gal 03v19 Wherefore Then Serveth The Law

"WHEREFORE THEN SERVETH THE LAW?"

Galatians 3:19

Many conclude that since we refuse to be brought again under the bondage of the law we are antinomians (lawless, or against the law). We should not be greatly surprised by this. When Paul denounced the law as a means of justification, sanctification, or holiness and refused to make the yoke of bondage a rule of life, the legalists of his day said, "Paul is an antinomian:"

Of course, the charge is not true. We love the law of God. By trusting Christ for all righteousness, we establish and fulfill the law. The law is holy and just and good. But it becomes a very great evil when it is perverted and used for something other than its Divine purpose.

Now Paul tells us what the design and purpose of God's law is. It was never intended by God to be a means of justification or sanctification, a motive for Christian service, a rule of life for believers, or a code of moral ethics. The law of God has but one singular purpose. It exposes man's guilt and sin before God, shutting him up to faith in Christ alone for salvation. "It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made." "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." To use the law for any other purpose is to pervert and abuse the law.

Once a man comes to Christ by faith, the law has no more claim upon him, and no longer has dominion over him. The law was not made for a righteous man. The language of Holy Scripture in this matter could not be clearer or more emphatic. "After that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." "We are not under the law, but under grace." "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth." "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God."

Now, brethren, we dare not entangle ourselves again with the yoke of bondage. Our freedom has been purchased at too high a price, the precious blood of Christ. We have a higher, better, more effectual motive for our obedience, service, and devotion than the law given by Moses. "The love of Christ constraineth us'" When true love reigns in the heart there is no need for law. Love for Christ causes us to love one another. This love makes God's elect patient, kind, honest, generous, and faithful. And this love is the fulfillment of the law.