The Law Serveth

Paul asked, "Wherefore then serveth the law?" (Gal. 3: 19). Paul noted how God had made a covenant with Abraham which promised, "In thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed" (Gen. 22: 18). The covenant was confirmed and the Law of Moses coming four hundred thirty years later was not the fulfillment of that promise nor did is disannual it.

The law had various purposes, such as being added because of sins, to bring Israel to the coming of Christ, to serve as a temporary guide for Israel until the faith came. The Law was not against God's promise nor the accomplishment of it. The Law defined sin, condemned sin, warned against sin but did not provide for the forgiveness of sin as God promised.

The "seed" promise was specifically fulfilled in Christ who is identified as the "seed" (Gal. 3: 16). Therefore, we are justified before God by the faith of Christ and not by the Law of Moses (Gal. 2: 16; Rom. 3: 20).