“But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.” Galatians 3:23-25
God’s law condemns and imprisons us because, though it reveals what is good and right, we are sinners and have come short of doing what God requires. But being condemned by God’s law prepares us for the gospel, in which God offers and promises us forgiveness of sins and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross. And when we are justified through faith in Christ, we don’t return again to trusting in our faulty obedience under the law to be counted righteous and acceptable in God’s eyes.
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 so that I might be counted just and righteous in Your sight. Amen.
[Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]