The Old Testament

Kept under guard by the law…Galatians 3:23

Therefore, the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith, Galatians 3:24. The word ‘tutor’ can also be translated, guardian. Interesting analogy, Paul is using a Roman custom to make a spiritual point. Those in Galatia who could afford servants would place one as a guardian to take their children to school. This is the law. A guardian to take us to Jesus. 

The law was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made…Galatians 3:19. Jesus is the Seed of promise, Genesis 3:15. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor, verse 25. Those baptized into Christ have put on Christ, who is now their guardian. For you all are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, Verse 26. 

This means the law is not bad. The law is not to be feared nor ignored. The law is still guiding people to Christ. For without the law people would not know what sin really is. Without the knowledge of sin people will refuse to accept the fact they are sinners in need of a Savior: Jesus.

Scripture (the old testament) has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe, Galatians 3:23. For this reason, we treat all of God’s Words as profitable for training unto righteousness; all of the Bible! 

For you all are sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus, verses 26-28. 

This is the message of the gospel: grace that has made us one. All of the world’s confusion about genders and races are resolved in Christ. In Christ we are heirs according to the promise, verse 29. The promise given to Abraham. The promise recorded in the Old Testament. The Bible is one continuous revelation of the great mercies of God. Praise God from whom all blessings come!