What the Bible says about Purpose of the Law
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Galatians 2:19 The law plays a large part in our salvation in that it is through the law that we are revealed as sinners—that we might repent, be justified, and thus made alive to God. If the law were not there to tell us what sin is, we could never repent. If the law were not there to set the standard, we would never have anything to shoot for. If the law were not there to show us "this is the way to live," we would have no clear path as to what is right. Thus the law, far from being done away, is there for our salvation—even though it cannot give us life, of and by itself. This ties in with Romans 7:7-9. Paul also says, in Galatians 2:20, that he "died," which needs to be connected with Romans 6:1-6. He died, then, because the law revealed that he was a sinner and claimed its due. He remained alive only because he is joined with Christ, becomeing a part of His body. Paul rose from baptism as a symbol of Christ's resurrection, and he lived because of the faith of Jesus Christ, who made this possible by what He did. Paul's life was different than when he was striving to be justified by the law. The law can condemn and guide, but it cannot give one life. Nor can it give a person the power to keep it. John W. Ritenbaugh The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Six) Related Topics: Baptism as Symbol of Burial | Baptism as Symbol of Death | Justification | Law Defines Sin | Law Illuminating Sin | Law, Purpose of | Purpose of the Law | Repentance | Repentance, Motivation For

Galatians 3:21 It is not the purpose of law to give life. God did not create it for that purpose. Life comes from what is already living, so a law cannot give life. Paul makes it plain that it is not the purpose of law to give life. John W. Ritenbaugh The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twenty-Nine) Related Topics: God's Law | Law, Intent of | Law, Purpose of | Purpose of the Law

 

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