Galatians 3:19-20 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. (20) Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one."
God's promise was made to Abraham over 400 years before the law was given to
Moses. Paul is careful to make certain that we understand the law does not make
the promise of no effect. In other words, the law does not override the
promise. Why then was the law given if it was not intended to give life?
What purpose does it serve?
Paul tells us the law identifies and warns us of transgressions against God. A
separation of fellowship occurred as a result of transgression, which first
occurred in the Garden of Eden. The law identifies that which is contrary to
God. But there had to be retribution made for the transgressions. How would
that happen?
Even if we could go the rest of our life without sinning, there still would
need payment made for previous sin. By the way, we are not strong enough to
live the rest of our lives without sin; therefore, there had to be a mediator
to go between God and us. That mediator is Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son
of God. He hung on the cross literally between heaven and earth and paid the
price in full. This is the crux of Paul's defense of the truth: Either Jesus
paid the price in full, or we will never have eternal life. I believe
Jesus died for all my sins. How about you?