The Purpose of the Old Testament Law: Part 1

What does the Apostle Paul say is the purpose of the Old Testament law and why God put it into place?

Paul provides a detailed explanation of the purpose of the Old Testament law, particularly in Galatians 3:19-25 and Romans 7:7-13. He highlights that the law was not given as a means of salvation or righteousness but to fulfill specific purposes within God’s redemptive plan. Here is a summary of what Paul says:

1. The Law Reveals Sin

Paul states that the primary purpose of the law was to expose sin:

• Romans 7:7: “I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.”

The law acts as a mirror, showing humanity its sinful condition and the holiness of God. By defining what is right and wrong, the law reveals humanity’s inability to meet God’s perfect standards.

2. The Law Increases Awareness of Sin

Paul also explains that the law amplifies humanity’s awareness of sin:

• Romans 5:20: “The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase.”

The law made sin more apparent by bringing it into sharper focus. It exposed not only sinful actions but also sinful attitudes (e.g., coveting in Romans 7:8). This heightened awareness of sin demonstrates humanity’s deep need for a Savior.

3. The Law Was Temporary and Preparatory

In Galatians 3:19, Paul explicitly states why God gave the law:

• “Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come.”

The law was a temporary measure put in place to preserve and guide Israel until Christ, the promised Seed, arrived to fulfill God’s plan of redemption. The law served as a “guardian” (Galatians 3:24) to prepare the way for Christ by exposing the need for grace.

4. The Law Leads to Christ

Paul describes the law as a “tutor” or “guardian” that leads people to Christ:

• Galatians 3:24-25: “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.”

The law’s ultimate purpose was not to save but to point people to Christ by showing them their need for His grace and righteousness. It helped prepare humanity to receive the gospel of faith.

5. The Law Demonstrates God’s Holiness

The law reveals the moral character and holiness of God:

• Romans 7:12: “So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.”

While the law itself is good, humanity’s sinful nature makes it impossible to fulfill it. This contrast between God’s holiness and human sinfulness underscores the need for a Savior.

6. The Law Condemns and Brings Death

The law brings condemnation to those who are under it because no one can perfectly obey it:

• 2 Corinthians 3:6-7: Paul refers to the law as the “ministry of death” because it brings judgment to those who break it.

This condemnation drives people to see their need for God’s grace through Christ.

Summary

Paul teaches that the Old Testament law was given to:

1. Reveal sin and make humanity aware of its need for a Savior.

2. Temporarily guide God’s people until Christ came.

3. Point to Christ, who fulfills the law and offers salvation by grace through faith.

4. Magnify God’s holiness and expose humanity’s inability to meet His standard apart from grace.

The law, therefore, was never intended to save but to prepare the way for salvation through Jesus Christ. Once faith in Christ is revealed, the believer is no longer under the law as a means of righteousness but under grace (Romans 6:14).