A biblical parallel on the purpose of the law
A biblical parallel on the purpose of the law: Grace W.K. Karanja
Drawing a parallel from the bible: we could ask: Wherefore then serveth the law? - This is obviously an objection which might be urged to the reasoning which the apostle Paul had pursued. It was very obvious to ask, if the principles which he had laid down were correct, of what use was the Law? Why was it given at all? Why were there so many wonderful exhibitions of the divine power at its promulgation? Why were there so many commendations of it in the Scriptures? And why were there so many injunctions to obey it? Are all these to be regarded as nothing; and is the Law to be esteemed as worthless? To all this, the apostle replies that the Law was not useless, but that it was given by God for great and important purposes, and especially for purposes closely connected with the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham and the work of the Mediator.
The law was appended to all the previous institutions and promises. It was an additional arrangement on the part of God for great and important purposes. It was an arrangement subsequent to the giving of the promise, and was intended to secure important advantages until the superior arrangement under the Messiah should be introduced, and was with reference to that.
Because of transgressions - On account of transgressions, or with reference to transgression: the meaning is that the Law was given to show the true nature of transgressions, or to show what sin was. It was not to reveal a way of justification, but it was to disclose the true nature of sin; to deter people from committing it; to declare its penalty; to convince people of it, and thus to be a 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. This effect of the Law is accomplished:
Berne’s notes on the bible summarizes the purpose of the law as follows:
(1) The bible law was put as a straight rule of what is right; and to depart from that is the measure of wrong.
(2) It shows us the nature and extent of transgression by showing us how far we have departed from it.
(3) It shows us the just penalty of transgression, and is thus suited to reveal its true nature.
(4) It is suited to produce conviction for sin, and thus shows how evil and bitter a thing transgression is; see Romans 4:15, romans 7:7-11
(5) It thus shows its own inability to justify and save people, and is a preparatory arrangement to lead people to the cross of the Redeemer; Galatians 3:24
(6) The Law was given with reference to transgressions in order to keep men from transgression. It was designed to restrain and control them by its denunciations, and by the fear of its threatened penalties.
Drawing a parallel from the bible: we could ask: Wherefore then serveth the law? - This is obviously an objection which might be urged to the reasoning which the apostle Paul had pursued. It was very obvious to ask, if the principles which he had laid down were correct, of what use was the Law? Why was it given at all? Why were there so many wonderful exhibitions of the divine power at its promulgation? Why were there so many commendations of it in the Scriptures? And why were there so many injunctions to obey it? Are all these to be regarded as nothing; and is the Law to be esteemed as worthless? To all this, the apostle replies that the Law was not useless, but that it was given by God for great and important purposes, and especially for purposes closely connected with the fulfillment of the promise made to Abraham and the work of the Mediator.
The law was appended to all the previous institutions and promises. It was an additional arrangement on the part of God for great and important purposes. It was an arrangement subsequent to the giving of the promise, and was intended to secure important advantages until the superior arrangement under the Messiah should be introduced, and was with reference to that.
Because of transgressions - On account of transgressions, or with reference to transgression: the meaning is that the Law was given to show the true nature of transgressions, or to show what sin was. It was not to reveal a way of justification, but it was to disclose the true nature of sin; to deter people from committing it; to declare its penalty; to convince people of it, and thus to be a 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. This effect of the Law is accomplished:
Berne’s notes on the bible summarizes the purpose of the law as follows:
(1) The bible law was put as a straight rule of what is right; and to depart from that is the measure of wrong.
(2) It shows us the nature and extent of transgression by showing us how far we have departed from it.
(3) It shows us the just penalty of transgression, and is thus suited to reveal its true nature.
(4) It is suited to produce conviction for sin, and thus shows how evil and bitter a thing transgression is; see Romans 4:15, romans 7:7-11
(5) It thus shows its own inability to justify and save people, and is a preparatory arrangement to lead people to the cross of the Redeemer; Galatians 3:24
(6) The Law was given with reference to transgressions in order to keep men from transgression. It was designed to restrain and control them by its denunciations, and by the fear of its threatened penalties.
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