The Law Or Christ? Series

The Law or Christ?

Galatians 3: 23-29

Our text today continues the theme Paul has discussed throughout the letter. He continues to argue against the doctrine of the Judaizers. Granted, some who embrace this doctrine would argue that faith in Christ was essential for acceptance to God and forgiveness of sin, but they also believed that human effort was necessary as well. Along with faith in Christ, the Judaizers argued that one must meet the standards revealed in the law to be found pleasing to God. Such doctrine was, and remains dangerous because it adds human effort as a requirement for salvation in addition to faith in the finished work of Christ.

Now, I will argue that God desires His people to live uprightly before Him. We are expected to seek the ways of God, fleeing the lusts of the flesh, and resisting the temptations of the enemy. However, our salvation is not dependent upon our ability to do these things. We strive to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord because of our salvation, not in an effort to secure or maintain our salvation.

Paul makes a practical application for our lives regarding the two covenants within the text. One will either trust wholly in Christ by faith, or one will seek to keep the commandments of the law. As we discuss the contrasts between the covenants, I want to consider the question: The Law or Christ?

I. A Description of the Law (23-24) – Here Paul offers a simple and yet thorough description of the law and its application for the believer. Notice:

A. The Restriction (23) – But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. This reveals the restrictive nature of the law. Prior to coming to faith in Christ, we were kept under the law, being shut up unto the faith. The law has no ability to liberate those who are in bondage to sin. In fact, the law keeps one in bondage. The law cannot save. It serves two primary purposes – to reveal the holy righteousness of God, and to reveal the utter depravity of mankind. The law shows us who God is and who we are. It reveals the great divide between fallen humanity and the righteous God. "Every human being either continuously lives as a captive slave chained under the judgment of God’s immutable, universal law, the demands of which he must pay by eternal death and hell, or he lives by faith as utterly free from judgment (Rom. 8:1) as a redeemed child of God under His sovereign and eternal grace," MacArthur. (i)

Every believer endured in this condemned state, revealed by the very law that kept them bound, until faith was revealed. Faith would liberate once revealed and received.

B. The Discipline (24) – Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Paul revealed the way in which the law revealed faith to those bound under its demands. Again, this proves the law was never intended to save. The law was used to serve as a schoolmaster, a tutor, whose focus was to bring us to Christ so that we might be justified by faith. Such tutors were common in Paul’s day. These were often trusted slaves who were entrusted with supervising children on behalf of their parents. "They took their young charges to and from school, made sure they studied their lessons, and trained them in obedience. They were strict disciplinarians, scolding and whipping as they felt it necessary," MacArthur. (ii)

It was never intended for the tutor to serve continually with the child. The goal was for the child to learn wisdom and discipline through the guidance of the tutor and be set free from his care. So, it is with the law of God. The law was given to guide and discipline one in the faith. It was never given for one to remain in indefinitely. The outside demands are replaced with the indwelling Spirit. Once conversion happens by faith in Christ, the believer is set free from the bondage of the law. The law serves its purpose; but what it could never accomplish, Christ fulfilled on our behalf. I am thankful to be delivered from the bondage of the law and set free in Christ! Heb.7:19 – For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

II. The Liberation in Christ (25-29) – Having revealed the bondage associated with the law, Paul then revealed the liberation secured in Christ. Consider:

A. Our Adoption (25-26) – But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Having been liberated from bondage in Christ, we have been set free from the schoolmaster of the law, and the law itself. We no longer are bound under the strict and harsh care of one defending the law; we have been brought in under grace. The law cried out for justice, and by faith we have received grace, which offers mercy.