Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. — Galatians 3:24 KJV
So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. — Galatians 3:24 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
It doesn’t matter if we’re discussing the Law of Moses or the basic, fundamental principles of law; either way, they always have the same negative impact on people by requiring an impossibly high level of perfection from a fallen race of sinners. The perfect standards of the Law, which are the righteous demands of a just God, are impossible for man to meet.
Law as a concept or as a covenant reveals the sinner’s need for a Saviour. There are no norms to follow in the Law. Because the Law only makes us aware of our need for a Saviour by convicting us of our sins, the Law serves as a teacher to lead us to Christ.
The Law served as a schoolmaster to lead us to Christ, but the great thing is that once we have accepted God’s offer of redemption by grace through faith in Christ and been convinced of our sin, the Law has served its role in us.
Because Christ is the fulfillment of the Law on our behalf, the perfect Law of God served as a guardian to convict us until He came. Through His death and Resurrection, Christ made it possible for us to be justified by grace through faith in Him, as we are not under the law but rather the grace of God.
My Prayer
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for convicting me of my sinfulness and need for a Savior through the Law. Knowing that Christ took the punishment I deserved, I am grateful that the Law no longer condemns me. What an incredible love You have for me, since instead of giving me what I deserve, You have lavished me with grace and riches for all eternity. In Jesus name that I give you thanks and glory. Amen.