Welcome!

QUESTION 195
Can you please explain the following verse? Galatians 3:24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." I though the law was completed and done away with when Christ came?

ANSWER:
The word “schoolmaster” was used of a tutor for boys to guide and instruct them. The ‘us’ and ‘we’ in the verse are Jews. The Gentiles were never under that law. So the law to the Jews was like a tutor that brought them to Christ. In Romans 10:1-4 the message to Israel was that Christ was the end of the law for righteousness to them that trust Him.

The law then convince the Jews also Gentiles (though not under it) that they broke it and were guilty before God. It could not justify them so those thus convicted repented and trusted Christ for salvation.

It is interesting that the law in Galatians 3:24, bring us TO Christ, but Galatians 3:25, it takes faith to put us IN Christ. Baptism is putting ON Christ. The law condemns and curses those that break it. It cannot save. It measure out judgment to the lawbreakers, so in that way it drives people to Christ for forgiveness and salvation.

Now the Christians is not under the curse and condemnation of the law. It does not mean that we can steal, lie, committed adultery , etc. If a Jews sinned under law they were to be judged. If a Christian sins wilfully under grace they will be chastened severely by the Lord now. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

The law demands, but grace supplies the power to overcome sin. Christian are you living under the principle of law or grace? Sinner have you repented of breaking God;’s law and trusted Christ? If not, why not?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Salvation Questions Main Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen