“Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound.” Rom. 5:20.
Note.—By the giving of the law at Sinai, then, God designed, not to increase or multiply sin, but that men might, through a new revelation of Him and of His character and will, as expressed in a plainly spoken and plainly written law, the better see the awful sinfulness of sin, and thus their utter helplessness and undone condition. While in Egypt, surrounded as they were with idolatry and sin, and as the result of their long bondage and hard servitude, Israel even, the special people of God, had largely forgotten God and lost sight of His requirements. Until one realizes that he is a sinner, he cannot see his need of a Saviour from sin. Hence the entering, or republication, of the law to the world through Israel at Sinai.
10. By what is the knowledge of sin?
“By the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20. See also Rom. 7:7.
11. Under what condition is the written law good?
“But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.” 1 Tim. 1:8.
12. And what is indicated as the lawful use of the law?
“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine.” Verses 9, 10.
Note.—In other words, the lawful use of the written law is to show what sin is, and to convince sinners that they are sinners, and that they need a Saviour. God's design, then, in giving the law at Sinai was to shut men up under sin, and thus lead them to Christ.
13. Who does Christ say need a physician?