The Law as Schoolmaster Revealing Need for Christ

The law functions as a schoolmaster that reveals humanity’s need for Christ by exposing sin rather than providing justification. Its primary purpose is to demonstrate the impossibility of achieving God’s perfect standard through human effort.

The law demands complete and flawless obedience in every aspect of life. It declares, “cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them,” establishing a standard that no one can meet perfectly. This absolute requirement highlights human sinfulness and inability to attain righteousness through the law alone. The perfection of the law serves to make clear that no one is justified by their own works ([07:20]; [14:05]).

Scripture affirms that no person is justified by the law in the sight of God. All are “concluded under sin” and subject to the curse of the law because of their failure to keep it perfectly (Romans 3:22-23). The law acts as a mirror, reflecting human unrighteousness and the need for a remedy beyond oneself ([14:55]).

The law is characterized as being “not of faith” but of works, meaning it cannot produce righteousness or life. In contrast, “the just shall live by faith.” This distinction underscores that justification and life come through faith, not adherence to the law. The law’s role is to bring individuals to the realization of their lost condition and their need for a Savior, which is why it is described as a “schoolmaster” in Galatians 3:24 ([38:00]).

Ultimately, the law’s purpose is to lead people to Christ. Upon recognizing their sinfulness and inability to justify themselves, individuals are directed to Jesus, who perfectly fulfilled the law and redeemed believers from its curse. Christ’s work on the cross is the solution to sin, as He took upon Himself the curse deserved by sinners, fulfilling the law’s demands and providing salvation (Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 21) ([25:15]; [38:00]).

The law serves to reveal sinfulness and the incapacity to save oneself, driving individuals to acknowledge their need for Jesus. Christ alone justifies before God, having fulfilled the law and borne its curse, offering salvation through faith. The law’s role is to bring people to repentance and faith in the Savior, not to provide a means of justification by works.

This article was written by an AI tool for churches, based on a sermon from Calvary Baptist Church of Live Oak, one of 60 churches in Boulder, CO