◄ What Does Galatians 3:24 Mean? ►

Law and grace stand in complete contrast with each other. The principles behind law and grace are in stark opposition with one another.

The Law requires an impossible standard of perfection which keeps fallen man estranged from a righteous God and has placed all humanity under a curse. Grace has often been described as God's riches at Christ's expense, for under grace we do not receive what we justly deserve and yet, by grace through faith in Christ, He freely gives us what we do not merit.

Whether we are talking of the Law of Moses or the basic, fundamental principles of law, its effect is always to condemn and curse, for it requires the impossible standard of 100% perfection from a sinful race of fallen sinners. No man can achieve the flawless demands of the Law, which are the righteous requirements of a righteous God.

Law as a covenant or law as a principle identifies the sinner's need of a Saviour. The Law is not a set of rules to apply. The Law is a schoolmaster to point us to Christ, for it is only as the Law convicts us of our sinfulness that we come to acknowledge our need of a Saviour.

But the wonderful thing is that once we have been convicted of sin and trusted God's offer of salvation by grace through faith in Christ, the Law has achieved its purpose in us, for the Law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.

The perfect Law of God was the guardian to convict us until Christ, for Christ is the fulfilment of the Law on our behalf so that by His death and Resurrection, we could be justified by grace through faith in Him, for we are not under law but under grace.

Heavenly Father, thank You that through the Law, You convicted me of my guilt as a sinner and my need of a Saviour. Thank You that I am no longer condemned by the Law, knowing that Christ took the punishment that I deserve. What amazing love You have for me, that instead of giving me what I deserve, You have given me eternal riches and over-abounding grace. Praise Your holy name. In Jesus' name, AMEN.