6. What question does Paul ask concerning the law?
“Wherefore then serveth the law?” Gal. 3:19.
Note.—That is, of what use or service was the law announced at Sinai? What special purpose had God in view in giving it then?
7. What answer is given to this question?
“It was added, because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” Same verse.
Notes.—The Greek word here translated “added” is the same one that is translated “spoken” in Heb. 12:19.
“The meaning is that the law was given to show the true nature of transgressions, or to show what sin is. It was not to reveal a way of justification, but it was to disclose the true nature of sin; to deter men from committing it; to declare its penalty; to convince men of it, and thus to be ancillary to, and preparatory to, the work of redemption through the Redeemer. This is the true account of the law of God as given to apostate man, and this use of the law still exists.”—Dr. Albert Barnes, on Gal. 3:19.
8. How is this same truth again expressed?
“Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.” Rom. 7:12, 13.
9. For what purpose did the law enter?