If it could never save us Why did God give the Law? In this sermon on Galatians 3:19–22, Josh Davis addresses the core purpose of God’s Law. Following the truth that God's covenant with Abraham rests on a promise rather than human performance, we explore why the Law was introduced 430 years later—not as a secondary path to salvation, but as an essential tool to reveal our deep need for a Savior. Main Idea: The Law was given to show us our need for a Savior, not to be our Savior Through this passage, we examine three vital realities about God's Law and His grace:
- The Law Exposes and Restrains Sin (vv. 19–20): Like a speed limit sign, the Law restrains societal rebellion while exposing abstract wrongdoing as an intentional violation of God's holy standard.
- The Law Sets the Stage for Grace (v. 21): The Law and grace do not contradict each other; they fulfill different purposes. The Law acts as a mirror showing our spiritual illness so that the cure offered in the Gospel shines all the more brightly.
- Imprisoned Under Sin to Receive the Promise (v. 22): Scripture holds all of humanity accountable under sin so that the promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ might be given freely to all who believe.
If you have been trying to earn God’s favor through performance or legalism, rest in the finished work of Christ today. Salvation has always been received by faith in God's promise, not by our ability to keep the Law.
Key Scripture References:
- Galatians 3:19-22
- Genesis 12:3; 15:5-21
- Jeremiah 31:33–34
- Ezekiel 36:26–27
- Romans 5:12, 20; 7:7–13
- Ephesians 2:1–3