The Relationship Between Law and Promise (Galatians 3:15-22)

Scripture: Galatians 3:15-22

Today’s Word

Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

(Galatians 3:15-22, NIV)

Background

Key Terms Made Simple

• Covenant: A promise between God and humans. Unlike a mutual contract, it is a gracious promise that God initiates and we receive.
• Inheritance: Property passed from parents to children. Here it refers to the salvation and eternal life God gives to believers.
• Mediator: Someone who connects two parties. Moses was the mediator between God and the Israelites.
• Justified: When a sinner is declared righteous before God. This is not earned through our efforts but is a gift received through faith in Jesus.

Key Expressions to Notice

1. “Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established”
2. “‘And to your seed,’ meaning one person, who is Christ”
3. “It was added because of transgressions”
4. “Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin”

Main Points of the Text

1. God’s Promise Remains Unchangeable (vv. 15-16)
2. The Law Cannot Nullify the Promise (vv. 17-18)
3. The True Purpose of the Law (vv. 19-22)

Applying to My Life

1. Standing on God’s Promise, Not My Efforts
2. Understanding Grace More Deeply Through the Law
3. Trusting God Who Keeps His Promises

Think About It

1. Am I free from the idea that I need to “do more” to be saved? Or am I still trying to earn God’s acceptance through my actions?
2. When the law reveals my sin, how do I respond? Do I become discouraged and give up, or does it lead me to experience Jesus’ grace more deeply?
3. What promises has God given me that are not yet fulfilled? What attitude am I taking before those promises?