The Book of Galatians -- Episode Seven: "Why the Law?" (Galatians 3:19-29)

Paul has made his case that all believing Jews and Gentiles are children of Abraham through faith in Jesus Christ.  Paul has also made the point that the giving of the law at Mount Sinai does not annual the prior covenant God made with Abraham.  But, at some point in his Galatian letter, Paul must address the question, “why then did God give the law?”  The law, he says, was given for a particular period in redemptive history (from the time of Moses to until the coming of Jesus Christ) and plays a vital role (to expose sin).  The law, Paul says, functions as a guardian until Christ comes.  The law exposes and incites sin.  But once faith has come, God’s people enter into a new era in redemptive history–the new covenant, in which the promises to Abraham have been fulfilled.  It is only after the coming of Jesus Christ that we can understand the law’s true purpose.

Since the Judaizers have denied the true meaning of circumcision, Paul must explain how baptism replaces circumcision as sign and seal of God’s gracious covenant.  The Apostle will also point out the consequences of Judaizing divisions in the churches of Galatia along racial and social lines, since baptism is a sign of the unity of Christ’s church (all those who believe).

So join us as Paul teaches us how to read and understand the Old Testament.

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