testament, the law was like staying in protective custody while you’re waiting for your beautiful new house to finish being built. A friend of mine is in a similar situation – well, they’re actually staying in his mother-in-law’s place, so I’d better be careful with the comparison. But it would be crazy for them to stay cooped up there when their house was finished – that wouldn’t be the freedom they’re wanting. And now that Christ has come, it would be crazy for us to go back to the demands of the law as the thing that we think will save us.

In fact, God’s law in the Bible is designed to show that we’re all, by nature, locked up in sin (v 22). But that means it is also meant to point us to Christ. When we read about all the demands on Israel, the need for endless sacrifices, how even unintentional sins cut them off from God and needed purification rituals and offerings … when we read that, the law is taking us by the hand and leading us to Jesus, and to the beautiful gospel message: “that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe” (v. 22).

Rest today in the relief that we don’t have the crushing burden of God’s law hanging over us, because Jesus has come to bring us real life and certain hope.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our senior minister.