Galatians 3:19-22 (NLT)
19 Why, then, was the law given? It was given alongside the promise to show people their sins. But the law was designed to last only until the coming of the child who was promised. God gave his law through angels to Moses, who was the mediator between God and the people. 20 Now a mediator is helpful if more than one party must reach an agreement. But God, who is one, did not use a mediator when he gave his promise to Abraham. 21 Is there a conflict, then, between God’s law and God’s promises? Absolutely not! If the law could give us new life, we could be made right with God by obeying it. 22 But the Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ.

Paul writes to the Galatians about the Mosaic Law and why it was given to the people. It was given as a mirror to show people their sins and their need for something greater. Moses was the mediator of the law. Mediators are used when there are two parties with different views and opinions and they need to be drawn together in agreement. But God made Abraham a promise without the need for a mediator. God’s promise was greater than the law and designed to bring freedom from sin.

It seems like anytime you turn on the news there is someone being charged for a crime. The law reflects the fact they have committed a crime that is identifiable. Most of those who are accused understand the laws and the consequences that go along with them, yet they continue in their actions. God gave man His laws and man continued to sin even though he was told what God expected. There is a judgment that comes for failing to follow the law. There is a judgment for sin. But God in his infinite mercy and grace provided salvation for sin. It was a promise made to Abraham. When we accept Christ as savior, Christ speaks up on our behalf saying He has paid the debt of sin and He justifies us before God. We are no longer held accountable. We don’t have to be on probation. We are pronounced free from the guilt of sin and set free. Praise God who loved us so much that He kept His promise to free us from the sins He knew we would follow. Praise Him for His Son Jesus and the debt He paid on our behalf.