Ministry of Grace Church

Galatians 3:21

²¹Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.

Truth to Learn

The Law of Moses is not contrary to the promises of God, but it is still not possible to obtain righteousness by obeying the Law.

Behind the Words

The expression “Certainly not!” that Paul uses in this verse is one which he uses frequently in answer to rhetorical questions. It is translated from the Greek, “mē genoito” which could very easily be translated into our vernacular as, “No way!”

Meaning Explained

Paul has presented a very strong case as to why salvation is not dependent on fulfilling any part of the requirements of the Law of Moses. This has been his objective since the beginning of this letter to the Galatian Christians; however, many of the converts throughout Galatia, like many in the first century church as a whole, were converts from Judaism. They grew up being taught that God required all Jews to obey the Law. It would be difficult, if not impossible, for these Jewish converts to think that the Law which they grew up with is contrary to the faith that they now hold. So, in anticipation of their objection, Paul now presents the question that they would likely pose so that he can answer it: “Is the Law of Moses contrary to God’s promises through faith?”

He answers his own question with a very familiar expression of his: “No way!” The Law of Moses is as good as a law can be. It is good, and pure, and true, but it is not capable of giving eternal life because no man (except the incarnate Son of God) can be justified by perfect obedience to it. The Law of Moses was as well adapted to justification by obedience as a law could be. Its demands are as just and its terms as favorable as any of the terms of mere law could be.

Because we have a sin nature, we will all break at least some part of the law. And, as James told us:

James 2:10 ¹⁰For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.

Therefore, no one can be justified by the Law of Moses. The fact that no one can be justified by the pure law revealed on Mount Sinai forever settles the question about the possibility of being justified by any law or set of rules.

So What?

The Law of Moses, presented to the children of Israel on Mount Sinai detailing how we should live with one another and how we should behave before our God, is the best set of guidelines ever given to man. Obeying these guidelines, or any other set of rules and regulations, cannot make a person righteous in God’s eyes.

The only ones who can stand in the presence of God Almighty are those whom God Himself has declared righteous, and that only happens by faith.

In God’s service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.

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