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School is In

“Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people.” Galatians 3:19

Earlier in this chapter, Paul talks about the promise God gave to Abraham and his child. The child being talked about was Jesus and 430 years later, God gave the law to Moses.

The question that Paul wants to answer is, Did the law replace the promise? He goes on to say, if the inheritance could be received by obeying the law, there would be no need for the promise.

Paul gets into the depths of New Testament theology as he makes comparisons of the promise and the law. As history is reviewed, we know that man couldn’t live by the guidance of his own conscience. As a result, God send the Great Flood. Even after the flood, men had a hard time living righteous lives. In response, God called Abraham to move away from his homeland and gave him the promise that would last throughout the rest of human existence.

After being in slavery for 400 years, God’s chosen people really didn’t know right from wrong, therefore God gave them the law through Moses.

God wasn’t trying to control them, or be a dictator to them. No, Paul tells us the law was a guide. The law was given so they would know if they were going off course morally and spiritually. The way Paul says it makes it pretty clear: The Law was given alongside of the promise.

When Jesus came on the scene, he didn’t abolish the law, he fulfilled it. Now the promise becomes even more evident because of what Jesus did on the cross which includes everyone who believes in him. Living in God’s grace frees us from the law – as we stay on the pathway of that grace. But if we don’t, the law will school us back toward Jesus.

Lord thank you for the law. It is the school master that puts us back on course when we stray. But we especially thank you for the head master who is Jesus.

The “3 Minutes Alone with God” devotional Books by Robin McKinley are available on Amazon


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