The Law Serves the Promise

Paul changes his tone with the Galatians by beginning this next section of his letter with, Brethren…

The apostle now relaxes and persuasion replaces argumentation. It is as though he invites them to reason as brothers along with him.

Now the apostle anticipates the objections of the Judaizers:

“Granted that Abraham was saved by his faith long before Moses. And all his descendents likewise were saved following in his example of faith. Still, it is quite obvious that God determined a change in how salvation is secured when He gave the Law to Moses. When Moses came faith was replaced with or at least supplemented by the keeping of the Law. Allowing Abraham salvation by faith alone was a temporary measure until God would give the full substance of His law to Moses. Why else would God have given the Law to Moses?”

The anticipation of this response from the false teachers prompted Paul to write our passage.

Not until a person has banged himself up against the steel walls of the Law; not until he recognizes his guilt and helplessness to free himself; only then will he recognize his need for a Savior.

At the end of writing about his struggle with the Law himself, Paul wrote, “Who will set me free from the body of this death” And because of grace alone was he able to say together with all the saints, Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Ro. 7:24 & 25).