The Purpose of the Law

(Romans 7:1–6)

Brothers, let me put this in human terms Even a human covenant once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. vvv [The Scripture ] does not say,“and to seeds,” vvv meaning many, but“and to your seed,”[fn] vvv meaning One, who is Christ.

17 

What I mean [is] this: [The] law that came 430 {} years later vvv does not revoke [the] covenant previously established by God in Christ,[fn] so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on [the] law, [then it] no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted [it] to Abraham through a promise.

19 

Why then [ was ] the law [ given ]? It was added because of transgressions, until [the] arrival of the seed vvv to whom [the] promise referred. It was administered through angels by vvv a mediator. 20 A mediator is unnecessary, however, [ for only ] one [ party ]; but God is one.

21 

[Is] the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? vvv Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness {would} certainly have come from [the] law. 22 But the Scripture [ pronounces ] all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe.

23 

Before [this] faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now [that] faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

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