(Read Galatians 3:15-20)
This morning we continue our series “Grace that is Simply Amazing” by continuing to look at The Law given under Moses vs. the Grace provided by Jesus. Yesterday I highlighted the fact that the Law and Grace are very different. After studying this for quite some time now, it is blatantly clear to me that the Law was introduced for a certain time period, and it served its purpose. Paul actually talks about that in today’s passage. Let’s take a look at it.
Paul said, “Dear brothers and sisters, here’s an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or amend an irrevocable agreement (contract), so it is in this case. God gave the promises to Abraham and his child. And notice that the Scripture doesn’t say “to his children,” as if it meant many descendants. Rather, it says “to his child”—and that, of course, means Christ. This is what I am trying to say: The agreement God made with Abraham could not be canceled 430 years later when God gave the law to Moses. God would be breaking his promise. For if the inheritance could be received by keeping the law, then it would not be the result of accepting God’s promise. But God graciously gave it to Abraham as a promise.” There is a lot covered there, and I will pull out certain nuggets in the points. For now, let’s continue.
Paul then asked a very important question, “Why, then, was the law given?” This is, as they say, the million-dollar question. Paul gives us the answer, “It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins.” In plain language, in black-and-white, Paul gives us the purpose of the Law. And Paul continues, “But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised.” That child was Jesus!
So what does this mean to you today? Let’s seek to glean a few golden nuggets:
1. The promise given to Abraham was for him and his “seed” or “child.” Paul says that this “seed” or “child” was actually Jesus. This covers Abraham and all those who came through his bloodline, and Jesus all of us who are connected to Him by faith. Both Jews and Gentiles are children of Abraham and heirs according to the promise.
2. The Law, given 430 years after Abraham, could not cancel the binding agreement (contract) God had with Abraham. Abraham was already gone, so God could not change the contract. The point is that the Law, which came later, and focused on works, could not affect the promise given to Abraham, which was based on faith.
3. The Bible says the Law was given “to show people their sins” (Galatians 3:19).
4. The Law was not designed to make us right with God. It was designed to show us that we are wrong and that we need a Savior.
5. You won’t ever realize you need to get saved until you acknowledge you are lost. The Law was designed to show us how lost we are without God.
6. The Law had an expiration date. The Bible says, “But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised” (Galatians 3:19). That child was Jesus!
7. The Bible calls the Old Covenant (the Law of Moses) obsolete and outdated. The writer of Hebrews said, “By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated will soon disappear” (Hebrews 8:13).
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for taking the time to teach me about Your amazing Grace. I now understand the purpose of the Law. The Law was given 430 years after You made Your promise to Abraham, so the Law could not change the agreement You had with Him. That was an agreement of faith and not of works. And today, like Abraham, I am made righteous by faith and not by works. The Law of Moses was designed to get man to the end-of-himself, showing him his sins, and making it clear that he needs a Savior. Well, mission accomplished. The Law was able to show me I was wrong. I have broken Your Law more times than I want to acknowledge and it was very clear to me that I needed a Savior. That Savior came, His name is Jesus, and I have accepted Your Son Jesus as my Lord. The Law of Moses served its purpose, it has expired, and I now live under the New Covenant of Grace. I serve You because I love You, not because I am afraid of going to hell. And You bless me because You love me, not because I deserve it. Thank You Father for being so good to me; much better than I deserve. I enter this day thankful, appreciative of Your Grace and determined to pursue my purpose! Not because I am so good, but because You are so good! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
