Repeated phrases:
(1) Covenant cannot be changed or modified v.15, 17
The Law which came later cannot cancel the covenant to Abraham, nor invalidate the promise
(2) The promise of Abraham is related to the descendant (Christ) v.16, 18, 19
The inheritance from God is based on the promise to Abraham v.18. It is not based on a merit system.
What is the promise?
3:14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we could receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.
(3) transgressions v.19 vs righteousness v.21
3:19a Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the descendant to whom the promise had been made.
v. 21b For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law
The Law was given in between the time of Abraham and Christ. It was used to show the transgressions of man. If man live by the Law then righteousness is possible. However, no one is able to do that.
v. 22a But the scripture imprisoned everything and everyone under sin
It is because we are "under" sin, or we are the slaves of sin and therefore even we have the Law we are still not able to be righteous. It is like we know what is right and wrong, but knowing does not help us to doing. We fail to do what is right and wrong.
v.22b so that the promise could be given—because of the faithfulness of Jesus Christ—to those who believe.
Summary: Thank God who gave us the promise that will not be changed because of our merit. He promised to give the promise of the Spirit to those who believe (Just like Abraham believed in God). If it is left ot us, we can know in our head what is right/wrong, but we cannot carry it out because we are slave to sin or "under" sin.
Reflection: I am humble by this passage. Again, God knows us very well. We all fail in keeping up to do the right thing. We know that we should share the Gospel with our families, but we cannot overcome the awkward relationship with our elderly parents. We know that we need to forgive and forget, but we are not willing to forget.
If God counts all these to give us salvation I know that I will certainly fail. Thank God that He gave us what we do not deserved-grace.
Audrey
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