But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Galatians 3:23-25
God’s law condemns and imprisons all because, although it reveals what is good and right, all are sinners and have come short of keeping it as God requires. Being condemned by the law, the law prepares us for the revelation of the gospel, in which God offers and promises forgiveness and life eternal through faith in Christ Jesus. Now, being counted just and righteous through faith in Christ, we don’t go back under the law and seek to be counted righteous in God’s eyes by our keeping of it.
O just and merciful God, Your law reveals my sin and condemnation and prepares me to hear the comforting words of the gospel – the promise of forgiveness and life through faith in Christ Jesus. Grant that I trust in Christ alone that I might be counted just and righteous in Your sight. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]