"WHEREFORE THEN SERVETH THE LAW?"

"WHEREFORE THEN SERVETH THE LAW?"
Galatians 3:19

Don Fortner


The law of God cannot justify or save anyone. It is not our rule of life, our basis of assurance, or even a yardstick to measure our spiritual growth. The whole purpose of the law is to expose our sin, condemn our sin, and shut us up to salvation by faith in Christ alone (Gal. 3:19-25).

  1. THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO DESTROY ALL HOPE OF SALVATION BY WORKS (Gal. 3:10). Once a person is convinced of his sin and guilt, his immediate response is to do something by which he may turn away God's wrath and win his favor. But we can never do enough to satisfy God's law. Future obedience cannot atone for past sin. And perfect future obedience is impossible.
  2. THE LAW WAS GIVEN TO SHOW SINNERS THE JUSTICE OF GOD IN THEIR ETERNAL RUIN (Rom. 3:19). Legal conviction alone will never bring repentance. But legal conviction is necessary. A sinner must be made to see that he justly deserves the wrath of God (Psa. 51:4-5).
  3. GOD GAVE THE LAW AT SINAI TO SHOW US THE NEED WE HAVE OF A SUBSTITUTE (Gal. 3:22-23). When we read the words of God's law and see the rigorous, inward, spiritual requirements of the law, we see the need of One who is mighty to stand in our stead. And once we see the law fulfilled by Christ, we cherish him above all things. The law is severe; but Christ is gracious. The law is condemning; but Christ has removed the condemnation. The law curses; but Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law.
  4. IN A WORD, THE LAW WAS GIVEN AT MT. SINAI TO BRING US TO CHRIST (Gal. 3:24-25). This is the whole purpose of the law. God never intended it to be a means of grace, or a rule of life, or a rod to punish his erring children. The law was given to graciously force God's elect away from all confidence in their own works to faith in Christ. And once we have come to Christ by faith, we are free from the law. Trusting Christ, the law has fulfilled its purpose in us. And, trusting Christ, we fulfill the law by faith in him (Rom. 3:31).


Don Fortner is pastor of
Grace Baptist Church
Danville, KY