One of the more curious things to figure out about Christianity, specifically about the Bible, is what we're supposed to do with the Old Testament, particularly what's referred to "the law." Being on this side of the cross, how are we supposed to read it? Is it outdated like an old rotary phone? Why use it when we have the "iPhone" of the New Testament? Seriously, are we really supposed to follow the rules about not eating shellfish and not wearing mixed-fiber clothing? How can David write the longest chapter (119) in the longest book (Psalms) and it's all about how he "loves" the law? We hear the word "law" and we all grimace and feel disdain.
This is what Paul addresses in Galatians 3:15-25. In the previous section, he talked about the negative effects of the law. In this section, he talks about the positive effects of the law - and why we continue to need it, even on this side of the cross. So let's establish a framework from this passage:
First, we need to understand what Paul meant by "covenant." God always has made covenants, which are basically "promises." The most common usage of this word in Paul's day was in context of a last will and testament, the most unalterable of all human contracts (this was verified by Dave Edwards, a lawyer and one of Delta's deacons). So basically Paul is saying that when God makes a promise (that He initiates, set up the parameters, and ratifies) that promise will never change and will be fulfilled.
Second, we need to understand the relationship between the covenant and the law. First, they are exclusive of each other - they are different. In verse 18, the teaching is basically this: if you are given something based on a promise, it's NOT because of your performance, and conversely, if you get something because of what you have done (ie, a paycheck), it's not because of a promise. But in versese 21-22, we see that the covenant and law are in agreement. The law was never expected to grant salvation (because keeping it fully was impossible); if it could, the Jesus never would have had to come (Galatians 3:17)! So basically, the law shows us our need for salvation by faith through grace - the law points to the promise. Everything in scripture is either looking forward to the cross, or looking back at the cross.
Third, we need to understand where Jesus fits into all of this. According to verse 16, Jesus was the true fulfillment of the "offspring" promised to Abraham. Additionally, Jesus was the only person to keep the law 100% in deed and in spirit (Matthew 5:17). Jesus fulfills BOTH the promise AND the law!
Fourth, what purpose does the law truly serve? Verse 23 says that the law "imprisoned" us like a jailer. The law kept people in bondage until the fullness of time when Jesus would come (Galatians 4:4). The law kept us "locked up" to protect us from our great propencity to sin. But then in verses 24-25, we see this word "guardian" which is better translated "tutor." In this, we see the ultimate end of the law was to instruct us for maturity, namely faith in Jesus - that we would be obedient not becaus we have to, but because we want to. So, while we are no longer under a guardian, we still have great need for a guardian. Paul wrote in Romans 7:7 that if it wasn't for the law, he would not know what his sin was. John Stott beautifully wrote, "It is only against the inky blackness of the night sky that the stars begin to appear, and it is only against the dark background of sin and judgement that the gospel shines forth."
So with those points as our framework, we know can make these three conclusions:
1) We know how to read the Old Testament. When reading through the lens of the gospel, we see it all pointing to Jesus.
2) We have a different starting point for obedience. Fear and guilt are transformed into love and grantitude.
3) We are released to attempt great things for God. We now have the FREEDOM to fail! Our acceptance & relationship with God is not on the line, we do not live in performance-based Christianity.
The law exposes our need to be connected to God and provided a limited pathway for that. Jesus has come completely fulfilling everything that God requires on our behalf so we can be vitally connected to God in the fullest sense.
There is a reality of law and sin. But there is a greater reality of faith, grace, love, and mercy.
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